What credit score do landlords require to rent an apartment?

Most landlords look for a credit score of 620-670 as a minimum. In competitive rental markets like New York City or San Francisco, many landlords require 700+. Some individual landlords or smaller properties may accept lower scores with a larger deposit.

Can you rent an apartment with a 500 credit score?

It's difficult but possible. You may need a co-signer, larger security deposit (2-3 months), prepaid rent, or proof of stable income (usually 3x rent). Individual landlords are more flexible than large property management companies.

Do all landlords check credit scores?

Most do. About 90% of property management companies and large apartment complexes check credit. Individual landlords or private rentals may be more flexible, with some only verifying income and references.

Credit Score Needed to Rent an Apartment (2026 Guide)

Most landlords want a credit score of 620-670 minimum, but competitive markets may require 700+. Here’s what to expect.

Minimum Credit Score to Rent by Market

Rental Market	Typical Minimum Score	Competition Level
New York City	700+	Very high
San Francisco	700+	Very high
Los Angeles	670+	High
Boston	680+	High
Seattle	670+	High
Miami	650+	Moderate-high
Denver	650+	Moderate-high
Chicago	620-660	Moderate
Austin	630-660	Moderate
Atlanta	620-650	Moderate
Dallas	600-650	Moderate
Phoenix	600-640	Moderate
Indianapolis	580-620	Lower
Memphis	560-600	Lower
Rural areas	550+	Low

These are general minimums — individual properties vary.

What Landlords Actually Check

The Credit Check

Item Checked	What They Look For
Credit score	Minimum threshold (varies)
Payment history	Late payments, especially on rent or utilities
Collections	Unpaid debts, especially utility or rental collections
Evictions	Past eviction records
Bankruptcies	Recent bankruptcy filings
Debt-to-income	Can you afford the rent?
Public records	Judgments, liens

Beyond Credit

Also Checked	Why
Income verification	Usually require 2.5-3x monthly rent in gross income
Employment verification	Stable job = reliable rent payments
Rental history	References from past landlords
Criminal background	Standard screening in most states
Eviction history	Major red flag if present

How Credit Score Affects Your Application

Score Range	Likely Outcome
750+	Approved easily. May negotiate lower deposit
700-749	Approved at most places
670-699	Approved at many places
620-669	May need higher deposit or co-signer
580-619	Difficult — limited options, need co-signer
Below 580	Very difficult — may need alternative strategies

What If You Have Bad Credit?

Strategies That Work

Strategy	How It Helps
Offer a larger security deposit	2-3 months instead of 1 reduces landlord risk
Get a co-signer/guarantor	Someone with good credit backs your lease
Prepay rent	Offer 2-6 months upfront
Show proof of income	Pay stubs showing 3x+ rent
Provide references	Previous landlord references showing on-time rent
Write a letter	Explain credit issues (medical emergency, job loss) and show recovery
Show bank statements	Prove you have savings and consistent deposits

Where to Look with Bad Credit

Option	Minimum Score Required
Individual landlords (Craigslist, Zillow)	More flexible
Roommate situations	Often minimal credit check
Smaller property management companies	More case-by-case
Month-to-month rentals	Lower barrier
Corporate housing	Varies — some skip credit checks
Subletting	Typically no credit check

Rental Application Costs

Item	Typical Cost
Application fee	$25-$75 per applicant
Credit check fee	Usually included in application fee
Security deposit	1-2 months’ rent
First month’s rent	Due at signing
Last month’s rent	Sometimes required
Pet deposit	$200-$500 if applicable

Tip: Application fees are usually non-refundable. Only apply where you have a realistic chance.

Will a Rental Application Hurt Your Credit?

Type of Check	Impact
Tenant screening service (soft pull)	No impact
Hard credit pull by landlord	-5 to -10 points
Multiple applications in short period	May count as rate shopping (model-dependent)

Ask the landlord whether their screening is a hard or soft pull before applying.

Evictions and Your Credit

Fact	Detail
Where evictions appear	Tenant screening reports (not always on credit reports)
Duration	7 years on screening reports
Impact	Most landlords auto-reject with recent eviction
How to check	Request your tenant screening report

How to Build Credit Before Renting

Timeline	Action
6+ months before	Open a secured credit card and use it for small purchases
3+ months before	Pay down credit card balances below 30%
2+ months before	Check credit reports for errors; dispute any
1 month before	Pull your own credit score to know where you stand
Ongoing	Pay all bills on time — especially rent, utilities, and phone

Rent Reporting Services

Some services report your rent payments to credit bureaus, which can build credit:

Service	Cost	Bureaus Reported To
Rental Kharma	$7-$10/month	TransUnion
RentTrack	$2-$7/month	All 3 bureaus
Boom	$2-$10/month	All 3 bureaus
Piñata	Free-$5/month	TransUnion
Self (RentTrack)	Varies	TransUnion, Equifax

Verify current pricing and bureau coverage before signing up.

Tags: