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Qualifying for an apartment while in bankruptcy
Our clients are often concerned about renting an apartment after their bankruptcy case is filed.
Although nothing in the Bankruptcy Code precludes bankruptcy debtors from leasing an apartment, sometimes leasing agencies have policies that make it difficult to be approved while in bankruptcy.
Some leasing agents will refuse to rent apartments to anyone who is in an active bankruptcy. Others will refuse to rent an apartment to anyone whose credit report shows an eviction. One way for a bankruptcy debtor to navigate this issue is by finding an apartment where these policies are not in place.. Another way is for the debtor to negotiate with the leasing agency by offering a higher security deposit. Finally, the debtor can explain that his/her financial circumstances have changed in a way that will allow him/her to make the monthly rent payment. The bottom line is that the debtor needs to convince the apartment management that he/she will be a tenant who consistently makes the rent payment.
If you have questions about this or other topics, call us.
We will help you!
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Amanda DeBerry Koehn
Amanda DeBerry Koehn is a Shareholder at the Boleman Law Firm and manages the Richmond office’s post-filing department. She focuses her practice on litigation and post-filing issues in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, including managing the motion for relief and objection dockets. Amanda primarily practices in the firm’s Richmond office, however, she covers dockets and litigates cases in the Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk Bankruptcy Courts. She has litigated numerous matters, including the dischargeability of obligations arising from divorce, landlord-tenant, and business debts.
Amanda is licensed to practice in Texas and Virginia and is admitted to the Eastern District of Virginia District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts. She grew up in south Texas, attending Texas A&M University for her undergraduate degree, before moving to Virginia to attend William & Mary School of Law. Amanda lives in Richmond with her husband, Scott, and their two dogs.
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