What's the lowest credit score to rent an apartment? (2024)

What's the lowest credit score to rent an apartment?

There's no set minimum credit score to rent an apartment, but you'll have the best luck with a score approaching 670.

Can you get an apartment with a credit score of 500?

Landlords generally prefer a minimum credit score of at least “good,” which is 670 to 739. A score at or above that range will make apartment applications easier. Still, even a “fair” (580 to 669) or “poor” (300 to 579) score won't necessarily put the kibosh on your rental hopes.

What is the lowest credit score to rent?

Generally, most landlords require applicants to have a credit score of at least 620 to be considered for rental housing. This means that if your FICO score is lower than 620, you may be denied an application or asked for additional security deposits or co-signers before being approved.

How much credit do you need for an apartment?

The average credit score for approved apartment rental applicants is around 650, whereas the average credit score for rejected applicants was 538.

Is A 600 A Good credit score?

According to a report from Experian®, the average FICO credit score in America was 714 in 2022. So 600 falls below that national average. On the VantageScore range, the company says 600 scores are considered poor. But the company says fair credit scores start at 601.

What if my credit score is too low for an apartment?

If your score is low, submit documents with your application that tell the rest of the story and demonstrate that you are a credible applicant capable of paying your rent every month. This could include: Proof of a responsible rental history: Bring copies of payments you've made for your last rental, if applicable.

What FICO score do apartments use?

Most landlords use FICO credit scores to determine if an applicant qualifies for an apartment. The typical categories for those scores are: Exceptional: 800 to 850. Very Good: 740 to 799.

Can I rent with a 300 credit score?

For example, a poor FICO score is considered to be 300–579 and a poor VantageScore is 300–660. This doesn't mean that renting an apartment with bad credit is impossible—but you may have to take some extra steps to increase your chances of being approved.

Can you rent with a 400 credit score?

Renting an apartment with bad credit can be challenging, but it isn't impossible. Be honest with potential landlords about your credit history, come prepared with proof of income and references, and be willing to pay a higher security deposit or a few months' rent in advance.

What is the minimum credit score most landlords accept?

So, if your renter has a score of 670 or higher, that's a very good credit score for most rentals. Most landlords are looking for a score somewhere between 600 – 650 since renters don't have the credit history of making mortgage payments to boost their credit score.

How do I build credit to rent an apartment?

Do apartment credit checks lower your score?

If you're on the hunt for a new apartment, a rental application may include a credit check. This can result in an inquiry on your credit report, which may cause a temporary dip in your score. Not all applications will result in a hard inquiry.

Does every apartment check credit score?

Not all landlords and property managers look at credit scores. And factors other than your credit reports and scores could still help you qualify for an apartment. Landlords want to make sure potential tenants have enough income to handle rent payments, so they might verify your employment.

How to go from 600 to 700 credit score fast?

Can I rent with a credit score of 600?

Wealthier, more competitive areas will require a higher minimum score, as will new or luxury buildings. However, a good rule of thumb is that most landlords look for a credit score of at least 600. Anything under 600 is considered bad credit, but don't worry – there are many ways to get around bad credit.

How long does it take to get a 700 credit score from 600?

It can take 12 to 18+ months to build your credit from 500 to 700. The exact timing depends on which types of negative marks are dragging down your score and the steps you take to improve your credit going forward.

What credit score for most apartments?

While there's no universally required credit score needed to rent an apartment, having a solid credit score can certainly help your chances of a landlord handing you a set of keys. In general, a landlord will look for a credit score that is at least “good,” which is generally in the range of 670 to 739.

How do you explain a low credit score to a landlord?

Be honest (and communicate well) about your bad credit.

Be upfront with potential landlords. Write a letter of explanation detailing why your credit score is not very good. Include how you now have good budgeting habits and about your plans to be a responsible tenant.

Do landlords do hard credit checks?

Landlords can check credit in a few different ways; some are considered hard pulls while others are considered soft pulls. You are well within your right to ask the landlord what type of credit check they're going to do. A hard credit inquiry could lower your credit score by up to 10 points.

What does landlord look for on credit report?

Landlords may even opt for a service that automatically screens tenants based on certain risk factors like debt-to-income ratio, number of bankruptcies or delinquent accounts, and criminal history. Your credit doesn't have to be spotless to get approved for an apartment.

Can I rent an apartment with a 625 credit score?

From 740 to 799 is considered very good, and from 580 to 669 is regarded as a fair score. The credit score required to get approval for a rental application varies depending on the landlord or property management company. However, most landlords want applicants with a score of around 625 or higher.

Can I rent an apartment with a 552 credit score?

While credit score requirements for renting an apartment vary depending on the landlord or property management company, there are some general guidelines you can follow. Generally, a credit score of 625 or higher is considered good, while a score of 600 or lower may make it more difficult to get approved.

Can I rent with a credit score of 450?

It's still possible to find a rental property when you have a poor credit score, but you may need to take extra steps to prove your financial stability, such as having someone cosign or putting down a higher security deposit.

Do apartments care more about income or credit score?

The credit score you need to rent an apartment varies by landlord. Some landlords expect good credit, while others are okay with fair or even poor credit if you have adequate income. Landlords may also be more concerned with evictions, collections, and foreclosures than with your credit.

Can I rent a house with 550 credit score?

There's no set credit score necessary to rent an apartment or house; the criteria for approval will vary depending on the property, location, landlord and other factors. However, knowing your credit score before you start apartment-hunting can help you zero in on properties you may qualify to rent.