What Credit Score Do Landlords Look For? Rental Screening Tips

What credit score do landlords look for when you apply to rent?

If you're apartment hunting, you've probably wondered what credit score landlords expect. The short answer: most landlords look for a score of at least 620–650, but requirements vary widely. Some accept lower scores with a larger deposit or co-signer, while luxury buildings may demand 700+. Here's how rental credit screening works and what you can do if your score falls short.

How landlords check your credit

When you submit a rental application, the landlord or property manager typically runs a credit check through one of the three major US credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. They'll see your FICO® Score or VantageScore, plus your full credit report (with your permission, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act). According to a 2023 survey by TransUnion, 47% of property managers use credit scores as a primary screening tool. Landlords also look at payment history, outstanding debt, and public records like evictions or bankruptcies.

Typical credit score ranges for renting

While there's no universal cutoff, here's what most landlords consider:

• Excellent (740+): You're likely approved quickly with no extra conditions.
• Good (700–739): Approved at most places; may still need proof of income.
• Fair (650–699): Many landlords will accept you, but may ask for a higher security deposit or first and last month's rent upfront.
• Below 620: Approval becomes harder. You may need a co-signer, larger deposit, or proof of on-time rent payments via a rent-reporting service.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that credit scores below 620 are often considered "subprime," which can trigger additional screening steps.

What else landlords check besides credit

A rental application credit check isn't just about your score. Landlords typically verify:

• Income: Usually 2.5–3x the monthly rent.
• Rental history: Past landlord references, eviction records.
• Criminal background: Varies by state and local law.
• Debt-to-income ratio: High debt loads may raise red flags.

If your credit score is low but your income and rental history are strong, some landlords may still approve you.

Options when your credit score falls short

Don't panic — you have several paths to securing a lease:

• Offer a larger security deposit — many landlords accept this as risk mitigation.
• Get a co-signer — a parent or friend with good credit can co-sign the lease.
• Provide proof of on-time rent payments — if you've been paying rent consistently, show bank statements or use a service like wryr (We Report Your Rent) to have those payments reported to credit bureaus. This builds credit over time.
• Look for private landlords — individual owners may be more flexible than large property management companies.
• Check your credit report for errors — you can get a free report weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute any mistakes with the bureaus.

Can you improve your score before applying?

If you have a few months before your lease ends, you can try to raise your score. According to FICO, payment history makes up 35% of your FICO® Score, so paying all bills on time is key. Also reduce credit card balances — keeping utilization below 30% helps. Avoid opening new credit accounts right before applying, as hard inquiries can temporarily lower your score by a few points.

Some rent-reporting services (like wryr or others) can add positive rental payment history to your Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax file, which may help boost your score over time. Just be aware that not all landlords report rent payments, so this is a proactive step you can take.

Know your rights

Under the FCRA, you have the right to know if a landlord denied you based on your credit report. They must provide an adverse action notice with the name and contact information of the credit bureau that supplied the report. You can then request a free copy of that report within 60 days. If the report contains errors, you can dispute them.

Also, some states and cities (like California, New York, and Washington, D.C.) have laws limiting how landlords can use credit scores. Check your local tenant protections.

Bottom line: Most landlords look for a credit score of at least 620–650, but there are many ways to overcome a lower score — from offering a bigger deposit to using rent reporting to build credit. Focus on improving your payment history and reducing debt, and always check your credit report before applying. With the right strategy, you can find a rental that works for you.