Can a 16 year old sign a lease to an apartment?

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Can a 16 year old sign a lease to an apartment?

I’m a 16 year old and I’ve decided that I want to leave my

mom’s place. I have the money to pay for it but I would rather not have her sign onto the lease family issues, blah blah blah. So I want to know if I can rent an apartment without a legal adult?

Asked on March 31, 2016 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

Actually you can't sign for a lease or any other contract for that matter. That is until you reach the legal "age of majority", that is 18. Until then, as a minor, you lack the legal capacity to sign. Also, as a practical matter, a landlord would most likely not accept your signature without a parent's guarantee.

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

You won't be able to sign the lease at 16 because you are a minor.  At 18, you are considered to be an adult and can then sign the lease which is a contract between landlord and tenant.
In order to sign a contract, you have to be an adult ( age 18).


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