How to Rent a House with Bad Credit History (Proven Tips & Strategies)

Struggling to rent a home with a bad credit score? You’re not alone. Many renters face challenges when their credit history isn’t perfect. Landlords often check credit scores to assess financial reliability, but a poor credit score doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

The good news? There are ways to get approved for a rental even if your credit isn’t stellar. By improving your credit, offering additional assurances like renters insurance, and understanding your legal rights, you can increase your chances of success.

Let’s dive into the steps you can take to secure your next rental!

Can You Rent a House with Bad Credit?

Yes, you can! While a low credit score may raise red flags for landlords, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Most landlords look at your credit report to gauge payment history and financial stability, but they also consider factors like income, rental history, and references.

Here’s what typically counts as bad credit:

• Credit score below 600 (though requirements vary)
• Late payments, collections, or bankruptcies
• Evictions or unpaid rental balances

But don’t worry—if you don’t have good credit history, there are still ways to make your application more appealing.

Minimum Credit Score

There’s no universal minimum credit score required to rent a home. Every landlord sets their own criteria however, apartment complexes, especially those managed by large property management companies, often have stricter credit score requirements than private landlords. While policies vary, here’s a general guideline:

• 650+ – Usually meets most apartment complexes’ requirements.
• 600–649 – May be accepted but could require a higher security deposit.
• Below 600 – Likely to face rejection, but some complexes allow co-signers or extra upfront payments.

Many corporate-owned apartments use tenant screening services that factor in more than just a credit check, including rental history, income, and past evictions.

If your score is on the lower side, look for apartments with no credit check options or focus on independent landlords who may be more flexible.

8 Proven Steps to Rent a Home with Bad Credit

Renting with a bad credit score doesn’t mean you have to settle for less or face rejection. There are practical steps you can take to improve your chances of getting approved, even if your credit score is less than ideal. From offering a higher security deposit to using a co-signer, these strategies can help you stand out to landlords and secure your next rental.

Let’s take a closer look at the 8 proven steps you can take to make your application more appealing.

Step 1: Check Your Credit Report & Fix Errors

Before applying for a rental, know where you stand by checking your credit report. You can get a free copy from each of the credit bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com or use a credit monitoring service like Dovly to spot errors and improve your credit score.

Why this matters:

• Errors (like incorrect late payments, duplicate accounts, or fraudulent activity) can unfairly lower your score.
• Disputing inaccuracies can boost your credit quickly and improve your rental prospects.
• Understanding your credit helps you prepare for landlord questions.

How to fix errors on your credit report:

1. Review your report carefully – Look for any incorrect personal information, payment history errors, or accounts that don’t belong to you.
2. Dispute inaccuracies – You can file disputes directly with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) or use Dovly’s AI-powered credit repair to automate the process.
3. Follow up – Credit bureaus have 30-45 days to investigate disputes. Check back to ensure corrections are made.

If your credit needs work, Dovly can help you fix errors efficiently and improve your score over time, giving you a better shot at rental approval.

Step 2: Be Honest About Your Credit Situation

Being upfront about your credit history can go a long way. If you know a landlord will do a credit check, it’s better to address any past issues before they do.

Instead of hiding the negative aspects, frame your situation positively. For example, you could:

• Explain past challenges like job loss or medical bills, and focus on how you’ve bounced back since then.
• Show your current financial stability by highlighting a reliable income or your recent on-time payments.
• Provide alternative proof of responsibility, such as bank statements or utility bill payments, to show you’re financially reliable.

Landlords appreciate honesty, and when you’re proactive about explaining your situation, it can help build trust and make them more open to working with you.

Step 3: Offer a Higher Security Deposit or Advance Rent

Money talks! If you have savings, offering a larger deposit or paying rent in advance can ease landlord concerns about bad credit.

Options include:

• Paying 2–3 months of monthly rent payments upfront
• Offering a larger security deposit (if legally allowed)
• Setting up automatic rent payments to reassure landlords of consistent payments

This shows landlords that you’re serious and financially capable.

Step 4: Use a Co-Signer or Guarantor

If your credit score is too low, having a co-signer or guarantor can boost your application. A co-signer is someone (like family or a close friend) who agrees to take financial responsibility if you miss payments.

Key things to know:

• Your co-signer must have good credit and stable income.
• They will be legally responsible for your rent if you don’t pay.
• Some landlords may prefer a guarantor over a higher deposit.

If you go this route, make sure your co-signer understands the risks involved.

Step 5: Show Strong Proof of Income

A strong income can override credit check concerns. Landlords want to see that you make enough money to afford rent comfortably.

What to provide:

• Pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
• Tax returns (if self-employed)
• Bank statements (showing regular deposits)
• Employment letter (confirming stable job and salary)

Most landlords prefer renters with a monthly income at least 3x the rent—but flexibility exists, especially for freelancers and gig workers.

Renter’s Insurance & Why It Helps

In addition to proving your financial reliability, showing that you’re willing to invest in renters insurance can make a positive impression on landlords. Renters insurance protects both you and the landlord in case of unexpected events, like property damage or theft. Most landlords require it, but even if it’s not a must, offering proof of coverage can demonstrate responsibility and reliability. Plus, it often costs less than you might think and can help set you apart from other applicants with similar credit challenges.

Step 6: Look for Private Landlords Instead of Big Property Companies

Why? Large apartment complexes often have strict credit requirements, but private landlords may be more flexible with their rental property.

Where to find private rentals:

• Craigslist & Zillow (Look for “by owner” listings)
• Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups
• Word of Mouth (Ask friends or family)

With private landlords, you can often negotiate more easily and explain your situation directly. Oftentimes the rental property of a private landlord offers more space than big property managers.

Step 7: Provide Excellent References

A glowing recommendation from a past landlord or employer can outweigh a bad credit score. Collect references from:

• Previous landlords (showing on-time rent payments)
• Employers (confirming steady job & reliability)
• Personal references (vouching for responsibility & character)

Strong references help reassure landlords that you’re a responsible tenant.

Step 8: Improve Your Credit for Future Rentals

Even if you secure a rental now, working on your credit will make your next move much easier. The best way to improve your credit is to establish positive financial habits over time.

Monthly Payments
Start by making sure all your bills—rent, utilities, credit cards, and loans—are paid on time every month. Payment history makes up a big portion of your credit score, so consistency here is key.

Lower Debt
Keep your utilization ratio low, ideally below 30%, by paying down balances and avoiding maxing out your credit cards.

Dispute Inaccuracies
If you find errors on your credit report, dispute them immediately. Services like Dovly can automate this process, making it easier to remove inaccuracies and boost your score.

New Accounts
If your credit is limited, consider a secured credit card or credit-builder loan to establish a strong track record. Additionally, asking for a limit increase or becoming an authorized user on a responsible person’s credit card can help build your credit profile.

Improving your credit takes time, but every small step makes a difference. The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to rent in the future without extra deposits or co-signers.

Legal Protections for Renters with Bad Credit

It’s important to know your rights as a renter, especially if you have bad credit. Fair Housing Laws prevent landlords from discriminating against you based solely on your credit score. In many areas, landlords cannot reject an applicant solely due to a low credit score, though they can consider it as part of an overall evaluation of your rental application. If you feel you’ve been unfairly denied based on credit score, you may be able to take legal action. Research local laws and consult a housing counselor if you believe your rights have been violated.

Local Housing Assistance

If your credit score is making it hard to rent, local programs can help. Many cities offer rental assistance, credit counseling, and landlord connections for renters with credit challenges.

• Housing Authorities – Visit HUD.gov to find rental aid, security deposit help, or subsidies.
• Nonprofits – Groups like United Way, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities offer financial assistance and landlord referrals.
• Tenant Advocacy Groups – Organizations like NLIHC help renters understand their rights and find flexible landlords.

These resources can help cover move-in costs, connect you with understanding landlords, and offer guidance on improving your credit.

Final Tips & Alternative Housing Options

If traditional rentals aren’t working out, consider alternative housing options while you improve your credit.

• Subletting or Roommates – Sharing a rental with a roommate who has better credit can help you get approved.
• Rent-to-Own Homes – Some landlords offer rent-to-own agreements, allowing you to pay rent while working toward homeownership.
• Seek No-Credit-Check Rentals – Some landlords or property management companies specialize in working with tenants with credit report challenges.
• Extended-Stay Hotels or Month-to-Month Leases – These options provide more flexibility if you need temporary housing.

Conclusion

Renting a home with bad credit might feel like an uphill battle, but it’s far from impossible. By being proactive—checking your credit, offering additional security, and leveraging strong references—you can improve your chances of getting approved. And don’t forget about the added benefits of renter’s insurance and knowing your legal rights—these can make your application stand out even more.

If credit report errors are holding you back, Dovly’s AI-powered credit repair can help you dispute inaccuracies and improve your score effortlessly. Sign up today and take control of your financial future—because better credit means better opportunities!