Can You Get an Apartment With Bad (or No) Credit?
Yes! You can rent an apartment even with bad or no credit. By showing steady income, providing references, offering a larger security deposit, or using a co-signer, renters can improve their chances of approval. There are also options like no-credit-check apartments, student housing, or income-based housing to consider.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You can still rent with bad or no credit.
- Strong income, references, or deposits can offset low scores.
- Consider no-credit-check options or co-signers to improve your chances.
- Prepare documentation and budget in advance to strengthen your application.
Can you get an apartment with bad credit?
The short answer: yes. Some renters worry that their credit will block them from securing housing, but there are strategies to help.
Common credit score requirements
Many landlords prefer credit scores in the 600–650 range, but requirements vary widely depending on location, property size, rental type, and management policies.
| Credit score | Typical consideration |
|---|---|
| 750+ | Excellent. Likely approved quickly |
| 700–749 | Good. Generally approved, may need minimal extra documentation |
| 650–699 | Fair. Approval possible with strong income or references |
| 600–649 | Below average. May require larger deposit or co-signer |
| <600 | Poor. Co-signer, higher deposit, or alternative housing may be needed |
Income, credit references, and rental history can often offset a lower score, meaning a 580-credit score isn’t necessarily a barrier if you demonstrate stability.
🧐RELATED: What Is Considered a Good Credit Score?
Is it possible to rent with no credit check?
Yes, there are apartments and arrangements where credit isn’t the deciding factor. Options may include:
- Private landlords or small property owners: Often more flexible than large management companies.
- Short-term or month-to-month rentals: Landlords may accept upfront payment or references instead of a credit check.
- College or student housing: Many student apartments prioritize enrollment and income over credit.
- Subletting or roommate arrangements: Sharing with someone who has good credit can help.
- Income-based or government-subsidized housing: Focuses on income verification rather than credit.
Alternative housing options
| Alternative housing type | Best for | Credit requirements | Typical lease terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student housing | College students | Usually flexible | 9–12 months |
| Income-based housing | Low-to-moderate income | Focuses on income | Varies |
| Private landlord rentals | Flexible applicants | Negotiable | Month-to-month or annual |
| Sublets / roommates | Shared renters | Often no credit check | Short-term |
💡Tip: Ask upfront whether a credit check is required (some landlords rely more on proof of income).
5 tips to find no-credit-check apartments
Finding apartments that don’t require a credit check can feel challenging. Try these strategies to uncover rentals that may prioritize income, references, or flexibility over credit history:
- Search rental listings online and filter by “no credit check” or “flexible application.”
- Check local classifieds, Facebook groups, and community bulletin boards.
- Contact property managers directly (some units aren’t listed online).
- Ask friends or colleagues about sublets or roommate openings.
- Explore income-based housing programs through local housing authorities.
🧐RELATED: Can I Get a Cash Advance With Bad Credit?
Why your credit matters when renting an apartment
Landlords use credit checks to gauge whether you’re likely to pay rent on time. Your credit history shows your track record for handling debt, late payments, or collections.
A rental credit check typically includes:
- Credit score
- Outstanding debts and collections
- Eviction history
- Background records (criminal history in some cases)
| Renter type | What landlords look for | How it affects approval |
|---|---|---|
| Good credit | Steady payment history, low debt | Likely approved quickly |
| Bad/no credit | High debt, late payments, limited credit history | May need extra documentation or deposits |
Even with bad or no credit, demonstrating reliability and financial stability can outweigh a low score.
How to improve your chances of getting approved
Even with a low score, you can strengthen your rental application by highlighting stability and reliability.
Show proof of steady income
Landlords want assurance you can pay rent on time. Examples include:
- Recent pay stubs
- Job-offer letters
- Proof of freelance or contract income
- Documentation of regular government benefits or scholarships
Provide references
References show you’re a responsible tenant. Ask:
- Previous landlords or property managers
- Employers
- Professors or advisors (for students or recent grads)
💡Tip: The more credible references you can provide, the more you reassure a landlord that you’re a responsible renter.
Offer a larger security deposit or prepay rent
Paying 1–3 months upfront can signal financial reliability and reduce the landlord’s perceived risk.
Apply with a co-signer or roommate
A co-signer with good credit or a reliable roommate can help offset low credit.
| Option | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Co-signer | Adds credibility, increases approval chance | Responsible if you default |
| Roommate | Shares rent responsibility, can help meet income requirements | Must coordinate payments and leases |
Other factors landlords look at besides credit
Landlords consider more than just credit when reviewing applications:
Employment stability
Consistent employment reassures landlords that you can cover rent monthly. Even if you change jobs occasionally, showing a steady income trend or a reliable source of funds — such as freelance contracts or benefits — can help demonstrate financial stability.
💡Tip: Create income spreadsheets with copies of bank statements that back up your figures.
Rental history
A positive rental history, including on-time payments and care of previous units, strengthens your application. If you have gaps or past issues, providing a clear, written explanation and references from prior landlords can reassure new landlords that you’re a responsible tenant.
Background checks
Some landlords perform criminal background checks or verify past evictions. Being upfront about any past incidents and showing steps you’ve taken to address them, such as rehabilitation programs or debt repayment, can help build trust during the application process.
💡Tip: A well-written letter that honestly addresses concerns a landlord may have can go a long way on your behalf.
Debt-to-income ratio
Even with bad credit, showing that your income is enough to cover rent helps your case. It's a good idea to include proof of income and a budget to prove that you're able to pay your rent on time.
Landlords often care more about steady income and reliable payment history than a perfect score.
🧐RELATED: Debt-to-Income Ratio Explained: What It Is and How It’s Calculated
Building credit while renting
Even while renting with bad credit, you can work toward improving your score by doing the following:
- Enroll in rent-reporting services like RentTrack or Experian RentBureau.
- Pay utility bills and subscriptions on time.
- Use a secured credit card or credit-builder loan to establish positive credit history.
- Keep credit utilization low on existing cards.
🧐RELATED: How to Get a Loan With No Credit History
Bad/no credit renter scenarios
Here are some examples of bad/no-credit renter scenarios and smart ways to apply for rental housing:
- Recent graduate: No credit history, renting a first apartment.
- Application plan: Provides proof of income from part-time job and uses a roommate with established credit.
- Recovering renter: Past debt and low credit score.
- Application plan: Offers a larger deposit and a co-signer to secure an apartment.
- Student renter: Limited income.
- Application plan: Qualifies for student housing using scholarship proof and parental co-signer.
Budgeting before you apply
Prepare for upfront costs to improve approval chances by showing landlords you’re responsible and organized. Build savings for expenses such as:
- Application fee
- Security deposit
- First and last month’s rent
- Moving costs (truck rental, boxes, packing material)
💡Tip: Track these costs with a simple budgeting tool or app to avoid surprises.
Steps to take if you’re denied
Being denied doesn’t have to be the end of the road. While it’s disappointing (I’ve been through two denials), it’s an opportunity to make changes for the next application.
- Request the screening report to see why your application was rejected.
- Check your credit report for errors and address any inaccuracies.
- Use the feedback to strengthen future applications.
FAQs about renting with bad credit
Can I rent an apartment with a 500 credit score?
Yes. While approval may be more challenging, using a co-signer, offering a larger deposit, or finding a no-credit-check apartment can help.
Do landlords care more about income or credit?
Both matter, but steady income can often outweigh a low credit score. Demonstrating financial stability reassures landlords.
What if I was evicted before? Can I still rent?
Yes, but you may need a co-signer, a higher deposit, or to explain the circumstances. Correcting credit report errors and providing references helps.
Can paying rent build my credit?
Yes. Using rent-reporting services can add your timely payments to your credit history.
MORE ON RENTING:
Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
About the author
Bree Ewers is a senior editor, copywriter, and content writer whose work has been featured across the media, small business, and financial industries. She operates Nomad Freelance Content from her home office in Portland, Oregon.
