What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?
Most landlords and property management companies look for a credit score of 620 or higher when screening rental applications. That’s the number to keep in mind as you start your first apartment hunt.
But your credit score isn’t the only factor, and a lower score doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Many first-time renters get approved with scores in the 550–619 range by offering extra security deposits, getting a co-signer, or renting from private landlords who do manual reviews.
Why Landlords Pull Your Credit Report
Landlords use your credit report to answer one question: Will you pay rent on time?
A credit score gives them a quick snapshot of your history with bills, loans, and credit cards. Late payments, collections, or high credit card balances signal risk. On-time payments and low balances signal reliability.
For a first-time renter, you might have a “thin file” — meaning you haven’t had enough credit accounts to generate a score. That’s common for 18–24 year olds. It’s not the same as having bad credit, and many landlords understand the difference. A thin file means you can still get approved, but you’ll likely need to prove your income and savings more thoroughly.
The Score Ranges Landlords Actually Use
Here’s how credit scores typically break down in rental screening:
| Score Range | What It Means for Renters |
|---|---|
| 700+ | Strong approval odds at most properties |
| 650–699 | Approved at most places; may need to explain a few late payments |
| 620–649 | Approved at many complexes; some may ask for a larger deposit |
| 580–619 | Conditional approval; expect extra deposit, co-signer, or private landlord |
| Below 580 | Hard to get approved at corporate complexes; private landlords are your best bet |
These are general guidelines, not hard rules. A luxury high-rise in a competitive city might require 700+. A small landlord renting a duplex might accept 550 if your income is solid and you have good references.
What this means for your next move: If your score is 620 or above, you can apply to most corporate apartment complexes with confidence. If you’re below that, skip the big management companies and focus your search on private landlords and smaller buildings — you’ll save application fees and avoid unnecessary hard inquiries on your credit report.
What Else Landlords Look At
Your credit score is one piece of the application. Landlords also check:
- Income — Most require monthly gross income of at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent. If rent is $1,200, you’ll need to make roughly $3,000–$3,600 per month.
- Rental history — Previous landlords’ references matter. No history is fine; evictions are not.
- Debt-to-income ratio — How much of your monthly income already goes to loan and card payments.
- Background check — Criminal history varies by state and local law.
If your credit is weak but your income is strong, you have a much better chance than someone with good credit and unstable income.
How to Check Your Own Credit Before Applying
Don’t let a landlord be the first person to see your credit report. Pull it yourself first.
- AnnualCreditReport.com — Free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This is the official federally authorized source.
- Credit Karma or Credit Sesame — Free score tracking apps that update regularly.
- Your bank or credit card app — Many major banks now include free FICO scores for account holders.
Check for errors. Dispute anything that’s wrong — it can take 30 days to process, so start early. Even one mistaken collection account can drop your score by 50+ points.
How to verify your score matches what a landlord will see: The score in your banking app might be a VantageScore, while most landlords pull a FICO score. They’re close, but not identical. If your app shows 630 and you’re worried, ask the landlord which scoring model they use before paying an application fee. Some will tell you, and that information helps you decide whether to apply or look elsewhere.
How to Rent With a Low Credit Score
If your score is below 620, you still have options. Here’s what works:
Offer a larger security deposit. Many landlords will accept an extra month’s rent as a deposit to offset risk. Have the cash ready before you apply.
Get a co-signer. A parent or relative with good credit can sign the lease with you. They’re legally responsible if you don’t pay, so have a clear conversation about expectations first.
Find a private landlord. Individual owners are more flexible than corporate property managers. Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local rental groups. Look for listings that say “private owner” or “no application fee.”
Provide proof of income and savings. Pay stubs, bank statements, and a job offer letter can reassure a landlord that you’re low-risk even with a lower score.
Offer to pay several months upfront. If you have savings, offering 3–6 months of rent in advance can seal the deal. Get a written receipt and make sure the terms are in the lease.
Where this can go wrong: A larger deposit or upfront rent payments only work if you actually have the cash. Don’t drain your emergency fund to get approved — if you lose your job or your car breaks down after moving in, you’ll have nothing to fall back on. A safer play is combining a smaller upfront payment with a co-signer, so you keep some savings in reserve.
Common Mistakes First-Time Renters Make
Applying to multiple places at once. Each application triggers a hard credit inquiry, which can lower your score slightly. Apply selectively, not broadly.
Ignoring your credit until you need it. Start building credit months before you apartment hunt. A secured credit card used for small purchases and paid off monthly can build a score in 3–6 months.
Not reading the lease before signing. Check for fees, maintenance responsibilities, and the landlord’s right to enter the unit. Don’t sign until you understand every page.
Assuming a rejection is final. Ask the landlord why you were denied. Sometimes it’s a fixable issue like an error on your report or missing paperwork.
Not verifying the application fee is refundable. Some landlords refund the fee if you’re denied; others don’t. Ask before you pay. If you’re applying to multiple places, that’s $30–$60 per application that could vanish if you’re not approved.
What to Do If You’re Denied
If a landlord denies your application due to credit, they’re required by federal law (FCRA) to give you an adverse action notice that includes the reason and the credit bureau they used. You have the right to request a free copy of that report within 60 days.
Use the denial as data. Fix what you can, then reapply at a different property. A denial at one place doesn’t mean you’ll be denied everywhere.
One important limit: The adverse action notice tells you which credit bureau the landlord used, but it doesn’t tell you your exact score. Pull that bureau’s report and check for errors before your next application. If you find a mistake, dispute it and wait for the correction — reapplying with the same error still on your report will likely get you the same result.
How to Build Credit Before Your Apartment Hunt
If you don’t have a credit score yet, start building one now. The process takes time, so begin at least six months before you plan to move.
Open a secured credit card. You put down a refundable deposit — typically $200–$500 — and that becomes your credit limit. Use it for small monthly purchases like gas or groceries, then pay the full statement balance each month.
Become an authorized user. Ask a parent or trusted relative to add you to one of their credit cards. You get the benefit of their payment history without being responsible for the bill. Make sure the account has a clean record — a late payment on their card hurts your score too.
Keep your credit utilization under 30%. If your limit is $500, keep your balance below $150. High utilization signals risk to lenders and landlords.
Pay everything on time. Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. One missed payment can stay on your report for seven years.
A realistic timeline: A secured card can generate a FICO score in about six months. If you’re planning to move in two months, building credit won’t help you in time — focus instead on a co-signer, a larger deposit, or a private landlord. If you have six months or more, start the secured card now and check your score monthly to track progress.
Documents to Have Ready Before You Apply
Landlords move fast when they find a good applicant. Having your paperwork ready before you tour apartments gives you an edge.
- Photo ID — Driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Proof of income — Two recent pay stubs, a job offer letter, or bank statements showing regular deposits.
- Rental references — Contact info for previous landlords or roommates who can vouch for you.
- Bank statements — Proof of savings shows you can cover rent even if a paycheck is late.
- Personal reference — A non-family member who can speak to your character and responsibility.
Some landlords also charge an application fee, typically $30–$60, to run your credit and background check. Ask about the fee before you apply so you’re not surprised.
When a Co-Signer Makes Sense
A co-signer is someone who signs the lease with you and takes legal responsibility for the rent if you can’t pay. Landlords accept co-signers when the applicant’s credit or income doesn’t meet their minimums.
Most co-signers are parents or close relatives. Before you ask, understand what you’re asking for: if you miss rent, the landlord can pursue your co-signer for payment and damage their credit.
Have a written agreement with your co-signer about who pays what and how you’ll handle late payments. This protects both of you and keeps the relationship clear.
The trade-off to know: Some landlords require co-signers to earn a certain income themselves — often 4–5 times the monthly rent. If your parent is retired or self-employed with variable income, they might not qualify even with excellent credit. Ask the landlord about co-signer requirements before you ask someone to commit.
What to Expect During the Application Process
The rental application process usually takes one to three business days, though it can be faster with online systems.
You’ll fill out an application form with your personal info, employment history, and rental history. The landlord will run a credit check and background check. Some also verify your income by calling your employer.
If approved, you’ll typically need to pay the security deposit and first month’s rent before moving in. Some places also charge a non-refundable move-in fee instead of a traditional deposit — ask which one applies before you sign.
Renting With Your Credit Score: The Takeaway
You don’t need perfect credit to rent your first apartment. Aim for 620 or higher, but know that income, rental history, and a willingness to work with the landlord matter just as much. Check your credit early, fix errors, and have a backup plan if your score comes in lower than expected.
Start your apartment search with a clear picture of your credit, your budget, and the documents you’ll need. That preparation makes the whole process smoother — and it’s the same habit that will serve you well when you eventually apply for a car loan or mortgage.
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