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Ask HN: Bootstrapped and trying to rent and apartment
I was wondering what many people in bootstrapped startups do when asked for paystubs while looking for renting an apartment in Silicon Valley (Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto).
I was recently denied from renting an apartment because I didn't have paystubs for the last two months. I am working on my own bootstrapped startup. I quit my high paying job last summer to pursue this venture. I have excellent credit.
Has anyone had this issue? If you have, what did you do about it? What's the best way to convince a landlord that you're a good for it?
- sparkygoblue 15y agoOne option: http://kurtvarner.com/post/19347794553/man-car-startup http://kurtvarner.com/post/19347794553/man-car-startup
- sunils34 15y agohaha, I already work at the hacker dojo :). so im following that path. the floor plan of my toyota yaris is a bit too cramped for my taste.
- keiferski 15y agoI haven't personally had this issue, but have you considered incorporating and paying yourself a salary?
- sunils34 15y agoour startup is incorporated. this issue with paying yourself with your own money is that you lose money to payroll tax.
- RollAHardSix 15y agoDo your homework on minimum income levels and pay yourself just enough to qualify for federal & state benefits. That's childcare if needed, food stamps, health insurance, as well as possibly cooling improvements to your residence...it will depend on where you live however I believe that's a good overlay. ...Yes, it's down and dirty money management but you do what you must.
- saiko-chriskun 15y agorent with someone else?
- staunch 15y agoI've co-signed for close friends/family members before. Maybe you know someone that will do that for you.
- paulsutter 15y agoOffer to pay rent in advance. You may even negotiate rent discounts by paying for the whole year in advance.
- anti-nihilist 15y agoI've done this 3 times. 2 times I only paid 6 months up front. After the 6 months was up, neither apartment complex asked me to prove income when I renewed the lease.