mmgirl

I'm 21 and am finding i don't know much about credit yet. Iv'e just begun learning the basics.

My question today however pertains to apartments and exactly how your credit report effects eligebility. I got my first apartment about 2 years ago and had a cosigner/garaunteer. No problems with that one. When i went to get my second apartment, I was denied because my potential roomate had a substance charge on her background. I don't know if that denial shows up to potential landlords or not.

My second place was easy to got because it is a independent landlord and I'm not sure he checked much. Now I'm moving again do to my boyfriend finally getting a steady job after college, but sadly out of town. Our choices of decent apartments that allow dogs is somewhat limited in such a small town as we are moving to, so I'd like to get this place.

My first question is what exactly does a landlord take into account when looking at your credit report. I do have a small collection from a credit card, I opened when I was 19. I took on more than I could handle at that age with even a small limit of $200, and one accidental late payment stacked against me from then on until I couldn't afford it anymore. I now realize I should only take that on if I can afford a to pay for a mistake. My previous history with landlords is good, so that's not a problem(rent always on time, place not trashed and left clean).

Also If an application doesn't require you make 3 times the rent, does it matter. My boyfriend and I actually make above that but it doesn't state other sources of income on the application.

Also I don't have an extensive family with anyone who could afford to cosign right now. So my final question is, since my boyfriend has decent credit, would he be able to cosign for me or does it not work that way. That's probably a stupid question but I had so ask just in case.
bThanks for the patience with such a lengthy post.