Written by When you’re searching for a new place to live, there’s more to consider than just location, amenities, and price. One key factor that can significantly influence your ability to secure a rental is your credit score. Whether you’re renting your first apartment or moving into a new city, understanding your credit score—and how it affects the rental process—can make all the difference.
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness, or how likely you are to repay borrowed money. Most commonly, it’s based on the FICO® Score or VantageScore® model, both of which range from 300 to 850. The higher the score, the more favorably lenders—and landlords—view you.
Here’s how scores are typically classified:
Excellent: 750 – 850
Good: 700 – 749
Fair: 650 – 699
Poor: 600 – 649
Very Poor: 300 – 599
What Affects Your Credit Score?
Credit scores are calculated based on several factors:
Payment history (35%) – Whether you pay your bills on time
Amounts owed (30%) – How much debt you carry compared to your credit limits
Length of credit history (15%) – How long you’ve had credit accounts
Credit mix (10%) – Variety of credit types (e.g., credit cards, loans)
New credit (10%) – Recent applications for credit
Why Landlords Care About Your Credit Score
Landlords use credit scores to gauge how responsible you are with money and whether you’re likely to pay rent on time. A strong credit score may:
Speed up the approval process
Help you avoid a large security deposit
Make you a more competitive applicant—especially in a hot rental market
On the other hand, a low credit score may raise red flags. Some landlords may reject your application outright, while others may request:
A co-signer or guarantor
A higher deposit
Proof of additional income or stable employment
How to Check and Improve Your Credit Score
You can check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com (one from each of the three major bureaus per year, Transunion, Experian, Equifax). Some credit card companies and apps like Credit Karma also offer free score monitoring.
To improve your score:
Pay bills on time—this is the most impactful habit
Keep credit card balances low
Avoid opening too many new accounts at once
Dispute errors on your credit report
Improvement takes time, but even a small boost can open up more rental options.
Tips for Renters with Low or No Credit
If your credit isn’t perfect—or you’re just starting out—don’t panic. Here are a few strategies to strengthen your rental application:
Offer to pay several months upfront
Provide letters of reference from previous landlords or employers
Show proof of steady income
Apply with a roommate who has stronger credit
Consider rental properties that don’t require a credit check
Some services, like Experian Boost, even allow you to add utility and phone payments to your credit report, which may improve your score over time.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your credit score is an important step not just for buying a car or applying for a loan, but also for renting a home. A strong credit score gives you more options and negotiating power in the rental market, while a lower score can be worked around with the right strategies.
Before you start your rental search, take time to review your credit and get financially prepared—your future self (and your next landlord) will thank you.