Renting an Apartment with Bad Credit: How to Get Approved Anyway
Published by Speed Credit
Table of Contents
- Do Landlords Check Your Credit?
- How Bad Credit Affects Your Apartment Search
- 7 Ways to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit
- What Landlords Really Want to See (Besides Credit)
- How to Rebuild Your Credit While Renting
- Next Up: 7 Credit Score Myths That Are Killing Your Finances
Do Landlords Check Your Credit?
Yes—most do. Especially large apartment complexes and property managers. They usually pull a soft credit report to check:
- Your payment history (missed bills, collections)
- Outstanding debts or recent delinquencies
- Evictions or bankruptcies
But a low score doesn’t mean instant rejection. Many landlords care more about income and rental history.
How Bad Credit Affects Your Apartment Search
With a credit score under 600, you might face:
- Higher security deposits
- Requests for co-signers or guarantors
- Denials from big management companies
- Preference given to applicants with stronger profiles
The good news? Independent landlords often have more flexibility—and care more about consistent income and communication than a number.
7 Ways to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit
- Offer a larger deposit up front (if allowed in your state)
- Show proof of income that’s 3x the rent or higher
- Get a co-signer or guarantor with strong credit
- Write a “renter’s resume” with references, pay stubs, and job history
- Pay a few months in advance if possible
- Look for private landlords who meet you directly
- Explain your situation honestly—especially if your credit issues are old or resolved
What Landlords Really Want to See (Besides Credit)
Even with bad credit, you can shine by showing:
- Stable income
- Long-term employment
- Clean rental history (no evictions)
- On-time utility and phone bill payments
- A respectful and communicative attitude
Credit is one part of the puzzle. The way you present yourself makes a huge difference.
How to Rebuild Your Credit While Renting
- Get your rent reported to bureaus using tools like RentTrack or Rental Kharma
- Use a secured credit card to build new payment history
- Dispute old errors on your report that are holding you back
- Pay every bill on time—no exceptions
Renting with bad credit isn’t the end—it’s your comeback.
Next Up: 7 Credit Score Myths That Are Killing Your Finances
Now that you’re on your feet, let’s clear the air. Next up in the Credit Myths series, we’re debunking the biggest lies hurting your score in 7 Credit Score Myths That Are Killing Your Finances.
