Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

Re: bankruptcy

Not all landlords look at credit scores, or that is not their main source of information, when deciding to whom to rent. If you bring reference letters from current and former landlords who can say you paid your rent, this will be helpful. Also, you could get a co-signer or pay a larger deposit.

Your credit report is probably already keeping you from getting some apartments, but there are always people who will rent to you. If you decide that a bankruptcy is the best option for you, you should move forward with it. You could potentially have a credit score in the 600 range within 3-4 years after filing for bankruptcy, or so I have heard.

-- Amy Kleinpeter

Re: bankruptcy

It all depends on the landlord in a nutshell. Credit reports are not always run when it comes to renting an apartment, however, they often are one of the determining factors. If you would like prompt, affordable legal assistance with your bankruptcy, especially in consideration of the new laws in this area, contact our Law Firm directly.

Re: bankruptcy

As my colleagues have correctly noted, it really depends on the landlord. Your credit report is already really bad, although I am not sure how much worse it could get with a bankruptcy. The key to getting credit and rental units after bankruptcy is how you conduct yourself moving forward.

I tell my clients to get their living arrangements lined up before filing for BK because of the potential impact on your ability to rent. I have a client right now who will be filing for BK and she is disclosing this to potential landlords (bad idea). They don't want to deal with her unles her BK is over (about 3.5 months for most Chapter 7 cases).

You should be able to find a landlord SOMEWHERE that will rent to you, but you should probably do it either before you file or after you receive your discharge.