You may be worried about finding a new apartment if you have bad credit. Landlords prefer tenants who have good to excellent credit scores due to the lower risk that they will default on their lease. However, there is no strict minimum credit score to rent an apartment. In fact, the credit score to rent an apartment varies by building, location, and landlord. There are even some apartments that don’t check credit scores at all. Here we’ll discuss the many steps you can take to increase your chances of getting your lease application approved even with bad credit.
Work with Your Prospective Landlord
Some landlords will be more flexible than others when it comes to your credit score. Independent landlords may have more flexibility than larger corporations that run large apartment complexes. It’s best to be upfront about your credit score on your application and see if there is room to negotiate. You may also be able to negotiate a longer lease term or pay your rent upfront to get approved.
Additionally, you may be able to find no credit check apartments in your area. Online rental platforms will often list if the apartment listing does not have a credit check. These are usually offered by private landlords.
Provide a Larger Security Deposit
If you have bad credit, landlords may require first and last month’s rent as well as a large security deposit. This is usually equal to a month’s rent. A larger security deposit protects the landlord if you are unable to pay your rent.
Find a Co-Signer
If you have a trusted person who can co-sign for you on your lease, this could increase your chances of getting your application approved. This person will be responsible for your lease if you can’t pay your rent. So, make sure this individual is comfortable with taking on the risk and has a good credit history to improve your odds of approval.
Provide Necessary Documents
Providing a letter of employment, bank statement, or pay stubs could help you get an apartment with bad credit. Additionally, you may want to write a letter to your landlord providing context to your situation. A letter of recommendation from a previous landlord may also help your situation. This will show that you are a good tenant.
Look into Public Housing in Your Area
You can also see if you qualify for housing assistance in your area. While eligibility varies by state and location, you may be eligible for discounted rent. Check with your Local Housing Authority to see if you qualify. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also has resources on housing assistance. Here you can search for an apartment and find rental help in your state. You can also get housing advice by calling toll-free (800) 569-4287.
What credit score did you need to rent an apartment? Let us know your experience.
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