Can I lease an apartment on behalf of my father whose applications keep getting rejected because of poor credit? My 67 year old father is a recovering alcoholic who needs to downsize in order to afford his medical care and treatment. I am looking for independent living options in New Jersey, but his credit score is standing in the way. He has declared bankruptcy in the past and has a tax lien against him. I am his power of attorney, and have taken control of all of his finances. Some places do not allow for co-signers. Is it possible to sign a lease on his behalf?
I think whether you could sign on his behalf really would depend on the individual facility; some may have different standards than others.
My concern, however, would be committing him to an obligation which he might not be able to pay, given his financial history (i.e., the bankruptcy and tax lien), even if you have assumed control of his finances.
It wouldn't surprise me if a facility asked you to guarantee payment for him, which is something you shouldn't consider doing.