Hey l am trying to help a friend who is and 18 year old female get her own apartment. What are the best things to do in order to make sure she can get one. She is moving to a different state with no family around. She has a lot of money saved but what are some good ideas in order for her to make sure she can make it into an apartment. l do not need to hear ''do not let her go'' or ''her family is where she needs to be at 18'' that is not my question. Any HELP would be great, thanks.

She should order her credit report to see what landlords will be seeing. She is entitled to one free report per year from each of the big three reporting agencies - annualcreditreport.com. If there is a problem, she should look for a place in a multifamily house where it is less likely a credit report will be pulled and more likely that, if it is, she will have bargaining power - like offering additional security.

Look for a small complex managed by the owner. It might even be a garage apt. attached to a home. Offer to pay several months rent up front as well as a security deposit.

She is going to need a job before securing an apartment. Meanwhile, hope she can stay with a friend. If not, perhaps there is an extended-stay hotel in the area which she can rent by the week.

She should take some reference letters with her. If she has held a job, her supervisor would be good to ask. Otherwise, a school teacher may offer to write her a recommendation. If she has done volunteer work, she can get a letter from them.

She might want to consider just renting a room in a home at first.

Many management companies will be wary to rent to her. Even though she has money saved, she will need to show that she has a steady income, good credit etc. This will be tough for her. Can she get someone older to sign as guarantor? That will make a world of difference.

A room-mate situation may be the better way for her to start. Then she can build her credit and prove that she pays rent on time etc.

She should try to have her money in a bank that has a branch where she is moving . that way , she has an established bank account ..

If she is going to rent out a room to anor=ther lady to supplement the income , she should have a ''Background Check'' done ..

She could order a credit report & take it along to perspective landlords .IF she has any established credit yet ..

Tell her to get the landlords approval for a lock on the door(s) that u MUST use a key to both enter & leave . None of the turn the knob etc .. much more safe .

IF at all possible, she should have a job or at least job interviews lined up prior to moving to the new area ..