At What Age Can You Legally Sign a Lease and Rent an Apartment?

In most of the United States, the minimum age to legally sign a lease and rent an apartment is 18 years old. This is because 18 is the age at which a person is legally considered an adult and can enter binding contracts, including rental agreements. However, real-world rental policies often involve additional requirements that can make the process more complex for young renters.

Legal Rules: Why 18 Is the Standard

A lease is a legally enforceable contract. Anyone under 18 is considered a minor, and contracts with minors can typically be voided. For this reason, landlords almost never rent to tenants under 18 without a co-signer or guardian. This rule applies broadly across states — from California (ZIP 94112) to Texas (ZIP 75204) and New York (ZIP 10027).

When Renters Under 18 Can Sign

There are rare exceptions. In some states, minors who are legally emancipated — due to marriage, military status, or court order — can sign contracts independently. Even then, landlords may require proof of emancipation and income verification.

Additional Requirements for Young Renters

Even at 18 or older, many renters face extra financial hurdles. Landlords often require stable income, a clean rental history, and a qualifying credit score. Renters who are 18–20 frequently need:

• A co-signer or guarantor with strong credit
• A larger security deposit
• Proof of employment or a job offer letter
• Prepayment of one or more months of rent

College Towns and Student Housing Policies

In student-heavy areas — such as Ann Arbor, MI; Austin, TX; or Tempe, AZ — apartments commonly accept younger renters but almost always require parents to sign as guarantors. Lease structures in ZIP-heavy student markets (e.g., 78705 in Austin) often include individual liability clauses, which can help first-time tenants qualify.

Why Landlords Are Strict About Age

For landlords, renting to someone under 18 carries legal risk, since the tenant could later claim the contract is invalid. Lease agreements must be enforceable, which is why the age requirement is nearly universal across the country.

Final Takeaway

To rent an apartment independently in the U.S., you must be at least 18 years old. Younger renters can only qualify through emancipation or with a guarantor. Regardless of age, strong financial documentation and reliable references help secure approval in competitive rental markets.