Qualifying
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.
The full picture
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
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.
Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22 · https://clearvaluelending.com/answers/what-credit-score-do-you-need-to-rent-an-apartment