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What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-10 14:00
Core Insights - Landlords and property managers utilize credit scores to assess the reliability of potential tenants and the financial risk they may pose [1][2] Group 1: Credit Score Importance - A FICO score of 670 or higher is generally considered good for rental applications, with lower scores leading to more scrutiny [5][6] - An eviction record increases the likelihood of being denied a rental by 84% compared to other applicants [3] Group 2: Factors Influencing Rental Approval - Landlords consider various factors beyond credit scores, including criminal records, employment history, and income levels [4] - Private landlords may have more flexible requirements compared to large property management companies [8] Group 3: Strategies for Renting with Bad Credit - Applicants with low credit scores can improve their chances by demonstrating financial stability through alternative means [7] - Offering to pay more upfront, such as additional months' rent or a larger deposit, can make an applicant more attractive [13][14] - Bringing in a co-signer with better credit or applying with a roommate can also enhance approval chances [12] Group 4: Additional Documentation - Providing extra documents like referral letters from previous landlords or bank statements showing savings can strengthen an application [16][18] - Engaging landlords in discussions about alternative qualifications can help tailor the application to their preferences [17]