What Credit Score Is Needed to Rent an Apartment in 2025?

Finding the right apartment can be an exciting yet challenging process, especially when it comes to credit requirements. Landlords and property managers use credit scores to assess potential tenants' financial reliability. So, what credit score is needed to rent an apartment in 2025? Let's break it down.

Key Takeaways

• Most landlords prefer a credit score of 620 or higher, but requirements vary based on property type and location. Luxury apartments typically require 700+, while budget-friendly rentals may accept scores as low as 580.

• Your credit score impacts more than just approval—it influences security deposits, lease terms, and rent amounts. A higher score can give you negotiation power, while lower scores may require extra deposits or a co-signer.

• Apartment credit checks can be either soft or hard inquiries, with soft pulls having no impact on your score. Hard inquiries, typically used by corporate landlords, may lower your score by a few points temporarily.

How Much Should Your Credit Score Be to Rent an Apartment?

In general, most landlords prefer tenants with credit scores of 620 or higher. However, the exact requirement varies based on several factors, including location, rental demand, property type, and landlord policies. Some high-demand areas may have stricter requirements, while smaller landlords might be more flexible. Below is a general breakdown of credit score expectations based on apartment type:

• Luxury apartments (high-end rentals). Typically require a credit score of 700 or higher due to competitive demand and stricter financial vetting. Applicants with scores below this range may need a guarantor or a larger security deposit.
• Mid-range apartments. Most landlords prefer scores in the 650-700 range. A strong rental history and stable income can sometimes offset a lower score.
• Budget-friendly apartments. More flexible, often considering applicants with scores between 580-650. Additional requirements like a higher security deposit or proof of steady income may be necessary.
• No-credit-check apartments. Some landlords, particularly individual property owners or private landlords, may not require a credit check but instead ask for alternative assurances such as a larger deposit, first and last month’s rent upfront, or strong rental references.

How Do Credit Scores Affect Renters?

Your credit score impacts your ability to secure an apartment, the lease terms you receive, and the financial conditions required for approval. Here’s how it plays a role:

• Approval chances. A higher credit score, like a 720, increases the likelihood of renting an apartment getting approved quickly without extra conditions.
• Security deposits. Lower scores may result in higher deposits, sometimes equivalent to multiple months’ rent.
• Lease terms and rent amount. Some landlords impose higher monthly rent or additional fees for renters with lower credit scores, considering them higher risk.
• Negotiation power. With a strong credit score, you may be able to negotiate lower deposits or more favorable lease terms.

Do Apartments Do Hard Credit Checks?

Yes, many landlords and property management companies perform a hard credit check, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. These inquiries appear on your credit report and can impact your score if multiple inquiries are made within a short period.

However, some landlords conduct a soft credit pull, which does not impact your score. If you’re concerned about your credit being affected, ask the landlord or property manager which type of check they perform before applying.

What Landlords Look at on Your Credit Report

Beyond the credit score itself, landlords evaluate specific details on your credit report to gauge your financial responsibility. Key factors include:

• Payment history. Late or missed payments (especially on rent or utility bills) can raise red flags.
• Debt-to-income ratio. A high ratio may indicate financial strain, making landlords hesitant to approve an application.
• Evictions & rental history. Past evictions, unpaid rent, or disputes with previous landlords can significantly hurt your chances of approval.
• Bankruptcies. A recent bankruptcy might make approval more difficult, though older bankruptcies may carry less weight if you’ve since rebuilt your credit.

What Credit Score Do Apartments Use?

Most landlords and property management companies use FICO® Score 8 or VantageScore 3.0 or 4.0 to evaluate rental applications. These credit scoring models provide a comprehensive view of a renter’s financial history, helping landlords assess the risk of late or missed payments.

Key Credit Score Models Used for Renting

1. FICO® Score 8. The most widely used credit score by landlords, ranging from 300 to 850. It emphasizes recent credit behavior and payment history.
2. VantageScore 3.0 & 4.0. Often used by landlords and credit bureaus, these models also range from 300 to 850 but weigh factors slightly differently than FICO®.
3. ResidentScore by TransUnion. A renter-specific scoring model designed to predict the likelihood of on-time rent payments. It ranges from 350 to 850 and is tailored for rental applications.

Why Do Landlords Look for Renters with Good Credit?

Landlords seek tenants who demonstrate financial stability and reliability to ensure timely rent payments and responsible tenancy. A higher credit score suggests that a tenant is less likely to default on rent, reducing the risk of late payments, disputes, or legal action.

Landlords also prefer financially stable renters because they are more likely to uphold lease agreements and maintain the property in good condition.

What's the Average Credit Score To Rent an Apartment?

The average credit score to rent an apartment typically falls between 638 and 700, depending on location, property type, and landlord preferences. Luxury apartments and properties in competitive rental markets often require scores of 700 or higher, while mid-range apartments usually accept scores between 650 and 700. More affordable rentals and private landlords may be flexible, accepting scores as low as 580 to 650, especially if the applicant can demonstrate stable income or provide a larger security deposit. In general, landlords use credit scores to gauge financial responsibility and predict the likelihood of on-time rent payments.

If your credit score is below the average range, you can still improve your chances of securing an apartment. Offering a larger upfront deposit, finding a co-signer, or showing proof of steady income can help reassure landlords of your ability to pay rent consistently. Additionally, providing positive rental references from previous landlords can strengthen your application, even if your credit history isn’t perfect. Since different landlords have varying criteria, it’s always a good idea to check your credit score beforehand and explore rental options that align with your financial profile.

What's the Minimum Credit Score to Rent an Apartment?

The minimum credit score required to rent an apartment typically falls between 600 and 650, but this can vary depending on the landlord, location, and type of rental property.

Some high-end apartments or competitive rental markets may require a score of 700 or higher, while more flexible landlords or budget-friendly rentals may accept scores as low as 550 to 600.

Factors That Affect Credit Score Requirements

Landlords consider various factors when determining creditworthiness, including:

• In competitive cities, landlords may have stricter requirements.
• Luxury apartments or managed complexes often have higher credit score thresholds.
• A strong rental history can sometimes compensate for a lower credit score.
• A stable income and low debt may help offset a lower score.

Can You Get an Apartment if One Person Has Bad Credit?

If you’re applying with a roommate or spouse, the applicant with a higher credit score may help offset the lower score. However, landlords often still evaluate the lower credit applicant, and they may impose certain conditions, such as:

• Requiring a larger security deposit. To mitigate risk, landlords may request additional upfront payment.
• Making the higher-credit applicant the primary leaseholder. This means the financially stronger applicant assumes full responsibility for the lease.
• Requesting additional proof of Income. Some landlords require extensive financial documentation to prove that both applicants can cover rent expenses.

How to Rent an Apartment with New or Bad Credit Score

If you have no credit history or a low credit score, you still can get an apartment using alternative strategies:

1. Pay a Higher Security Deposit

Many landlords accept tenants with lower credit scores if they provide a larger upfront payment, such as one to three months’ rent. This lowers the financial risk for the landlord and can improve your chances of approval.

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2. Get a Cosigner or Guarantor

A cosigner with a strong credit score can legally back your lease, ensuring the landlord gets paid even if you default. Parents, relatives, or close friends often serve as cosigners.

3. Highlight Your Income & Employment Stability

If you earn a steady salary well above the required income threshold, provide documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements to demonstrate financial responsibility.

4. Consider Renting from Private Landlords

Unlike corporate property managers, individual landlords may be more flexible regarding credit scores, especially if you can offer a higher deposit or strong rental references.

5. Apply with a Roommate with Good Credit

If you’re renting with a roommate who has strong credit, this can strengthen your application. Some landlords consider the combined financial strength of all applicants.

Related: Best ways to split expenses with your roommate

By using these strategies, you can increase your chances of securing an apartment even with a low or no credit history.

Benefits of Good Credit When Renting an Apartment

Having a good credit score provides several advantages when renting an apartment:

• Easier approval. A strong score increases approval chances.
• Lower security deposits. Landlords may require less upfront.
• Better lease terms. Potential for lower rent or flexible terms.
• Increased housing options. Access to a wider range of rental properties.

Are There Low Credit Score Apartments?

Yes! Some landlords cater to renters with lower credit scores by offering:

• No-credit-check apartments. Often require higher deposits or proof of income.
• Second-Chance Apartments: Designed for individuals with past financial challenges.
• Privately Owned Rentals: Independent landlords may be more flexible than corporate management companies.

While having a higher credit score makes renting easier, there are still ways to secure an apartment with lower credit. Whether through cosigners, higher deposits, or showcasing strong income, you can find housing options that work for your situation in 2025.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some questions people often ask about renting an apartment with bad credit. 

Can I Rent an Apartment with a 540 Credit Score?

Yes, but securing an apartment with a 540 credit score can be challenging. Many landlords categorize this as a poor credit score, meaning they may impose additional requirements to offset the perceived risk. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Higher security deposits. Offering a larger deposit (e.g., two or three months’ rent) can reassure landlords.
• A cosigner with good credit. A guarantor can improve approval chances by providing financial backing.
• Proof of stable and sufficient income. Demonstrating a steady job with a high income-to-rent ratio can make up for a lower score.
• Seek out private landlords. Some independent property owners may be more flexible than corporate management companies.

Is 670 a Good Credit Score To Rent an Apartment? 

Apartment credit checks can have a minor impact on your credit score, but the effect depends on whether the landlord performs a soft or hard inquiry. A soft inquiry (also called a soft pull) is when a landlord checks your credit for general background purposes, and this does not affect your score.

However, a hard inquiry (or hard pull) occurs when a lender or landlord conducts a full credit check, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Most landlords conduct soft inquiries, but some larger property management companies may perform hard inquiries, especially if they use third-party tenant screening services.

Do Apartment Credit Checks Hurt My Credit Score?

Apartment credit checks can have a minor impact on your credit score, but the effect depends on whether the landlord performs a soft or hard inquiry. A soft inquiry (also called a soft pull) is when a landlord checks your credit for general background purposes, and this does not affect your score. However, a hard inquiry (or hard pull) occurs when a lender or landlord conducts a full credit check, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Most landlords conduct soft inquiries, but some larger property management companies may perform hard inquiries, especially if they use third-party tenant screening services.

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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Contact your financial advisor regarding your specific financial situation.