What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?

So you found the dream apartment. Perfect lighting, amazing location, maybe even in-unit laundry. But then comes the dreaded question: what credit score do you need to rent an apartment?

Short answer: it depends. Long answer: keep reading, because the number on your credit report, while important, might not tell the whole story — and you’ve got more options than you think.

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Trying to level up your score before signing that lease? MoneyLion makes it easy to explore offers from trusted partners — from credit monitoring and dispute tools to building credit just by paying your bills. Because better credit doesn’t just open more doors — it can lower your interest rates and boost your borrowing power, too.

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The credit score needed to rent an apartment

There’s no one magic number, but there is an average credit score to rent an apartment — 638 — according to a report by RENTCafé.

The real answer to “What credit score do I need to rent an apartment?“ is: it depends. The answer is based on so many factors, from your location to the type of property. In big cities or luxury high-rises, landlords might want a score north of 700. In smaller towns or with individual landlords, you might slide in with something closer to 600 — or even less. 

That said, if your number is more “meh” than “wow,” don’t panic. There is no set rule or credit score needed to rent an apartment, and many landlords look at the whole picture, not just your score. Think income, rental history, and overall vibe (okay, maybe not vibe officially, but it never hurts to be super polite to the rental agent). 

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Rent a House

Why do landlords prefer renters with good credit?

Here’s the TL;DR: landlords want to make sure you’ll pay rent on time and not disappear mid-lease. While theres no official minimum credit score to rent apartment, a solid credit score signals lower risk. Here’s what’s behind it:

• Reliability: A good credit history shows that you pay your bills — and that you probably won’t ghost your landlord.
• Financial stability: Higher scores are often linked to steady income and responsible financial behavior.
• Fewer surprises: It’s a way for landlords to screen out red flags without 15 rounds of interviews.

In other words, credit is shorthand for trust. But it’s not the only factor in credit score and renting an apartment.

How to rent an apartment with a low or bad credit score

Not rocking a perfect score? No problem. Here’s how to pass a rental credit check even if your report isn’t brag-worthy:

👉🏻 Be upfront about your credit situation: Honesty counts. Let the landlord know in advance and explain any blips. Context can go a long way.

👉🏻 Show proof of steady income or employment: Pay stubs, job offers, or a letter from your employer can help prove you’re financially solid.

👉🏻 Offer to pay a larger security deposit: If your score is low, cash talks. A bigger security deposit might ease concerns.

👉🏻 Find a cosigner with good credit: A loan cosigner agrees to take financial responsibility if you can’t — and gives the landlord more peace of mind.

👉🏻 Look for private landlords rather than management companies: They’re often more flexible and less rigid about credit score to rent apartment requirements.

👉🏻 Consider roommates to split costs: Sharing rent with someone with a stronger credit score for apartment applications can help you both get approved.

👉🏻 Provide reference letters from previous landlords: A solid rental history can sometimes outweigh a subpar score.

Want a deeper dive into this? Check out this guide on how to get an apartment with less-than-stellar credit.

Understanding your credit score 

Your credit score is basically your adulting GPA. It ranges from 300 to 850 and is made up of these factors:

• Payment history (35%)
• Credit utilization (30%)
• Length of credit history (15%)
• Credit mix (10%)
• New credit inquiries (10%)

Most landlords use the FICO Score or VantageScore when doing an apartment credit check, and while they don’t always share which one, the weightings are generally similar.

How to improve your credit score

If you’ve got time before signing a lease, here’s how to help level up your credit score for renting apartment odds:

✅ Pay all bills on time: This one’s obvious, but it’s the biggest factor.

✅ Avoid applying for new credit: Multiple credit pulls can temporarily ding your score.

✅ Keep old accounts open: The longer your credit history, the better.

✅ Keep credit utilization below 30%: Don’t max out your cards — even if you pay them off monthly.

✅ Dispute errors on your credit report: Mistakes happen. You can check and dispute errors at AnnualCreditReport.com.

✅ Monitor your credit score: Track your progress with tools like MoneyLion’s credit monitoring feature to stay on top of any changes.

Renting Power, Unlocked  

Getting approved for an apartment doesn’t mean you need an 800 credit score and a golden retriever. Sure, a high score helps — but plenty of renters find ways to make it work with less-than-perfect numbers.

Understanding the credit score for renting apartment requirements — plus knowing what landlords look for, and how to show you’re a responsible tenant — can go a long way. Whether your number’s glowing or a little glitchy, knowing your options is half the battle.

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