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thepinkalien · Mar 15, 2007, 02:29 PM

My boyfriend(17 years old), my friend ( 18 years old), and I ( 17 years old) are trying to get an apartment together. My friend can sign the lease but My boyfriends father is going to co-sign for me and him . I just wanted to know if that was possible since we were underage but still have a friend who would be living with us is 18 years old.
I just wanted to know if it was possible. What are the pros- and cons about it?

Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Mar 15, 2007, 02:40 PM

If your boy's dad signs the lease he isn't your co-signer since you can't sign. He is accepting half of all expenses and your 18 year old friend has the other half. All three of you can live there unlease your landlords lease specifies less than 3 or no unrelated persons allowed. That isn't too common but it pops up a lot in College towns. The pro? You all get to live there. The con, the dad could be on the hook if the 18 year old bolts or you two bolt.

shygrneyzs · Mar 15, 2007, 02:47 PM

The Dad could also be on the hook for any damages - since he is the one signing. If any of them get evicted, the landlord will pursue the names on the lease.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 15, 2007, 04:12 PM

Your boy friends father can sign for his son, but not for you, your parent or guardian would have to sign for you.

The person who signs is going to be held legally responsible to pay the debts of the rental.

And to be honest, even in my slums I would not rent to two 17 and a 18, that is just a debt and default waiting to happen.

landlord advocate · Mar 16, 2007, 11:11 AM

Unless the two seventeen year olds have been emancipated, they can not legally live in the apartment without supervision. The person who is eighteen year old and considered an adult is taking on responsibility he is not legally permitted to perform. Where are the legal guardians of the seventeen year olds? The 18 year old adult could face criminal charges in certain circumstances.

Cosigner: If the lease is written correctly, each person is liable for the full amount of the rent and all damages. That means that if the cosigner signs, he is responsible for all rent and all damages, not just the portion done by his son.