Where to get an apartment with bad credit

There are three major credit bureaus - Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion. Get reports from all three because you never know which one your potential landlord prefers. And remember, landlords don't just look at your credit score. It bears repeating that many will look into your history regarding evictions credit judgments and other outstanding obligations to previous landlords and utility companies.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can start cleaning up your credit report and financial history. If you owe money, pay off your debts, and request written confirmation about your payments prior to submitting your rental applications. Check carefully for errors, and if you find any, file a credit report dispute immediately with each credit bureau. Most leasing and property management companies require credit checks. However, some individual landlords do not, making it easier to rent with poor credit.

It may seem like a score to find a landlord willing to waive the credit check, but it can also signal a red flag and potential rental fraud. Stay cautious, ask for everything in writing, and verify all details before signing a lease without a credit check.

A bad credit score doesn't always define your trustworthiness or credibility. Sudden health problems, divorce or job loss can also result in a poor credit score. To prove that you are a financially responsible renter, ask your previous landlords, employers, or any other entities you had a financial relationship with to provide reference letters.

Many landlords require a monthly income of 2 to 3 times the monthly rent to be considered. You might not have a great credit history, but a healthy salary that covers the rent and proves stability can improve your chances.

Gather copies of recent pay stubs and bank statements to show the landlord. If you need help determining how much rent you can afford, try using a rent calculator. This will provide a better understanding of your current financial state and what you can afford. Sometimes landlords will require a greater security deposit to offset a bad credit history. Instead of waiting for the landlord to suggest it, offer it up immediately to increase your chances of securing a rental.

Be prepared to pay up to two to three months of rent as a security deposit instead of the usual one month of rent. Some landlords will allow you to move in with a roommate without having your name on the lease. Just make sure that your potential roommate has a good credit score and clean rental history without prior evictions. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots.

It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close. Credit Cards Credit card reviews. Best credit cards Best rewards credit cards. Best cash back credit cards. Best airline credit cards. Best small business credit cards. Best balance transfer cards. Best student credit cards. Best starter credit cards. The best online brokerages for beginners. The best investment apps. The best stock trading apps. Best robo advisors.

Average stock market return. Car insurance. Life insurance. Best cheap car insurance. Best life insurance companies. Best homeowners insurance. The best renters insurance. Average cost of car insurance. Average cost of life insurance. Average cost of home insurance. How to shop for car insurance.

Best savings accounts. Best checking accounts. Best CD rates. Best money-market accounts. Best high-yield savings accounts. Best bank account bonuses. Best online bank. American Express Savings review. Average bank interest rates. Average k balance. How to retire early. How to open an IRA. IRA CD rates. Best ways to save for retirement. Best mortgage lenders. Best mortgage refinance lenders. Average refinance closing costs. Average mortgage rates.

Average mortgage payment. Be Prepared for a Background Check. Intuit Turbo. ES Property Management. Bay Management Group. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads.

Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The Balance Budgeting.

Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. Know What's in Your Credit Report. Get a Recommendation. Demonstrate Provable Income. By LaToya Irby. LaToya Irby is a credit expert who has been covering credit and debt management for The Balance for more than a dozen years. Learn about our editorial policies.

Updated August 18, Article Sources.