How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent an Apartment? [2025]

Most states require you to be 18 years old to legally sign a lease. However, there are exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska set the age at 19, while Mississippi requires renters to be 21. Minors under these thresholds generally cannot rent unless they are legally emancipated or have special arrangements in place.

This guide explains the legal minimums, what emancipation means, the challenges young renters face, and alternative housing options if you’re under 18.

What Is the Minimum Age to Rent an Apartment in the U.S.?

The minimum age depends on the state:

If you are younger than your state’s legal age of majority, any lease you sign is not enforceable unless you are emancipated or have another legal exception.

Can a 16-Year-Old Rent an Apartment?

Generally, no. Landlords avoid renting to minors because leases signed by under-18 tenants are not legally binding. Even with parental consent, most landlords will still require the leaseholder to meet the minimum age.

The main exception is emancipation, a legal process where a minor is granted adult status by a court.

What Is Emancipation, and How Does It Affect Renting?

Emancipation allows minors—typically 16 and older—to be recognized as adults in legal matters. This means they can sign contracts, including leases.

• Minimum age: Usually 16 (as young as 14 in California).
• Requirements: Must show financial independence and ability to provide for housing, food, and healthcare.
• Automatic emancipation: In some states, minors are considered emancipated if they marry or join the military.

Without emancipation, minors cannot sign a lease in most cases.

What Challenges Do Young Renters Face?

Even if legally allowed to rent, younger applicants often struggle to meet landlord requirements.

These gaps make landlords less likely to approve an underage applicant without additional support.

What Can Improve Your Chances of Renting as a Minor?

If you're determined to rent while still under the age of 18, there are a few strategies that may improve your chances of securing a lease.

• Use a guarantor or co-signer: A parent or trusted adult can legally back your lease.
• Show proof of income: Part-time job pay stubs can help demonstrate responsibility.
• Prepay rent: Offering several months upfront may reassure landlords.
• Provide references: Letters from employers, teachers, or mentors can substitute for rental history.

What Are Alternatives to Renting at While Being a Minor?

If renting directly isn’t possible, these options may work:

Many colleges and specialized high schools provide student housing for under-18 students. Transitional programs from nonprofits may also support minors aging out of foster care or leaving unsafe homes.

What Should You Consider Before Moving Out as a Minor?

Before deciding to live independently, think about the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.

• Financial responsibility: Rent, utilities, and groceries add up quickly.
• Legal restrictions: Some states require parental consent even after emancipation.
• Emotional readiness: Independent living requires maturity, planning, and problem-solving skills.

It’s crucial to weigh whether you’re legally, financially, and emotionally ready before trying to move out so young.

Conclusion

While the legal rental age is usually 18, some states set it higher, and minors under those thresholds face steep challenges. Emancipation may provide a legal path forward, but landlords may still hesitate without proof of income, credit, or a guarantor. For most 16- or 17-year-olds, alternatives like student housing, subletting, or transitional living programs may be more realistic.

Ready to explore apartments that fit your situation? Take Apartment List’s quiz to get matched with rentals that meet your needs, whether you’re searching now or planning ahead.

FAQs About Renting as a Minor

What is the youngest age you can rent an apartment in the U.S.?

In most states, you must be 18. Alabama and Nebraska set the age at 19, and Mississippi requires renters to be 21. Minors below these ages typically cannot rent unless emancipated.

Can a 17-year-old rent with parental consent?

Usually, no. Parental consent alone does not make a lease legally binding if the tenant is under the state’s age of majority. A parent or guardian would likely need to co-sign the lease.

Can emancipation help a 16-year-old rent?

Yes. Emancipation grants minors legal adult status, allowing them to sign leases. However, landlords may still deny applications if income, credit, or references are lacking.

What alternatives exist if you can’t rent at 16 or 17?

Options include student housing, living with family, subletting a room, or joining transitional housing programs designed for minors.

Do landlords check credit for minors?

Yes. Most landlords run credit checks, but minors usually lack a credit history, making approval difficult without a guarantor or co-signer.