What credit score do renters look at?

Asked by: Sally Mitchell  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (72 votes)

“Each landlord is different, but most landlords and property managers look for a credit score above 600,” Fluegge says. FICO® and VantageScore® credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. An applicant with a higher credit score might be considered to have shown a pattern of managing their finances responsibly.

What credit score do renters look for?

When you apply to rent an apartment, you can expect nearly all landlords to run a credit check. As a general rule, you'll want a credit score of 620 or higher to secure a rental.

Do landlords look at TransUnion or Equifax?

There are three different credit bureaus a landlord may use to run a credit check -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit bureaus may report different information and a landlord can use any or all of the bureaus to get an idea of credit worthiness and financial management.

Do landlords look at FICO scores?

“Each landlord is different, but most landlords and property managers look for a credit score above 600,” Fluegge says. FICO® and VantageScore® credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. ... And a lower credit score might indicate the potential tenant could struggle to pay rent on time.

Do landlords check all 3 credit bureaus?

If you're worried about what a potential landlord or property manager might find on your credit report, there's a simple fix: Look first. You're entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Those will include all the credit information the landlord will see, sometimes more.

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

25 related questions found

Can I get an apartment with a 580 credit score?

When you have bad credit, getting an apartment lease becomes difficult because landlords may be hesitant to lend you their property if they are concerned that you may not make your payments. But it also depends on how low on the scale your credit score is, as some landlords consider scores between 580-630 acceptable.

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.

What is a bad credit score for renting?

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. If your score is lower than 620, it could be more difficult to rent an apartment.

Can I rent a house 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. ... If you prefer to find a no credit check apartment, your best bet is to go with a private landlord.

Can I get an apartment with a 700 credit score?

Landlords utilize credit scores to see if renters will be able to pay rent on time. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. With proof of income, a valid photo ID, and a good credit score, a renter should be able to apply for an apartment without difficulty.

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.

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.

Can you rent an apartment with a 650 credit score?

Typically, the minimum credit score required to rent is 650. ... 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).

Does renting an apartment build credit?

Renting a home, apartment or town house can affect your credit in a number of ways. It's increasingly common for credit reporting agencies to include positive rental history in consumer credit reports. ... Having good credit can help you rent an apartment, and paying rent on time can help you build good credit.

Can you get an apartment with 524 credit score?

A 524 credit score is a poor credit score. It makes it very difficult to qualify for credit or even apply for an apartment but it can absolutely be improved.

Is it hard to get approved for an apartment?

In terms of the minimum credit score required to rent an apartment, there's no hard-and-fast requirements as things can vary by landlord and locale. ... Renters in major cities and in high-end units have higher credit scores on average.

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.

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.

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 you rent a house with a 600 credit score?

So, if your renter has a score of 670 or higher, that's a very good credit score for most rentals. ... 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.

Can I get an apartment with a 645 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 rent an apartment with 665 credit score?

“Typically, you need a minimum credit score of 650 in order to qualify to rent an apartment. ... Some value credit more so than income, so it has to be stellar. Others will be fine with a 650-ish score if you have substantial income.

What is the lowest credit score to rent a house?

There's no set credit score necessary to rent an apartment or house; the criteria for approval will vary depending on the property, location, landlord and other factors. However, knowing your credit score before you start apartment-hunting can help you zero in on properties you may qualify to rent.

Can I rent an apartment with a 572 credit score?

Can You Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit? The short answer is yes, you can rent an apartment with bad credit. However, you need to be strategic about how you secure the rental. Here's how to position yourself as the strongest applicant and get your apartment, despite your credit.