How to Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit (7 Ways That Actually Work)
A low credit score feels like a locked door when you’re apartment hunting. Application, denial, another $50 gone. Repeat.
Here’s the thing, though. Landlords don’t really care about your score as a number. They care about one question: will this person pay rent on time? Your job is to answer that question some other way. These seven approaches do exactly that.
First, Know What Landlords Actually Check
Most properties run a credit report and a rental history check, and many look at income and eviction records too. A score in the 500s isn’t automatically a deal-breaker everywhere, but collections from a previous landlord or an eviction are much harder to get past than a medical bill or an old credit card.
Pull your own reports first (they’re free at AnnualCreditReport.com) so nothing surprises you, and fix any errors before you apply.
7 Ways to Get Approved Anyway
- Ask about criteria before you apply. Call and ask, “What’s your minimum credit score, and do you accept a higher deposit or a co-signer?” It saves application fees on places that will never say yes.
- Offer a larger security deposit. Many landlords will approve borderline applicants for an extra month of deposit. Check your state’s deposit limits first.
- Get a co-signer or guarantor. A family member with good credit and income (often 4 to 5 times the rent) signs with you. If no one can, guarantor companies will act as one for a fee.
- Show proof of steady income. Bring pay stubs, an offer letter or bank statements. Strong, stable income can outweigh a low score.
- Get references from past landlords. A letter saying you paid on time for two years carries real weight.
- Rent from individual owners. Private landlords and small buildings often have more flexibility than big management companies with strict software cutoffs.
- Explain the story, briefly. A short note about a medical bill, a layoff or a divorce, plus what’s changed since, can turn a no into a yes.
What to Avoid
Be wary of anyone who asks for cash, wire transfers or payment before you’ve seen the unit and signed a lease. “No credit check” listings are a favorite of rental scammers. And skip applying to ten places at once; the fees add up fast.
Start Rebuilding While You Rent
Paying rent on time can help your credit if it gets reported. Some properties report rent payments to the bureaus, and there are services that do it too. Ask the leasing office whether they report, and keep every rent receipt.
Keep Reading
- How Much Rent Can I Afford? A Simple Guide to Setting Your Apartment Budget
- 17 Hidden Apartment Fees That Could Cost You Thousands
- 30 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment
FAQ
What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?
It varies by landlord. Many large properties look for scores in the 600s, while private landlords may be more flexible. Always ask before applying.
Can I rent an apartment with a 500 credit score?
Possibly, with a co-signer, a larger deposit, strong income proof or a flexible private landlord.
Does a co-signer need good credit?
Yes. Co-signers are usually expected to have good credit and income well above the rent, often 4 to 5 times.
Can a landlord deny me just for bad credit?
Generally yes, as long as they apply the same criteria to all applicants. If you’re denied based on a credit report, you’re entitled to know which report was used.
