What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?
There's no universal minimum, but many landlords and property managers look for a credit score around 620–650, and competitive markets may want 660+. A lower score isn't necessarily disqualifying — a guarantor or co-signer, a larger security deposit, proof of steady income, or strong rental history can offset it.
Typical landlord expectations
- 620–650 — a common range many landlords treat as acceptable.
- 660+ — often expected in competitive or higher-end markets.
- No federal minimum — each landlord or management company sets its own bar, so it varies widely by market and property.
What landlords check besides the score
A tenant-screening report usually goes beyond the credit score to include income (commonly a 3x-rent guideline), rental and payment history, and any evictions or collections. The CFPB notes you can dispute errors in tenant-screening reports just like a credit report.
How to rent with a lower score
- Offer a co-signer or guarantor who meets the credit and income bar.
- Propose a larger security deposit or a few months' rent up front.
- Bring proof of stable income and landlord references to demonstrate reliability.
Your rights
- Tenant-screening reports are consumer reports — you can dispute errors in them under the FCRA. — CFPB
- Landlords running background/credit checks must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act rules. — FTC
- There is no federally mandated minimum credit score to rent — each landlord sets its own. — CFPB
Key takeaways
- No universal minimum — many landlords look for ~620–650, 660+ in tight markets.
- Screening also weighs income (often 3x rent), rental history, and evictions.
- A guarantor, larger deposit, or proof of income can offset a lower score.
- You can dispute errors in a tenant-screening report under the FCRA.
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