What Credit Score Do I Need to Rent an Apartment?

You’ve set your sights on the perfect apartment, which means your next step is to apply and seal the deal. Most rental applications include a background, employment, rental history and credit check to consider if you’re a good fit for the rental property. Landlords and property managers use credit reports as one of the ways to assess your ability to pay rent and other financial obligations, like pet fees and deposits.

While there’s no universal minimum credit score for an apartment rental, a credit score of 600 or higher is typically considered a good credit score to rent an apartment. If you’re not quite there, don’t fret. Credit requirements for apartment applications vary by location, landlord, and rental type.

We’ll guide you through the credit score requirements for an apartment to help you understand your score and provide you with guidance on ways to boost your chances of approval even if your score isn’t perfect.

What credit score do landlords look for?

Many landlords consider a credit score of 600 or higher as acceptable, but requirements can vary widely depending on the landlord, property type and location. Understanding where your credit score generally falls on a scale can help you anticipate whether your rental application may be approved. 

Use the table below to better understand how your credit score might be viewed by landlords,  and determine what additional steps (like a co-signer or a larger deposit, if allowed) you can take to secure a lease.

Different models can lead to different credit score results, and the range of “good” credit scores can vary. While 600 is a common benchmark, keep in mind that each landlord can set their own criteria. Knowing your score, and how it aligns with the credit score required to rent an apartment, can help you better prepare.

What credit report do apartments use?

Most apartments use credit reports from one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. The specific bureau can vary by landlord or property management company. You typically won’t know which report will be used in advance, so it’s a good idea to check your credit with all three bureaus before applying. That way, you can catch any surprises and feel confident knowing what your potential landlord may see.

Why do landlords check credit?

When landlords check your credit score, they’re really trying to understand how reliably you manage financial responsibilities. A strong credit score and history can show that you are dependable to pay rent on time, while missed payments in your credit history might raise concerns.  

A higher credit score implies you’re a responsible renter, while a lower score could cause a landlord to be hesitant on picking you over another candidate with a higher score. When running a credit check for an apartment, here’s what landlords and property managers are looking for:

Pesky collections accounts

Have some unpaid bills that went to collections? This is a big red flag for landlords. It suggests you might not prioritize paying your obligations on time, including rent checks.

Bankruptcy bumps in the road

We all hit rough patches. A bankruptcy doesn’t automatically disqualify you, especially if it’s a few years old, but landlords will definitely notice it. They’ll want to understand how your financial situation has stabilized since then.

Eviction history 

This is probably one of the biggest concerns for landlords. Previous evictions signal that you may have missed rent payments or had other lease violations with past landlords.

Late payment patterns

Everyone misses a payment now and then, but landlords look for patterns. Consistent late payments across multiple accounts might make them nervous about whether their rent will arrive on time.

Loan defaults

Whether it’s student loans, car loans, or credit cards, these defaults can raise questions about your financial reliability.

Don’t panic if some of these red flags apply to you. Many landlords are willing to look at the bigger picture, especially if your recent history shows improvement or if you’re upfront about past problems. Remember, your credit report tells a story, but you can also add important context when applying.

How to pass a rental credit check

Don’t let a less-than-stellar credit score crush your apartment dreams. Even if your credit has taken some hits, you’ve got more options than you think to overcome a bad background check. This checklist will get you started.

✔ Target less competitive properties. Focus on properties without luxury amenities, for example, where landlords may be more motivated to fill vacancies. 

✔ Showcase your income stability. Many landlords will overlook credit issues if you can prove you earn enough to comfortably afford rent. Bring pay stubs, employment verification letters, or bank statements showing income that meets the landlord’s criteria.

✔ Leverage your rental history. If you’ve never missed a rent payment despite credit struggles elsewhere, get letters from previous landlords confirming your reliability. These testimonials can be worth their weight in gold.

✔ Consider a co-signer. Having a family member or close friend with strong credit co-sign your lease can dramatically increase your approval odds. This person agrees to also be responsible for rent, giving landlords extra peace of mind.

✔ Consider smaller, independent landlords. Individual property owners often make more personalized decisions than corporate property management firms with rigid screening policies. Local Facebook housing groups and Reddit communities can give you the inside scoop on finding flexible landlords.

✔ Offer more upfront. Proposing a larger security deposit or prepaying several months of rent can significantly reduce a landlord’s perceived risk. Note: Laws regarding security deposit limits and prepaid rent vary by state and locality. Be sure to check local regulations before offering more upfront.

✔ Address red flags head-on. Prepare a brief, straightforward explanation of any major credit issues. Most landlords appreciate honesty and context.

Even if you don’t have a good credit score to rent an apartment, you bring valuable qualities to the table as a tenant. Stay persistent, be prepared with documentation, and approach your search with confidence. 

What if I have a low credit score for an apartment?

While creative strategies can open doors despite credit challenges, it’s best to be clear-eyed about the impact of lower credit when applying for an apartment. This can come into play in two important ways:

• Higher security deposits, if allowed
• More applications

According to the 2024 Zillow survey, 87% of renters paid a security deposit and 79% paid an application fee. In other words, it’s tough to get around these payments, no matter what your credit report says. 

For applicants with low credit scores, security deposits can typically run higher if allowed in your state or locality. That’s because landlords require extra financial protection against the perceived risk of payment issues. And application fees add up quickly when you’re getting rejected because of bad credit. A stronger credit score may help reduce the likelihood of higher deposits , less fees wasted on multiple applications, and more money in your pocket overall.

Did you know that there’s a way to get credit for your on-time rent payments? Zillow Rent Reporting helps renters who pay rent online through Zillow build credit by reporting these on-time payments to credit bureaus. By ensuring your rent payments count, you can build a positive credit history, showing financial responsibility to landlords and property managers when applying for your next apartment.  

Take control of your rental future

Your credit score is an important factor in securing an apartment, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Even if it’s not close to the minimum credit score for renting an apartment, there are creative ways to improve your chances, whether it’s showcasing your income stability, leveraging rental history, or exploring positive rent reporting to build credit over time. The key is to be proactive, prepared, and persistent. 

Do you need good credit to rent an apartment? Not always. But having one helps. With the right approach, you can land a great rental and take control of your next move with confidence!

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended for legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental laws and requirements can vary significantly by state, city and locality. Consult with a qualified attorney, real estate professional or appropriate authority in your jurisdiction for advice based on your specific set of facts and circumstances.