“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.
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.
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.
Landlords focus more on your actual credit information rather than deciding rental agreements based on your credit score alone. When credit scores are considered as part of your overall credit information, a score above 670—on a FICO® Score range of 300 to 850—generally indicates good creditworthiness.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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).
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.
Landlords should conduct credit reference checks on any prospective tenant. This will show you if the tenant pays their bills on time each month and will detail any late or missed payments over the last few years. It will verify whether the tenant has any debt and how much that debt is.
Landlords perform credit checks because they want to make sure that a prospective tenant is trustworthy. Some landlords use additional screening tools, like consumer reports, before making rental decisions. ... Your prospective landlord or letting agent must get your permission before running a credit check.
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.
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.
Apartment Credit Scores
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.
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.
At the national level, the average approved renter has a score of 650. On higher–end apartment units, the score is even higher – around 683. On low–end units, the average renter has a 624.
Renting. In general, landlords breathe easier when a renter has a credit score over 700. However, a credit score over 650 generally is high enough to win over landlords. It all comes down to your competition, since a landlord may select an applicant with a better score over you.
Generally, you'll want a minimum credit score to rent an apartment of 620 to 650. Landlords or property management companies want reassurance that you can pay your rent on time and you're responsible, and a solid credit history and excellent credit score are two ways to show this.
There is no standard credit score to rent an apartment. ... According to an analysis of more than 5 million rental applications by apartment industry blog RENTCafé, the average U.S. renter's credit score was 638 in 2020—an average score that has ticked up by one point in each of the past three years.
A 750 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better. If you can elevate your score into the Exceptional range (800-850), you could become eligible for the very best lending terms, including the lowest interest rates and fees, and the most enticing credit-card rewards programs.
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.
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.
You may qualify for a mortgage
FHA mortgages are available to borrowers with low credit scores down to 500 with a 10% downpayment. If you a 580 credit score, you could qualify for an FHA loan with just a 3.5% down payment. Having good scores will make the process of renting simpler.
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.