What credit score do I need to rent?

Asked by: Golda Torphy PhD  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (10 votes)

Most individuals or companies renting an apartment want credit scores from applicants to be 620 or higher. People with credit scores lower than 620 may indicate a high risk of default on rent owed.

Can I rent a house with a 580 credit score?

While a FICO credit score from 580-669 is considered fair credit, 620 is often the minimum credit score you'll need to rent an apartment. ... And if you have a credit score lower than 580, which is considered poor or bad credit, you will likely find it very difficult to rent an apartment.

What credit score is needed to rent a house 2020?

Typically, the minimum credit score required to rent is 650. However, that number can vary based on the market. If you're searching for an apartment in a competitive rental market, you may need a higher credit score and a higher income (use our rent calculator to determine how much you should pay monthly).

Can I get an apartment with a 500 credit score?

In short, yes! A credit score of 500 is low, but it's not insurmountable. It would be best if you planned some extra time for your apartment hunt with scores this low, but you can still rent an apartment. ... With a low credit score in the 500 range, you should expect to pay slightly more for an apartment.

What credit score do landlords want?

Most landlords are looking for a score somewhere between 600 – 650 since renters don't have the credit history of making mortgage payments to boost their credit score.

What’s Considered A Good Credit Score Range For Potential Tenants | Landlord University

17 related questions found

Can I get an apartment with a 600 credit score?

Your credit scores can influence whether you'll be approved for a rental lease, says Chris Fluegge, director of operations at the National Landlord Association. “Each landlord is different, but most landlords and property managers look for a credit score above 600,” Fluegge says.

Is 600 a good credit score to rent an apartment?

Most individuals or companies renting an apartment want credit scores from applicants to be 620 or higher. People with credit scores lower than 620 may indicate a high risk of default on rent owed.

Can I rent a house with a 530 credit score?

Is Bad Credit an Automatic Rejection? By most landlords' standards, the minimum credit score to rent an apartment is 620. But many landlords look past the credit score and search for specific activity on a potential tenant's credit report.

Can I rent an apartment with a 590 credit score?

Most individuals or companies renting an apartment want credit scores from applicants to be 620 or higher. People with credit scores lower than 620 may indicate they are a high risk renter.

Can I get an apartment with a 540 credit score?

The credit score you need to rent an apartment is at the discretion of the landlord. The majority want a score of 620, but some landlords will go as low as 540 -- again, it all depends on the landlord. If a landlord does make an exception, she may charge a higher deposit for allowing your application to pass through.

Is 680 a good credit score to rent an apartment?

But a low score could cause your potential landlord to think you are more likely to miss rent payments. That's why if you're looking to rent, your credit score is important. “Anything 700 or higher is good,” says Wolf. “In general, if your score is under 680, you will begin to have difficulties renting.”

Is 600 a good credit score?

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 600 FICO® Score is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.

Is 670 a good credit score to rent an apartment?

Depending on the individual lender or insurer, you may see different standards, but generally a FICO score above 800 is considered excellent; “very good” FICO scores range from 740 to 799; a “good” score ranges from 670 to 739; and 580–669 is considered “fair.” Any score below 580 is considered poor.

Do landlords check your credit score?

Credit report and credit score: The landlord can check your credit report and credit score, looking for a history of on-time payments and red flags such as past-due accounts, accounts in collections and bankruptcies.

How can I build my credit fast?

How to Build Your Credit History Fast
  1. Apply for a Secured Credit Card. ...
  2. Get Someone to Cosign a Loan. ...
  3. Become an Authorized User. ...
  4. Automate Payments. ...
  5. Pay Off Credit Card Balances. ...
  6. Only Apply for Loans or Cards You Need. ...
  7. Increase Your Credit Limits. ...
  8. Check Your Credit Report for Errors.

Can't rent due to CCJ?

Can I Rent With A CCJ? ... If you've had a CCJ previously, but more than six years have passed since it was issued, it should no longer appear on your Credit Report. As such, a landlord won't be able to decline your application on that basis.

Is a 615 credit score good?

A FICO® Score of 615 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 615 FICO® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. ... Consumers with FICO® Scores in the good range (670-739) or higher are generally offered significantly better borrowing terms.

Is 699 a good credit score?

A 699 FICO® Score is Good, but by raising your score into the Very Good range, you could qualify for lower interest rates and better borrowing terms. A great way to get started is to get your free credit report from Experian and check your credit score to find out the specific factors that impact your score the most.

Does Credit Karma show your real credit score?

Credit Karma isn't a credit bureau, which means we don't determine your credit scores. Instead, we work with Equifax and TransUnion to provide you with your free credit reports and free credit scores, which are based on the VantageScore 3.0 credit score model.

Can I rent with a low credit score?

If you have a credit score that's lower than the 650 minimum or you do not have credit at all— don't worry. Your chances of successfully renting your dream apartment aren't in the gutter. The good news is that many landlords won't discount a tenant solely because of the results of their credit check.

Does renting build credit?

Does paying rent build credit? Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit. But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit — especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.

Does paying rent affect credit score?

Rent payment history, in general, affects around 35% of your overall credit score. So, even a single late rent payment or missed rent payment can significantly impact your credit score — especially if it's already on the higher side.

Can I rent a house with a 630 credit score?

Typically, a credit score of 620 or above will enable you to obtain an apartment lease with relatively little trouble. Apartment leasing sources state that credit scores lower than 620 receive a "high risk of default" rating along with a leasing denial.

Can I get an apartment with a 579 credit score?

If you have bad or poor credit — somewhere between 300 and 579 — it's not impossible to rent an apartment, it just might take a little more work on your part.

How can I raise my credit score 100 points?

Here are 10 ways to increase your credit score by 100 points - most often this can be done within 45 days.
  1. Check your credit report. ...
  2. Pay your bills on time. ...
  3. Pay off any collections. ...
  4. Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
  5. Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
  6. Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.