Can You Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit or No Credit History?
- Author: Aubrey Sipes
- Posted: 2026-05-21
Having a good credit score can help when you're trying to rent an apartment. But what if your credit isn't great? Or what if you've never had credit before?
The good news is that you can still find a place to rent, even with low or no credit. You can also take steps to build better credit while you're renting.
What Is a Credit Score and Why Does It Matter?
A credit score is a number that shows how well you handle money and pay your bills. When you apply to rent an apartment, the landlord or property manager may check your credit score.
They want to know if you're likely to pay your rent on time.
Several things can lower your credit score:
- Paying bills late or missing payments
- Keeping high balances on your credit cards
- Only paying the minimum amount due on bills
- Owing a lot of money overall
Check Your Credit Before You Start Looking
Before you begin searching for an apartment, find out what your credit score is. You can get a free credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com.
If your score is lower than you'd like, don't worry. Your credit score can change over time based on how you manage your money. Here are some ways to improve it:
- Pay your credit card bills on time and in full each month
- Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit
Once you're renting, you can keep building your credit by making sure your on-time rent payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
How to Find an Apartment with Low or No Credit
Different apartments have different rules about credit scores. Some have strict requirements, while others don't check credit at all.
Many landlords look at more than just your credit score—they also consider your rental history and other information.
Make Your Application Stand Out
Your rental application is your chance to show landlords that you'll be a good tenant. Here are some things you can include:
- Your rental history from past apartments
- References from previous landlords or roommates
You might also consider renting with a roommate or having someone co-sign your lease. A co-signer agrees to pay the rent if you can't, which gives the landlord more confidence.
Talk to the Landlord
If your credit score doesn't meet the landlord's requirements, you may be able to work something out. Here are some options to consider:
- Show proof that you have a steady income
- Offer to pay a larger security deposit
- Pay an extra month's rent upfront
These steps can help reassure the landlord that you'll be able to pay your rent.
The Bottom Line
Your credit score matters when renting, but it's not the only thing landlords look at. With some planning and effort, you can find an apartment that works for you.
At the same time, you can work on building your credit to help you reach your future financial goals.
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Read more: 7 Warning Signs to Watch For Before Signing a Lease with Your Section 8 Voucher
