How to Pass a Rental Credit Check with Bad Credit

July 22, 2021

Why Landlords Require a Credit Check: We kick things off by explaining why landlords conduct credit checks. Discover how these checks help landlords find financially responsible tenants who pay rent on time. We delve into the significance of understanding past rental behavior and its impact on future tenancy.

Information Included on a Rental Credit Check: Curious about what’s included in a rental credit check? We break down the essential components, such as employment history, credit score, payment history, fraud indications, and social security number verification.

Minimum Credit Score Needed to Rent: One burning question we address is, “What is the minimum credit score needed to rent an apartment?” While it varies by location, most landlords typically seek a score of around 600 or higher.

Tips to Pass a Rental Credit Check with Poor Credit: For those with less-than-ideal credit scores, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with some valuable tips:

  • Tip 1: Find a Cosigner: Learn how having a cosigner can boost your chances of approval and give landlords peace of mind.
  • Tip 2: Offer Advanced Payments: Discover how offering to pay the first month’s rent in advance can demonstrate your financial stability and commitment.
  • Tip 3: Offer More Money: Find out how offering higher rent or increasing the security deposit can prove your financial responsibility.
  • Tip 4: Leave a Paper Trail: Learn how crafting a narrative about your financial and job history can showcase your financial responsibility to potential landlords.

TurboTip: We provide an extra tip for navigating the rental application process, including a helpful timeline for hearing back from landlords.

Looking for More Rental Tips? If you’re hungry for more expert advice on renting or landlording, head over to our blog for a treasure trove of valuable insights.

Don’t let a less-than-perfect credit score stand in the way of securing your dream apartment. Watch our video and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to pass that rental credit check with flying colors!

Video Transcript

How to Pass A Rental Credit Check

Bad credit? No worries, we’ve got you covered!

Landlords require a credit check to…

  • Find financially-responsible tenants
  • Find a tenant who will pay rent on- time
  • Understand past rental behavior and how it will effect future behavior

What information is included on a rental credit check?

  • Employment history
  • Credit score
  • Payment history
  • Fraud indications
  • Social security number verification

What is the minimum credit score needed to rent an apartment?

The minimum credit score needed to rent an apartment varies by location. However, most landlords look for a score around 600 or higher.

What do you do if your credit score doesn’t meet a landlord’s requirements?

Keep watching for tips on how to pass a rental credit check even with a poor credit score…

Tip 1: Find a Cosigner

A cosigner is the best way to get approved if you have poor credit. This person will be legally obligated to pay rent if you cannot and this will give the landlord better peace of mind.

Tip 2: Offer Advanced Payments

Offering to pay the first month early will prove your financial stability and show the landlord you are serious.

Tip 3: Offer More Money

Offering to pay more in rent or doubling the security deposit is also a great option to prove you’re financially responsible.

Tip 4: Leave a Paper Trail

Craft a narrative about your financial and job history to show the landlord that you are living a financially responsible life.

TurboTip

It should take about 2-3 days to hear back about your rental application. If it is taking a long time to hear a response, you should reach out to the landlord.

Looking for more tips on renting or landlording?

Head over to our blog to learn more!

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

TheKey is the weekly newsletter for landlords, by landlords.

Subscribe to get tips, news, and hacks for even the most seasoned landlords.

More Resources and Tips

Join the 550,000+ independent landlords who rely on TurboTenant to create welcoming rental experiences.

No tricks or trials to worry about. So what’s the harm? Try it today!