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How Your Credit Score Affects Renting a Home
When you apply for an apartment or rental home, your credit score can make the difference between approval and rejection. Landlords use credit reports to measure reliability and assess financial responsibility. Understanding how your credit score impacts the rental process can help you prepare and avoid costly surprises.
Last updated: December 2025
Why Landlords Check Credit
Your credit score reflects how you manage money and pay bills. Landlords use it to predict whether you will pay rent on time. A strong credit score can make you a preferred tenant, while a low score may lead to higher deposits or a denied application.
Even if you have no credit or a limited history, there are ways to strengthen your application and show financial stability.
Typical Credit Requirements for Renting
Most landlords and property managers look for a credit score of 620 or higher, but this can vary by city and property type.
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Above 700: Excellent, often qualifies for lower deposits
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620 to 699: Acceptable but may require additional proof of income
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Below 620: May result in higher deposits or denials
If your score is lower, consider providing a co-signer or showing consistent income and savings.
How Poor Credit Can Affect Renting
A low credit score can lead to:
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Higher security deposits
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Limited property choices
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Stricter lease terms
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Higher rent in competitive areas
In some cases, landlords may deny applications due to unpaid collections, evictions, or large amounts of revolving debt.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
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Check your credit report. Look for outdated or inaccurate information.
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Pay down existing balances. Lowering utilization shows financial control.
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Provide references. Letters from previous landlords can offset a weaker score.
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Show proof of income. Consistent employment and savings build confidence.
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Use a credit builder app. Apps such as Kovo, Kikoff, Firstcard, and Ava help you build a positive payment history before you apply.
Final Thoughts
Renting a home is one of the most common financial situations where credit matters. By improving your score and showing financial responsibility, you increase your chances of approval and can often qualify for lower deposits or better lease terms.
If you want to strengthen your credit before your next rental, explore our best credit builder apps to start building a stronger financial foundation today.