To be a tenant, you must be at least 18 years old. Being a tenant comes with a set of responsibilities and rights that are protected by laws, and age is one of the eligibility criteria.
As a tenant, you are granted the right to occupy the rental property, and landlords require tenants to be of a certain age to enter into a legally binding agreement.
If you are considering renting your own place or moving in with roommates, it is essential to know the age requirement for the rental property.
Dive in as we clarify the nuances, without any confusing jargon or drawn-out explanations. Ready to discover what the rules say about your rental aspirations? Let’s delve right in!
When Can You Legally Become A Tenant?
Minimum Age Requirements For Renting A Property
In most states in us, the minimum age requirement for renting a property is 18 years old. However, some states like Alabama, Wyoming, and Nebraska allow minors who are 16 years old to enter into a rental agreement, provided they have parental consent.
Exceptions To The Minimum Age Requirements
Some landlords or property managers may have their requirements on the minimum age to rent out a property.
In some cases, they may make exceptions to the minimum age requirement if the tenant can provide a co-signer or a guarantor.
These individuals are usually financially stable and are willing to accept the legal responsibility of paying rent in the event that the tenant defaults.
Some landlords may also reduce the age requirement in circumstances where the applicant has a good credit score and excellent rental history.
Age Requirements For Renting Without A Guardian Or Co-Signer
In most cases, tenants below the age of 18 must have a legal guardian or custodian to sign the rental agreement with them.
This requirement is to ensure that the young tenant will have someone responsible for any damage or unpaid rent if they are unable to pay.
However, there could be exceptions if the minor is legally emancipated, meaning they are granted legal independence from their parent or guardian, which may allow them to rent a property.
While the minimum age requirement for renting a property may vary across different states, it’s crucial to research and understand the requirements in your area before entering into any rental agreement.
It’s also important to be aware of any exceptions to these requirements, such as having a co-signer, a guarantor, or being legally emancipated.
Tenant Rights Based On Age
As a tenant, your age group can determine your rights and protections under the law. We will discuss tenant rights based on age, including protections for minors and elderly tenants, age discrimination, and eviction-related rights.
Protections For Minors As Tenants
Here are some protections available for minors who are renting a property:
- Minors can enter into a rental agreement if it is legally binding and the lease does not require a co-signer.
- Minors have the right to live in a safe and habitable home, free from health hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Parents or legal guardians are asked to sign the lease on behalf of minors, but that does not mean they assume the legal responsibility for paying rent.
Protections For Elderly Tenants
Elderly tenants have specific protections to ensure they are not taken advantage of:
- Rental increases cannot be imposed on elderly tenants without providing proper advance notice.
- If a landlord terminates a lease with an elderly tenant, the landlord must provide assistance in finding comparable replacement housing.
Age Discrimination And Tenant Rights
Age discrimination can occur, much like gender, and racial discrimination. Tenant rights aim to protect tenants from such discriminatory practices. Here are some relevant points:
- It is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to potential tenants based on their age.
- If a landlord refuses to rent or applies different terms to the rental agreement, based on age, it is considered direct discrimination.
Eviction And Age-Related Rights
Age-related rights can play a part in eviction and the landlord’s responsibilities. Here are some relevant points:
- In the case of evictions, elderly and disabled tenants should receive a notice allowing them reasonable time to find and secure other accommodations. The length of time depends on each situation.
- Tenants have a right to contest eviction on the basis of age, disabilities, or discrimination.
Knowing your tenant rights based on age is crucial to grant you the necessary legal protections. It’s recommended to contact a qualified attorney if you feel your rights are being violated in any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions For How Old Do You Have To Be To Be A Tenant
What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Become A Tenant?
The minimum age requirement to become a tenant is 18 years old.
Can A Minor Be A Tenant?
A minor cannot legally enter into a lease agreement and thus cannot be a tenant.
What Documents Are Required To Become A Tenant?
Documents required to become a tenant include a valid id, proof of income, and a rental application.
Can A Landlord Discriminate Against Age For Tenants?
No, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on age. All tenants must be treated equally.
Conclusion
Navigating the rental market can feel complex, but knowing your rights and age requirements clears the path.
In many places, you can legally be a tenant at 18, but some exceptions allow for younger ages. Always do your homework before signing on the dotted line!