It depends on the state law, but you should be able to be put down as just an occupant.

The landlord can choose to insist that if you are going to live on/in the property that you be listed as a tenant. Unless you are already planning on stiffing the boyfriend or the landlord, or are afraid that you might not be mature enough and established enough financially to handle the responsibility...then you should be on the agreement ideally. Paying in a timely manner will only help you to establish GOOD CREDIT! It's your great opportunity to prove that you ARE a good risk, despite your age! If you are truly worried, ASK for a 6 month lease with the option to continue it thereafter if everyone is satisfied after 6 months. I can't say that I blame you. It's scary and you ARE young...we all have to start somewhere. But this is part of becoming an adult and assuming the responsibilities of being and living as an adult. It is NOT in the landlord's best interest to list you as just an occupant, nor is it in your B/F's best interest...and it would still make you liable for some sort of agreement with regards to the situation, but offers you LESS protection if the boyfriend were to split as well...remember in an agreement...you BOTH are responsible for up holding what has been agreed to.

I don't see why you have a problem with this unless you have a hidden agenda or don't plan on staying with him. In which case there are far more important questions to address.

I think it is only fair that you bear half of the responsibility of the lease. If not, then why are you willing to share your life with someone?

Is the only reason you don't want to be on the lease because of no credit? It's not going to hurt your chances of getting the apt. All it really means is that you don't have bad credit! In fact, I don't see why you couldn't get the apartment on your credit and not need a cosigner, unless your boyfriends credit is really bad, in which case his mom shouldn't cosign anyway! (I will NEVER cosign for ANYONE!) I got my first apt with no credit, and I got a mortgage w/o much credit at all, and my son just got his first apt (at 18) with no credit. Edit: just thought of this, are you worried that being on the lease with your boyfriend will mess up your credit? If you are worried about him not holding up his end (which would be a good thing to worry about if his credit is bad enough to need a cosigner), then you should think twice about moving in with him! Trust me, I've been there!

Anyone over the age of 18 must be on the agreement for legal reasons. If the lease is defaulted on they will go after all of you. I have been a Leasing Specialist for 11 years and the landlord is smart to do this....