How to get an apartment with bad credit

Key takeaways

• Bad credit doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Many landlords look beyond your credit score and may consider factors such as income, references or a larger deposit.
• There are ways to strengthen your application. Options such as a cosigner, roommates, proof of income or working with a private landlord can improve your chances of approval.
• Honesty and preparation matter. Being upfront about your credit, understanding what landlords look for and avoiding quick‑fix credit solutions can help you stand out as a reliable renter.

Are you struggling with bad credit? You’re far from alone. Nearly 3 in 10 Americans have credit scores in the fair or poor range, below the “good” threshold in a FICO score, according to Experian.

Here’s the good news: Bad credit doesn’t automatically disqualify you from renting. Many landlords look beyond your credit score when evaluating rental applications. Sometimes offering a larger security deposit, showing proof of steady income or providing references can help demonstrate that you’re a responsible tenant.

The short answer: Yes. But it may require more proactive steps to reassure the landlord that you’ll pay your rent on time. Landlords are likely to check an applicant’s credit to gauge financial reliability, and a low score can make it more difficult to pass that review.

That said, many landlords recognize that a credit score doesn’t always tell the whole story.

“Not all landlords run credit checks, and even when they do, credit is rarely a simple yes‑or‑no decision,” Eric Ellman, president of the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA), a national trade organization representing consumer reporting agencies, told Homes.com in an interview.

Offering additional proof showing steady income, making a higher security deposit, or bringing on a cosigner can help offset a poor credit score and improve your chances of securing an apartment.

A security deposit is an upfront payment made to a landlord to cover potential damages or unpaid rent during your tenancy. In many cases, a security deposit is worth one month’s rent. For tenants with poor or limited credit, landlords may ask for more. “Some landlords, for example, might require a larger upfront deposit for a consumer with a less-than-good credit history,” Ellman said. That could mean two months’ worth of rent instead of one.

Ellman said offering a larger deposit shouldn’t be viewed as a red flag. “I think it's a sign that the landlord is trying to get to yes,” he said, noting that additional upfront cost can help offset a landlord’s risk. If you pay rent on time and leave the apartment in good condition, the deposit should be returned when you move out.

Providing proof of income can help reassure landlords that you can meet the financial obligations of the lease, even if your credit history isn’t perfect. Common forms of income verification include pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, direct deposit records and employment verification letters.

Many landlords look for evidence of consistent, long-term income. That said, some will accept a signed offer letter as proof of income, especially if it outlines your salary and start date, when recent pay stubs aren’t available. A steady work history for a year or more can also strengthen your application, particularly if your credit is weak.

Income plays a key role in affordability. Landlords often rely on a rent-to-income ratio to evaluate applicants, which compares your monthly rent to your gross monthly income. This calculation can help determine whether the rent falls within a manageable portion of your earnings.

The formula is: Monthly rent ÷ gross monthly income × 100

For example, if your rent is $1,800, many landlords would expect your gross monthly income to be around $6,000, keeping rent at about 30% of your earnings.

 A cosigner is someone you trust. It can often be a close friend or family member who agrees to share legal responsibility for the lease if you’re unable to make rent payments. Ideally, a cosigner has a strong credit score, which can help reassure the landlord.

The cosigner is equally accountable for the rent; their involvement lowers the landlord's financial risk. This added reassurance can make a landlord more comfortable approving your application, even if your credit history raises concerns.

Before asking someone to cosign, make sure you talk through what the commitment involves. If you fall behind on payments, the cosigner is legally required to cover them, so they should fully understand the potential financial obligation.

Pro tip: If a cosigner isn’t an option, a positive rental reference from a previous landlord may still help your case. A strong reference can demonstrate reliability and responsibility, thereby strengthening your application.

A private landlord is an individual who rents out their own property directly, rather than working through a professional property management company. Private landlords are making decisions on a case‑by‑case basis, so they may be more open to flexibility around credit requirements, which can make them worth considering if you’re renting with bad credit.

In some cases, private landlords may offer rentals without running a credit check. These arrangements often come with tighter lease terms or additional safeguards to balance the lack of screening. However, they can still be a viable option if traditional rentals aren’t panning out.

While private landlords may be more flexible with credit, they may also have fewer formal processes for maintenance requests or lease renewals. Although they’re still required to follow housing laws, this can result in a less predictable rental experience than you might have with a large management company. As always, approach listings carefully and stay alert to potential rental scams.

Living with a roommate can improve your chances of getting approved for an apartment if you have bad credit. Landlords may feel more comfortable renting to multiple tenants when at least one applicant has strong credit or reliable income to help cover the lease obligations.

Having roommates can also make rent more manageable, particularly in high‑cost markets like New York City. Splitting rent and shared expenses such as utilities can ease financial pressure and make it possible to afford housing in neighborhoods that might otherwise be out of reach.

Rather than trying to conceal or minimize your credit history, it’s better to be transparent with landlords about where your credit stands and the steps you’re taking to improve it. Being upfront can help establish trust and signal that you take your financial responsibilities seriously.

If there are specific circumstances that hurt your credit — such as medical expenses or a period of unemployment — be ready to explain them. You can also point to actions you’re taking now, like reducing outstanding debt or regularly monitoring your credit. Showing that you’re actively working toward better financial health can reinforce your reliability as a tenant and may strengthen your application.

“There’s no silver bullet to fix a poor credit history overnight,” Ellman said. “I strongly caution consumers to avoid these credit repair outfits… credit repair [programs are] often a scam.”

More on this topic:

• How to rent a home in 10 steps
• How to determine your budget for an apartment
• What credit do you need to qualify for an apartment?