I was between jobs when I signed a 6 month lease in March, and again last month when I signed a 12 month one with a new landlord. The 6 month lease was with an estate agent for an apt. The 12 month is directly with the landlord for a townhouse. I have ample funds in the bank to pay rent regardless of my job situation. In both cases, I was asked to show a bank statement verifying my funds. I only had to show it, not give them a copy to keep. I blacked out my acct number & details of transactions, so I didn't really feel that my privacy was being violated. I was also asked to pay a double deposit by the landlord that I am renting from now. Is is possible that you may be asked to provide safeguards such as these by the landlord, not just because your bf does not have a job, but also because as first time renters, you are not able to prove that you have a good track record as reliable tenants who pay their rent on time, take care of the property etc etc. Don't want to be an alarmist, but forewarned is forearmed right?