Having bad credit can make renting an apartment feel stressful. Many landlords run credit checks, and a low credit score might make you worry about getting denied. But the truth is, bad credit doesn’t have to keep you from finding a place to live.
With the right approach, you can still get approved for an apartment. From checking your credit report to offering a larger security deposit, these eight practical tips will help you strengthen your application and improve your chances of landing the rental you want.
8 Steps to Renting an Apartment with Bad Credit
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can get an apartment with a bad credit history.
1. Check Your Credit Report Before Apartment Hunting
Before you start looking for apartments, pull a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing it shows you exactly what a landlord will see and gives you the chance to spot problems early.
Look closely for errors that could be dragging down your credit score. A Federal Trade Commission study found that more than one in four people had potential mistakes on their credit report. If you find outdated or inaccurate items, file a dispute with the credit bureau. Removing errors not only helps your credit score but also makes your rental application stronger.
2. Work on Improving Your Credit Score
A low credit score doesn’t have to be permanent. While some fixes take time, you can start building positive momentum right away. The most important step is paying every bill on time. Payment history makes up the largest portion of your credit score, and even one late payment over 30 days can cause serious damage. Consistent, on-time payments help your score recover over time.
If you have delinquent accounts, reach out to your creditors or collection agencies to see if you can settle or bring them current. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a lump-sum payment in exchange for removing the negative mark from your credit report.
To rebuild faster, consider opening a secured credit card or a credit builder loan. Both options report to the major credit bureaus and show that you’re managing new credit responsibly. If this feels overwhelming, you can also work with a credit repair company to dispute errors and explore the best path to removing negative items.
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Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
3. Explain Negative Items to Your Landlord
Even after fixing errors, you may still have negative marks on your credit report. Instead of ignoring them, be upfront in your rental application. A short letter of explanation can go a long way, especially if the issue was caused by a temporary setback such as job loss, medical bills, or another life event that’s no longer affecting you.
Back up your explanation with proof that you’re now in a stronger financial position. Recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an employment verification letter can reassure a landlord that you have steady income and can cover rent. If the negative items are older, emphasize how your habits have changed since then to show that the risk of late rent is low.
4. Provide Strong Rental References
A letter of recommendation can make your application stand out, especially if it comes from a past landlord. A positive reference that confirms you paid rent on time and took care of the property can offset concerns about your credit score.
If you don’t have a former landlord to vouch for you, consider asking an employer, coworker, or trusted community member. A character reference that highlights responsibility, stability, and reliability can reassure landlords that you’ll be a dependable tenant.
5. Strengthen Your Application With Extras
You can ease a landlord’s concerns by sweetening the deal. Offering a larger security deposit—such as one and a half or two months’ rent—shows commitment and reduces their financial risk. If possible, you could also offer to pay the first few months of rent upfront.
Other ways to stand out include agreeing to a shorter trial lease, setting up automatic payments, or offering to move in right away. Landlords lose money on vacancies, so showing that you can fill the space quickly can tip the decision in your favor.
6. Choose Apartments Within Your Budget
Landlords often look at the rent-to-income ratio when screening applicants. A good rule of thumb is to keep rent below 35% of your monthly pre-tax income. Staying within this range gives you a stronger case that you can comfortably afford the apartment.
If you’re worried about being approved, focus on more affordable options. Pair your application with recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an employment letter to prove stable income. Showing that your finances support the rent can outweigh concerns about your credit score.
7. Look for Private Landlords Instead of Property Managers
Large property management companies often have strict screening policies, including minimum credit score requirements. Independent landlords, on the other hand, may be more flexible. Since they don’t have to follow corporate rules, they can make decisions based on your overall situation rather than just your credit score.
Private landlords may be more willing to work with tenants who can show steady income, provide references, or offer a larger deposit. Building a personal connection can also help—owners often care more about keeping their units occupied than following rigid criteria.
8. Use a Cosigner or Guarantor Service
If your credit history makes approval difficult, having a cosigner can be a strong solution. A cosigner is typically a friend or family member with good credit who agrees to share responsibility for the lease. Their signature reassures the landlord that rent will be paid on time.
If asking someone close to you isn’t an option, consider a guarantor service. These companies act as third-party cosigners for a fee, which can help you secure an apartment without putting personal relationships at risk. Just remember that whether you use a cosigner or guarantor, you’ll need to stay current on payments to avoid damaging their credit or your own.
See also: How to Rent an Apartment With No Credit History
Final Thoughts
Renting an apartment with bad credit isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. By checking your credit report, addressing negative items, and strengthening your application with references, deposits, or a cosigner, you can show landlords that you’re a reliable tenant.
Even after you move in, keep working on your credit. Paying bills on time, reducing debt, and building positive credit history will make your next rental—or even a mortgage—much easier to secure. A little effort now can open the door to better housing options in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need credit to rent an apartment?
Not always. Some landlords and property managers check credit reports as part of the screening process, but others may focus more on proof of income, rental history, and references. Smaller landlords are often more flexible than large property management companies.
What kind of documents do I need to rent an apartment with bad credit?
Most landlords will want proof that you can pay rent reliably. Common documents include recent pay stubs, bank statements, employment verification, and references from past landlords or employers. Having these ready can strengthen your application even with a low credit score.
Can I rent an apartment after an eviction?
Yes, but it can be harder. An eviction on your credit report is a red flag for many landlords, so you may need to show stronger proof of income, offer a larger deposit, or find a private landlord who is more willing to consider your situation.
Do landlords care more about income or credit score?
Many landlords value steady income more than credit history. If you can show that your rent will only take up a reasonable portion of your monthly income, you may be approved even with bad credit. Providing pay stubs or bank statements can help make your case.
Can a guarantor service help me rent an apartment?
Yes. Guarantor services act like professional cosigners and agree to cover rent if you don’t pay. While they charge a fee, these services can be a good option if you don’t have a family member or friend who can cosign for you.
