Is it hard to rent an apartment with bad credit?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 11, 2026
Unfortunately for first timers, having no credit history is often viewed on par with a bad credit history. This is because it is difficult for landlords to assess whether you pose a financial risk. Renting for the first time is a challenge, especially when you have bad credit.
Can I get an apartment with a 630 credit score?
Yes, because a credit score of 630 is not far from the ideal score for many landlords. Of course, you can secure the apartment with a co-signer or by offering to pay more or in advance. 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 approved for an apartment with a 520 credit score?
People with credit scores that are above 400 are finding good apartments, meaning that anyone with a credit score of 520 can find one, too. But the task won’t be easy since people with better credit scores will also have their eye on the apartment and would have already made a bid.
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.
- Check your credit report.
- Pay your bills on time.
- Pay off any collections.
- Get caught up on past-due bills.
- Keep balances low on your credit cards.
- Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.
Can I buy a house with a 519 credit score?
The minimum FICO credit score for an FHA loan is 500. If your score is at least 580, you also need at least a 3.5% down payment. You can still get approved for an FHA loan with a credit score lower than 580 and down to 500, but you’ll probably need a larger down payment.
Can I get an apartment with a 720 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.