Credit Score to Rent an Apartment: What You Need to Know in 2026

If you are planning to move, one of the first things you need to know is what credit score to rent an apartment landlords actually expect. Your credit score plays a major role in whether a property manager approves your application, how much security deposit you pay, and even whether you need a co-signer. In2026, with rental demand still high in most markets, knowing where you stand before you apply can save you time, money, and frustration.

The short answer: most landlords look for a credit score of620 or higher, but the exact number depends on the landlord, the market, and the type of property. Let us break down everything you need to know.

What Credit Score Do Most Landlords Require?

There is no single universal number, but here is what most landlords and property management companies look for in2026:

• 620 or higher — the most common minimum for standard apartments and rental homes
• 650 or higher — preferred by many mid-range and upscale properties
• 700 or higher — often required for luxury apartments or competitive markets
• Below620 — you may still qualify, but expect higher deposits, a co-signer requirement, or fewer options

According to Experian, the average credit score for renters in the United States is around663. That means if your score is below620, you are in the lower tier and may face extra scrutiny.

How Landlords Check Your Credit for an Apartment

When you submit a rental application, the landlord or property manager typically runs a credit check. Here is what they look at:

1. Your Credit Score

This is the number most renters focus on. Landlords use it as a quick snapshot of your creditworthiness. A higher score signals lower risk.

2. Your Credit Report

Beyond the score, landlords review your full credit report. They look for:

• Late payments — especially on previous rent or utility bills
• Collections accounts — unpaid debts that went to collections
• Bankruptcies — Chapter7or Chapter13filings on your record
• Credit utilization — how much of your available credit you are using
• Length of credit history — a longer history is generally better

3. Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Many landlords want to see that your monthly income is at least2.5to3times the rent. If your debt payments eat up too much of your income, that is a red flag even if your credit score is decent.

4. Eviction History

A credit check may also reveal past evictions. An eviction on your record is one of the biggest red flags for landlords — even more damaging than a low credit score in some cases.

Credit Score Ranges and What They Mean for Renters

Here is a breakdown of what different credit score ranges mean when you are applying for an apartment:

Excellent (750+)

You will have no trouble getting approved. You may qualify for reduced security deposits, better lease terms, and your pick of apartments in competitive markets.

Good (700-749)

Most landlords will approve you without hesitation. You are in a strong position and should have plenty of options.

Fair (650-699)

You should still qualify for most apartments, though some landlords in competitive markets may hesitate. You might need a slightly larger security deposit.

Poor (550-649)

Getting approved gets harder here. You may need a co-signer, a larger deposit, or you may need to look at properties with more flexible requirements.

Very Poor (Below550)

Approval is difficult but not impossible. You will likely need a co-signer, several months of rent upfront, or you may need to work with a landlord who does not run credit checks.

What If Your Credit Score Is Too Low to Rent?

A low credit score does not mean you are out of options. Here are strategies to help you get approved even when your credit is not where you want it:

Offer a Larger Security Deposit

Some landlords will accept a higher security deposit to offset the risk of a lower credit score. If you can afford an extra month or two of rent upfront, this can tip the scales in your favor.

Get a Co-Signer

A co-signer with strong credit agrees to take responsibility for the lease if you cannot pay. This gives the landlord an extra layer of security. Just make sure your co-signer understands the risk — their credit is on the line too.

Show Proof of Income

If your credit score is low but your income is strong, bring documentation to prove it. Recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an employment letter can help reassure landlords that you can afford the rent.

Provide References

Letters from previous landlords showing a history of on-time payments can go a long way. If you have a solid rental history, use it to your advantage.

Look for No-Credit-Check Apartments

Some landlords — especially individual property owners rather than large management companies — do not run credit checks. These listings are less common, but they exist. Be prepared to pay a higher deposit or provide additional documentation.

Work on Your Credit First

If you have a few months before you need to move, focus on improving your credit score. Even a small bump can make a difference. For tips, see our guide on how to improve your credit score.

Does a Rental Application Hurt Your Credit Score?

When a landlord runs a credit check, it usually shows up as a hard inquiry on your credit report. A single hard inquiry typically drops your score by a few points — usually less than five. However, if you apply to multiple apartments within a short window (14to45days, depending on the scoring model), those inquiries are often grouped together as one.

This means apartment shopping will not wreck your credit score, as long as you keep your applications within a focused time frame. To learn more, see our article on how inquiries drop your score.

How to Check Your Credit Before Applying for an Apartment

Before you start apartment hunting, check your credit so there are no surprises. Here is how:

• Get your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com — you can access all three bureau reports for free every week
• Review for errors — look for accounts you do not recognize, incorrect balances, or wrong payment statuses
• Dispute any mistakes — if you find errors, file a dispute with the credit bureau before you apply
• Check your score — many banks and credit card companies offer free credit score monitoring

If you find negative items on your report, you may still have time to address them. Read our guide on how to dispute credit report errors to get started.

Do All Landlords Check Credit the Same Way?

No. Different landlords use different screening methods:

• Large property management companies almost always run a formal credit check and have strict minimum score requirements
• Individual landlords may run a basic check, skip it entirely, or rely on other factors like income and references
• Subletting or roommate situations often do not involve a credit check at all
• Luxury apartments may have higher score requirements and also check for employment verification and bank statements

If you know your credit score is below average, targeting individual landlords or smaller rental companies can improve your chances.

Can You Rent an Apartment With No Credit History?

Yes, but it takes extra effort. If you have no credit history — often called a thin file — landlords have no track record to evaluate. Here is how to handle it:

• Offer a larger deposit to reduce the landlord’s risk
• Provide a co-signer with established credit
• Show proof of consistent income with pay stubs and bank statements
• Get a letter from a previous landlord if you have rented before
• Consider a credit builder loan to start building credit — see our guide on building credit from scratch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest credit score to rent an apartment?

There is no official minimum, but most landlords look for at least620. Below that, you may need a co-signer or a larger deposit. Some landlords will work with scores as low as500, but your options become limited.

Do apartments check FICO or VantageScore?

Most landlords use a FICO score, but some screening services use VantageScore. The scores can differ, so do not be surprised if the number you see from a free monitoring app is not the exact number the landlord sees.

How long does a negative item affect my ability to rent?

Most negative items stay on your credit report for seven years, but their impact fades over time. A late payment from two years ago hurts more than one from six years ago. Bankruptcies stay for seven to ten years.

Can a landlord deny me because of my credit score?

Yes. Landlords can legally deny your application based on your credit score or credit history. However, they must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which means they must tell you if they denied your application based on a credit check and provide the name of the credit bureau they used.

Should I explain my credit issues to a landlord?

If you know your credit has blemishes, being upfront can help. A brief, honest explanation — especially if the issues were caused by a one-time event like a medical emergency or job loss — can make a difference. Pair it with documentation showing you are back on track.