If you don't have a bank account does this mean you are not registered for tax?

I'd not recommend using fake ID and am pretty sure that alone would be enough to lose you the tenancy.

In your circumstances, the only way I know it MAY work is to pay them say six months plus deposit in advance OR get someone to guarantor for you.

Personally, I think it would be financial suicide for someone to go guarantor for you or for a landlord to take you on for if you are just starting out (going by your age) you cannot guarantee you will succeed and make the money required for the rent and money to live on.

Sadly, credit wise, you are in the worst possible position.  Many people think if they pay for things in cash all their life that they will be better credit rated but that is not the case.

I would suggest opening a bank account as soon as possible, the only drawback to that is many banks now want a minimum amount of money to be deposited each month, by that THEy mean they want your wages put into it.  If that doesn't happen they would be within their rights I think to close the account.

I think it's a case of waiting until you have saved sufficient funds to pay the six months plus deposit and then make your move.  Then you will know IF you are getting established and if you are going to be able to afford the rent after the initial period.  During this period, like suggested above you rent per hour/day/week so that you can start/continue to work to save the monies you require.

I would also suggest registering with HMRC and an accountant as these are the avenues you will have to follow in the future should you wish to rent solo with no guarantor.

Some bank accounts require a minimum deposit each month, a savings account doesn't(unless stipulated).

'Apartment' makes me think you're in America. If that's right, saying 'It's ok, I have an illegal income!!' may not be the best move

Get a bank account for the reasons given.

What do landlords actually want there? You're after shared housing by the sound of it, is it that hard to get if you can wave a substantial amount of cash, perhaps 'from my parents'?

Thank you guys I love this site already

Yeah, I do live in America. That makes this more difficult lol. I'm still iffy about opening a bank account because then I will have to tell them I'm an escort or they would wonder how I'm putting that much money in. I know it's not illegal but they are still overly-serious about it here.
Im worried a landlord may not want me if I'm an escort , especially since I'm 18 and not really an older woman, you know? I suppose "money from parents" is a good idea. I like that a lot but I think the landlord might want that confirmed from my parents. Still trying though ...

Thank you guys for all your answers

You don't have to tell them your an escort. There are alot of self employed jobs you could say you do.

It's important you have a bank account for the future. You don't have to put all of your money into your account. You need to build up a good credit rating for your future.

Your only 18 and I couldn't have done his job at 18. I was very naive and not mature enough. I'm not saying you are but this is a hard job you need thick skin, very very very thick skin to make this a success. You will have good days and really really bad days. Burn outs. You might realise its not for you. I wouldn't personally move out until you are stable in the job and have some savings and a bank account.

If you're in the US, prostitution is illegal (in case you were wondering, a crap disclaimer about how punters are paying for 'time and companionship' means absolutely nothing whatsoever) and all LE have to do in order to find out the truth assuming you don't yet have reviews for them to read is book you.

I think the stripper idea would be fine in principle if the landlord is OK, but you're not going to know this in advance and giving him any excuse to hang around sleazing all over you or charging you extra rent might not be such a good idea. I'd personally avoid anything to do with the sex industry like the plague.