Key takeaways
- Check your credit report and correct any errors in advance, as mistakes could hurt your chances of approval.
- Find out what information gets checked in the landlord's or property manager's screening report, whether certain issues automatically lead to denial, and what the screening fee is (since renters often pay it).
- Pay down debt, address overdue bills, or consider using a co‑signer or offering a higher rent if your credit isn’t strong.
If you’re searching for a new apartment, the process can take quite some time. And once you finally find a place you like, you might discover that signing the lease isn’t the only step. Many landlords will run a credit check or even a more comprehensive tenant screening report to assess whether you’re a reliable renter.
Generally, the higher the credit score, the better. According to Experian, one of the credit bureaus, a score of 670 or above signals to the landlord you're likely a dependable borrower and less likely to miss rent payments. Still, credit requirements vary depending on other factors like the region, the property, rent level and even your income. Here's what to expect during the process:
What can you do before you apply for an apartment?
It can be helpful to check your credit report to ensure accuracy.
Heather Steele, partner of Altmiller Melnick Demers Steele & Rosati PLC, in Tysons, Virginia, told Homes.com that if you see something wrong, you should dispute the issues directly with the credit bureau and add notes to the credit file about inaccuracies.
Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends asking potential landlords for a copy of their rental screening process for your review. Find out what information they review and whether certain negative marks automatically lead to denial. You should also ask how much the screening report will cost and who would be responsible for paying it.
Since most landlords require applicants to pay for fees, it might be helpful to limit how many places you apply to. Keep in mind that some tenant credit checks are hard inquiries, which can temporarily lower your credit score.
To strengthen your application, consider running a quick personal financial check. Paying down credit card balances or resolving overdue payments can help.
What is a tenant screening report?
A tenant screening report is similar to a credit report but includes additional rental-specific information. This could include reviewing your financial history, verifying your identity, your rental history, payment record, past evictions or legal actions taken by prior landlords. These reports help landlords decide whether to approve your application.
Tenant credit checks and screening reports typically come from the major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, TransUnion. Some landlords use third-party screening services that may offer more comprehensive background checks and criminal history checks. Like traditional credit checks, all tenant screening must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA — a federal law that governs how consumer credit information is collected, used and shared.
How do landlords obtain tenant screening reports?
Once you apply for an apartment, the landlord or rental agency will start the screening process. It’s worth noting that landlords are legally allowed to run a full credit report but only with the tenant’s permission.
“If they get your permission, they can run a full credit report. They can't run a credit report without your permission,” Steele said.
This generally involves:
- Collecting your information: To run a report, landlords usually need your name, address and Social Security number. They must certify that the report will be used only for housing decisions.
- Paying for the report: Screening fees range from $25 to $55 and are commonly paid by the applicants; however, some states can limit these costs. In some cases, landlords may let you submit a recent copy of your own credit report. Steele explained that low-income apartments have additional limits on what they can charge for background or credit checks.
- Reviewing the report: After receiving the report, the landlord uses it to evaluate your application.
If you’re unsure how screening works in your state, local legal services can provide affordable help. “Wherever you live, there is a bar association… get in touch… and find out if they have any free or low‑cost legal resources to talk to an attorney,” Steele said. It's worth noting that some landlords and property managers can set minimum income requirements before a potential tenant can even consider signing a lease. They may need you to provide recent pay stubs, W-2 forms and bank statements as verification.
What information does a screening report include?
A tenant credit check resembles a standard credit report, but landlords may layer in other screening tools to get a fuller picture of your rental reliability. Reports may include:
- Personal identification: Confirmation of your identity through your Social Security number, address and employment details.
- Credit score: Many landlords look for a score of 670, though competitive markets may demand higher.
- Credit history: This basically tracks your money — how reliably you’ve paid your bills, how much debt you still owe and whether there are any red flags.
- Public records: Reports may show past evictions, bankruptcies, tax liens or civil judgments. Some states restrict the use of eviction-related data in rental decisions.
- Background checks: These help verify identity and flag any relevant criminal history or safety concerns. Note that the FCRA provides certain protections for individuals with criminal records; tenants can contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development for guidance.
If you know your report may include negative information, talking with the landlord beforehand can help provide context. In some cases, it might also save you time and application fees if the landlord’s criteria are firm. If you are denied based on credit, renters have limited rights. For example, in Virginia, Steele noted that landlords can deny renters for poor credit as long as credit isn’t being used as a pretext for discrimination against a protected class. Tenants can also negotiate despite bad credit. She said that you can sometimes overcome a denial by having a co-signer or offering higher rent.