Loans & Approvals
How to Get Approved for an Apartment with Bad Credit
Landlords pull credit too. Here's how to get approved for an apartment with bad credit — what landlords actually look at and how to compensate.
What Landlords Actually Check
Most landlords and property managers run a tenant screening report that includes:
- Credit score (usually VantageScore or a specialized rental score)
- Eviction history (the dealbreaker)
- Criminal background check
- Income verification (typically 2.5–3x monthly rent)
- Past landlord references
Minimum scores vary:
- Class A buildings (luxury): 700+
- Class B (mid-market): 620–680
- Class C (workforce): 550–620
- Individual landlords: often no minimum if other factors are strong
What Blocks Approval Most Often
- Prior eviction in the last 7 years
- Unpaid balance to a previous landlord (in collections)
- Active utility collection
- Charge-off in the last 12 months
- Recent bankruptcy (not discharged)
How to Get Approved Anyway
1. Offer a Larger Deposit
Two months instead of one often closes the deal at private landlords.
2. Pre-Pay 2–3 Months of Rent
Removes the risk concern entirely for individual landlords.
3. Bring a Co-Signer
A family member with 680+ credit can co-sign.
4. Write a Letter of Explanation
Honest, brief, take responsibility. Pair with proof of recent on-time payments elsewhere.
5. Target Individual Landlords Instead of Property Management Companies
Mom-and-pop landlords use judgment more than algorithms.
6. Show Strong Income
4x rent in verifiable income often outweighs a 580 credit score.
7. Use a Rental Guarantor Service
Services like Insurent or TheGuarantors will guarantee the lease for a one-time fee (typically 80% of one month's rent).
What to Fix Before Apartment Hunting
- Pay off any past-due rent or utility balances
- Dispute any utility collections under $500 (often these are misreported)
- Reduce credit card balances below 30%
- Don't open new credit in the 60 days before applying
After You Move In
Get rent reporting set up through services like RentReporters, Boom, or Esusu. On-time rent reports to the bureaus and can add 40–80 points within 6 months — preparing you for a much easier next move.