Hi guys,

I’m a fresh college graduate with pretty bad credit because of some dumb decisions I made in college. I got into an abusive relationship during which I opened a shared credit account, I’ve since healed from that but my credit hasn’t. The point is, my credit is now shot (500) and it’s very horrible and embarrassing to admit, but it’s the truth.

I got a great NYC job with a starting salary of 6 figures. But who’s going to rent to me with such a bad credit score? I’ve been looking into Insurent, TheGuarantors, etc, but even they require good-ish credit. I applied to a 2bed 2bath apartment with a roommate who makes the same as I do but has great credit, but we got denied because of mine. We offered that he be on the lease alone, but they said he didn’t qualify because of his income. I should add that I don’t know any rich people, so a guarantor who makes 80x the rent is not a possibility for me.

I don’t know. I don’t move in for another month at least since I’m waiting on OPT (international student stuff) but I’m really spiraling. I feel like no one’s going to rent to me, ever. Any tips on how I should proceed? I’m really new to this housing market, I knew it was hard to navigate, but damn!