What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment or House?

As rent prices and competition rise across the U.S., credit scores have become a major factor in securing housing. Whether you're eyeing a downtown apartment or a quiet suburban house, your credit profile can make or break your application. In 2025, most landlords consider a FICO score of 670 or above as a benchmark for approval. Scores between 620 and 669 may still qualify, but could require additional documentation or financial assurances.

If your score is below 620, you’re not out of luck, but you’ll need to be prepared with alternatives. This guide breaks down what scores landlords expect, what else they evaluate, and how to increase your chances of getting approved, no matter your credit history.

Understanding Why Landlords Check Your Credit

A credit score is more than just a number; it’s a snapshot of your financial behavior. When landlords review your score, they’re assessing risk. Specifically, they want to know: Are you likely to pay rent on time? A high score signals consistency, reliability, and low financial risk. A low score, by contrast, raises concerns about late payments or missed obligations.

It’s important to distinguish between your credit score and your credit report. Your score is a three-digit summary, while your report details your full credit history, including accounts, payment behavior, and red flags like delinquencies or collections.

Most landlords use the FICO Score, which ranges from 300 to 850. Although some may also reference VantageScore, FICO remains the industry standard, particularly among property management companies and credit-based screening services.

What Credit Score is Typically Needed to Rent?

There’s no official minimum score required by law to rent a home, but general patterns do exist:

1. 700+ (Excellent): Ideal for high-demand rentals, luxury units, or competitive urban markets. These applicants often face fewer barriers and may even negotiate lease terms.
2. 670–699 (Good): The most common approval range. Viewed as low-risk by landlords, this range usually qualifies for standard rental agreements.
3. 620–669 (Fair): Still acceptable in many cases, though landlords may request additional documents or impose conditions like a higher deposit.
4. Below 620 (Risk Zone): Approval becomes more difficult, especially with corporate landlords. Private or independent landlords may be more flexible, especially if other qualifications are strong.

Ultimately, approval depends not just on the score, but also on local market conditions, property type, and the landlord’s personal policy.

Apartment vs. House: Do Credit Requirements Differ?

Yes, credit expectations often differ depending on the type of property you're applying for.

Apartments, especially those run by large management companies, may use standardized credit criteria but offer more flexibility overall. These landlords often consider other factors, like employment and rent-to-income ratio, in addition to your score.

Houses, especially those owned by individual landlords, may have more stringent expectations, or more lenient ones, depending on the owner's discretion. In some cases, homeowners are cautious and set higher credit expectations to minimize risk.

For shared rentals, roommate situations, or sublets, credit checks may still occur, but requirements are often relaxed, particularly if you’re not the leaseholder or if rent is split.

What Else Do Landlords Evaluate Beyond Credit

While a credit score is a key factor, it’s only one part of the tenant screening process. Landlords typically evaluate the full picture:

1. Income-to-rent ratio: Most landlords look for a monthly income of at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent.
2. Rental history: A history of on-time payments and positive relationships with past landlords strengthens your application.
3. Employment verification: Proof of stable, ongoing income is crucial, especially if your credit score is borderline.
4. Red flags: Evictions, collections, bankruptcies, and judgments can raise concerns, even with an otherwise decent score.
5. Screening tools: Many landlords now use automated tenant screening systems that weigh credit, income, criminal history, and more.

Can You Still Rent with a Low Credit Score?

Absolutely, but it takes strategy and preparation. Here are proven ways to improve your chances:

1. Offer a larger security deposit: This shows financial responsibility and reassures the landlord.
2. Show proof of income: Pay stubs, bank statements, or job offer letters can help offset a weak score.
3. Use a co-signer or guarantor: A financially stable co-signer adds an extra layer of security for landlords.
4. Provide strong references: Prior landlords, employers, or professional contacts can vouch for your reliability.
5. Look for independent landlords: Private owners are often more flexible and willing to assess you as a person, not just a number.
6. Search for “no credit check” rentals: These are more common in lower-cost units or informal housing arrangements.

Even with less-than-ideal credit, the right approach can help you find a rental that works for you.

5 Steps to Boost Your Approval Odds

If your credit score isn’t ideal, or even if it is, there are several practical ways to improve your chances of securing the rental you want.

1. Check your score before applying

Use a soft inquiry tool to view your credit score without impacting it. This helps you understand where you stand and prepare accordingly.

2. Correct any errors on your credit report

Mistakes happen. An incorrect account, duplicate debt, or an outdated negative mark can drag down your score. Dispute inaccuracies with the credit bureaus before landlords pull your report.

3. Pay down outstanding balances

Reducing your credit utilization (the ratio of your credit card balances to limits) can quickly boost your score. Focus on getting utilization under 30%, ideally below 10%.

4. Avoid opening new credit accounts

New credit lines can cause temporary score dips. Wait until after your lease is signed before applying for new credit cards or loans.

5. Add positive payment data

Use rent-reporting tools or bill-tracking apps that submit your on-time payments to credit bureaus. This can gradually raise your score and demonstrate responsibility, even if you're new to credit.

Co-signers, Roommates, and Alternative Strategies

When your credit alone isn’t enough, bringing in others or presenting a stronger case can make all the difference.

What is a co-signer, and how do they help?

A co-signer is someone, usually a family member or close friend, with strong credit and income who agrees to be legally responsible if you fail to pay rent. Their backing can satisfy landlords who are hesitant about your application.

Why credit blending is a myth

Some renters assume their credit will “average out” with a co-signer’s or roommate’s score. In reality, landlords assess each applicant individually. A co-signer strengthens your application, but doesn’t replace your own score.

When a roommate’s score helps

In shared rentals, a stronger roommate may become the leaseholder, reducing the scrutiny on your score. However, if all tenants are on the lease, your score will still be evaluated.

Creative ways to present a strong profile

Write a brief renter “cover letter explaining your situation. Attach references, proof of income, or a recent credit improvement plan. Some landlords appreciate proactive, transparent applicants.

How Requirements Differ by Region (2025 Snapshots)

Credit expectations vary widely across the country. Where you're applying matters almost as much as your score.

High-cost cities (e.g., New York, San Francisco)

Landlords in competitive markets often expect scores of 700 or higher, especially for high-demand units. Flexibility is rare unless you offer extra financial security.

Mid-tier metros (e.g., Atlanta, Denver)

Here, scores around 650+ are often acceptable, especially with strong income or rental history. Co-signers and references are commonly used to bridge the gap.

Smaller towns and rural areas

Independent landlords dominate these markets and may rely less on formal credit scores. Human interaction and income stability often weigh more heavily than the number on your report.

State and local laws

Some states (like California and New York) restrict how credit data can be used or require landlords to disclose their criteria. Others give property owners wide discretion. Always check local tenant laws before applying.

How Long It Takes to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit takes time, but smart actions can lead to visible results within months.

Short-term improvements (3–6 months)

1. Pay bills on time, especially credit cards and loans
2. Reduce balances below 30% of credit limits
3. Remove small collection accounts if possible
4. Dispute report errors

Long-term recovery (6–18 months or more)

1. Rebuild from serious issues like bankruptcies, defaults, or high utilization
2. Establish a new positive history with secured cards or credit-builder loans
3. Maintain consistency, credit rewards sustained responsible behavior

Rebuilding after major setbacks

If you’ve had a foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy, expect at least 12–24 months of effort to regain strong credit. Focus on financial stability and transparency with landlords during that time.

Renting Without Credit: Is It Possible?

Yes, it’s possible to rent even if you have no credit history or score. Here’s how to make it work.

Show proof of employment and income

A steady paycheck and low debt-to-income ratio can outweigh a thin credit file.

Prepay multiple months of rent

Offering several months up front shows financial commitment and lowers the landlord’s risk.

Provide strong personal or professional references

Past landlords, employers, or even mentors who can vouch for your reliability are valuable.

Look for private owners

Independent landlords are often more willing to accept alternatives to a traditional credit report.

Explore rent-to-own options or lease alternatives

These less traditional paths often come with more flexible entry requirements, though terms vary widely.

Final Tips: Navigating the 2025 Rental Market with Confidence

1. Know your credit score and credit report before applying
2. Be upfront about weaknesses, but highlight your strengths
3. Prepare documents in advance: pay stubs, ID, references
4. Negotiate terms confidently, especially with smaller landlords
5. Don’t let a low score stop you, with the right preparation, it’s still possible to land a great rental in 2025

Armed with knowledge and a solid plan, your next home is within reach, credit challenges or not.

FAQs: Credit and Renting in 2025

What’s the lowest score I can rent with?

There’s no absolute minimum, but scores below 600 often require workarounds like co-signers or larger deposits.

Is income more important than credit?

For many landlords, yes. If your income is strong and stable, it may compensate for lower credit.

Will checking my score hurt it?

No. Using a tool to check your own score is a soft inquiry and doesn’t affect your credit.

Which credit bureau do landlords use?

Most landlords rely on Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, but often through third-party screening tools. FICO is the most common scoring model used.

Does paying rent help your credit score?

Only if your rent is reported to credit bureaus. Consider using a rent-reporting service to ensure it counts.

What if I’m an international renter or student?

Without a U.S. credit history, you’ll likely need to provide other documentation, like visa status, bank records, or a local co-signer.