I know what you mean. Chapter 7 is total bankruptcy and all debts are discharged. This means that all of your assets are liquidated to pay back the creditors. Your credit will be messed up for at least 7 years. Then you can start all over again with a fresh new record.

Maybe you can explain to them that you are trying to start over fresh and cut you a break. I believe a judgement and a foreclosure are worse because they stay on your record indefinitely or for quite a long period of time.

Try to get references from your past apartment managers in letter form stating that you were a good tenant. It can't hurt to try.

Good luck.

I don't have any past landlords because we owned a house. The house is foreclosed on. What am I supposed to do?

Even if I say hey I have a full year's worth of rent IN MY HAND can you just not run my credit and give the the apartment for a year they say no. I don't understand.

You need to find a landlord that will not check your credit rating. The hard part is trying to find one of those. You are going to need some help. Chapter 7 bankruptcy and foreclosure both are bad news to a landord. You will want to keep this information to yourself.

Check Craigslist and your local Sunday newspaper for rental listings. Once you have exhausted calling and checking with landlords on your own, contact real estate agents. Many people use these agents to rent their condos and homes. They may have some good advice on what can be done. You may end up paying a higher security deposit or advanced rent in order to pull this off. You can sometimes ask for a trial of about 3 to 6 months just to prove yourself. Sometimes letters of recommendation go a long way. See if you can get someone to write one for you. Co-signing is another way, but I remember that this is not an option for you.
I just hope you can get the help you need. Keep trying because I know it is possible.

Thanks for the award and I am crossing my fingers for you.