What credit scores do renters look for?
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.
Examples would be credit card charge-offs or car repossessions. On the other hand, good credit doesn't ensure approval. Factors such as income, evictions and criminal convictions can also play a big part. If possible, talk to the landlord to get a better idea of what they are looking for before applying.
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. However, keep in mind that credit scores are not the only factor that landlords consider when reviewing rental applications.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 584 FICO® Score is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.
Key takeaways. If you have a credit score that's below 620, you will find it more difficult to rent an apartment. You can work around the situation by renting with a smaller landlord, finding a cosigner or guarantor for your rental payments, or getting a roommate.
You should aim for a minimum credit score of at least 620 before you apply for a rental home. If you don't meet the credit criteria, a high income and proof of finances can show the landlord you're stable and can afford the rent.
There is no minimum credit score to rent an apartment. Landlords and real estate agents will typically ask a potential tenant for permission to view their credit score or credit report to screen them for financial responsibility. If your credit score is less than ideal there are ways to build your credit score.
Most apartment rental applications involve soft credit checks. Landlords are generally interested in assessing your financial responsibility and suitability as a tenant rather than conducting an in-depth examination of your credit history.
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.
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 minimum credit score a landlord should 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.
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.
Credit Score | Tier | Percentage of Americans |
---|---|---|
720 – 850 | Excellent | 38.12% |
660 – 719 | Good | 17.33% |
620 – 659 | Fair/Limited | 13.47% |
300 – 619 | Bad | 31.08% |
Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.
Your credit score helps lenders decide if you qualify for products like credit cards and loans, and your interest rate. You are one of the 48% of Americans who had a score of 750 or above as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO.
Explain Why You Have Bad Credit to the Rental Property
Landlords are more interested in your recent history, so if your low score is the result of something that happened years prior be sure to discuss that and share what you've been doing to improve your score and fulfill your responsibilities since then.
- Check your credit report. ...
- Pay your bills on time. ...
- Pay off any collections. ...
- Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
- Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
- Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.
Your credit may be a factor that landlords and property managers use to help determine whether to accept you as a tenant. And since having a higher credit score might increase your chances of being approved to rent, it may help to learn how to improve your credit scores.
If you have bad credit, this could result in a rejection for the apartment or a more expensive security deposit.
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.
Does paying rent build credit?
"Paying rent can build credit if your payments are reported," says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for the credit bureau Experian. "Unfortunately, that's not the norm, as most landlord and rent management companies don't report rent payments."
How soon can you see improvement? The length of time it will take to improve your credit scores depends on your unique financial situation. At the earliest, you may see a change between 30 and 45 days after you have taken steps to positively impact your credit reports.
Most individuals or companies renting an apartment want credit scores from applicants to be 620 or higher.
- Pay credit card balances strategically.
- Ask for higher credit limits.
- Become an authorized user.
- Pay bills on time.
- Dispute credit report errors.
- Deal with collections accounts.
- Use a secured credit card.
- Get credit for rent and utility payments.
Can Multiple Credit Checks for Rentals Affect My Credit Score? Since most credit checks for renting are considered soft checks, they won't negatively impact your credit score. The FICO® credit-scoring model, one of the most popular credit scores, ignores inquiries made within 30 days of scoring.
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