When you’re searching for a new place to live, your credit score might be the last thing on your mind. But for most landlords, it’s one of the first things they check. A strong credit score can help you get approved faster, avoid extra deposits, and access better rental options. On the other hand, poor credit might make the rental process more stressful and competitive.
In this blog, we’ll explore how credit scores impact your ability to rent an apartment, what landlords really look at, and how to improve your chances — even if your credit isn’t perfect. Plus, we’ll show you how Beem helps renters track, improve, and protect their credit in real time.
Why Landlords Check Your Credit Score
Landlords want tenants who will reliably pay rent on time. Since they can’t predict your future behavior, they use your credit report as a financial history check. A high credit score typically indicates that you manage bills well, pay on time, and don’t carry excessive debt.
Here’s what a credit check tells a landlord:
- Your history of paying rent, credit cards, utilities, and other loans
- How much debt you currently owe
- Any collection accounts or bankruptcies
- Whether you’ve been evicted or had other rental-related legal actions
These insights help landlords protect their property and income. It’s not personal — it’s risk management.
What Credit Score Is Needed to Rent an Apartment?
There’s no universal minimum score for renting, but here are general benchmarks:
- 750+ (Excellent): Likely to get approved quickly, even for high-end properties
- 700–749 (Good): Considered low risk by most landlords
- 630–699 (Fair): Might be accepted with conditions (like a higher deposit)
- Below 630 (Poor): Could be denied or asked to provide a co-signer
Keep in mind, rental markets vary. A 680 score may be fine in a mid-sized city but could be too low in high-demand urban areas. Private landlords may also be more lenient than property management firms that follow strict credit policies.
What Parts of Your Credit Report Do Landlords Actually See?
Most landlords don’t perform a full credit pull. Instead, they run a modified report — often called a tenant screening report. These may be soft inquiries (which don’t affect your score) and focus on key risk indicators.
Common items reviewed include:
- Credit score
- History of on-time or late payments
- Open accounts and balances
- Outstanding collections or charge-offs
- Public records (like evictions or judgments)
Some landlords use third-party services like TransUnion’s SmartMove, which compile a customized tenant risk score instead of showing the full report.
How a Poor Credit Score Can Affect Your Rental Application
Having poor credit doesn’t automatically mean you won’t get approved for an apartment — but it may make things harder.
Here’s how low credit can complicate your rental journey:
- Application denials: Especially in competitive markets with multiple applicants
- Larger security deposits: To offset perceived risk
- Need for a co-signer: A friend or family member with good credit may need to vouch for you
- Limited rental options: Some properties may simply refuse applications below a certain threshold
That said, not all landlords weigh credit equally. Smaller landlords or independent property owners may be more flexible if you can show proof of income and stable history.
How to Improve Rental Chances With a Low Credit Score
If your credit score is holding you back, there are still several ways to increase your odds of approval:
- Offer a larger deposit: This shows financial responsibility and reduces the landlord’s risk
- Show proof of income: Pay stubs, W-2s, or bank statements help demonstrate you can afford rent
- Provide landlord references: Positive feedback from previous property owners can offset credit concerns
- Explain your situation: A written letter detailing your credit issues (like a medical emergency or job loss) adds human context
- Use a co-signer: Someone with strong credit can boost your credibility
Landlords want reliable tenants. If you can prove that your past credit issues are behind you, many are willing to work with you.
Can You Rent an Apartment Without a Credit Score?
Yes, but it may take extra effort.
If you’ve never used credit before — or you recently immigrated and don’t have a U.S. credit file — you may not have a score at all. In that case:
- Seek out no-credit-check apartments: These are often managed by individuals, not large firms
- Offer prepaid rent: Paying several months in advance shows financial stability
- Use rent guarantee services: Some companies vouch for tenants in exchange for a small monthly fee
- Start building credit now: Use Beem to track your file, get a secured credit card, or report rent payments
A lack of credit isn’t a deal-breaker — but building a positive history will help long term.
How Beem Can Help You Qualify for Rentals
Beem is your credit assistant — helping you get approved for better rentals by improving your credit profile and application readiness.
Here’s how Beem supports renters:
- Track your credit score in real time: So you know when you’re ready to apply
- Spot problems early: Get alerts for missed payments or score drops
- Understand your credit factors: See what’s helping and hurting your chances
- Use insights to strengthen your application: Make data-backed decisions before renting
Whether you’re moving out for the first time or trying to upgrade to a better home, Beem helps you qualify with confidence.
Most Common Questions Asked On Credit Score Impacting Renting an Apartment
What’s the minimum credit score I need to rent a house or apartment?
It varies by landlord and location. Most landlords prefer scores of at least 650. In major cities or competitive rental markets, the minimum could be 680–700. If your score is lower, you might still qualify by offering additional proof of income, a higher deposit, or a co-signer.
Will one missed payment stop me from getting an apartment?
Not necessarily. A single missed payment may be overlooked if the rest of your credit report shows responsibility. Landlords may also weigh recent behavior more than older issues. Be proactive by explaining the late payment and showing consistent on-time payments since.
Can a landlord deny me solely based on my credit?
Yes. Landlords are allowed to use your credit history as part of their rental criteria. However, under the Fair Housing Act, they cannot discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other protected categories. A denial based solely on credit must be documented, and you can request a copy of the report used.
How far back do landlords look at credit history?
Landlords generally focus on the last 2–7 years, depending on the type of negative items. Recent delinquencies or evictions carry more weight than older ones. If you’ve made improvements recently, highlight those during your application.
Will applying for multiple apartments hurt my credit?
Not usually. Most tenant screening involves soft inquiries, which don’t affect your credit score. However, if a landlord performs a hard pull (rare), it could temporarily lower your score. Always ask whether the credit check is hard or soft before applying.
Does credit score affect renting an apartment?
Yes, your credit score can influence a landlord’s decision. A higher score indicates financial responsibility, increasing your chances of approval.
Can I rent an apartment with a 750 credit score?
Absolutely. A 750 credit score is considered excellent and will typically qualify you for almost any rental with favorable terms.
What is bad credit for renting an apartment?
A credit score below 580 is generally seen as bad for renting. It may lead to rejections unless supported by a co-signer or larger deposit.
Does credit card debt affect renting an apartment?
Yes, high credit card debt can raise red flags during tenant screening by increasing your debt-to-income ratio and lowering your credit score.
How to get around 3x the rent?
You can use a co-signer, offer several months’ rent upfront, or show proof of stable savings or non-traditional income to bypass the 3x rule.
Do landlords care about credit card usage?
Yes, landlords may check your credit utilization. High usage could signal financial risk and affect your application outcome.
What would stop you from getting an apartment?
Low credit scores, prior evictions, criminal records, insufficient income, or negative rental history are common reasons for denial.
Why do landlords not accept credit cards?
Landlords often avoid credit cards due to transaction fees and the risk of chargebacks. Most prefer direct bank transfers or rent apps.
What credit score is needed for an apartment?
Most landlords look for a score between 620 and 650. Premium rentals may require 700+, while lower-cost options may be more flexible.
Conclusion
Your credit score plays a significant role in renting an apartment. It signals to landlords whether you’re financially reliable and capable of paying rent on time. While a strong score can open more doors, a lower score doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
With preparation, transparency, and tools like Beem, you can overcome credit hurdles and improve your chances of landing the apartment you want. Start tracking and improving your credit today — because the key to a better place often starts with a better credit score.
