Can I get an apartment with 598 credit score?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 05, 2026
A credit score of 600 or higher: When running a credit check, the magic numbers landlords look for fall between 600 and 620 – at minimum – according to Peter Warden, editor at The Mortgage Reports. No late payments: It goes without saying landlords want dependable tenants.
Can I rent an apartment with a 540 credit score?
People with credit scores that are above 400 are finding good apartments, meaning that anyone with a credit score of 540 can find one, too. Apartment tenants often have lower credit scores than those seeking a mortgage, but landlords still have to assess risk.
Which credit score do apartments look at?
Usually, the minimum FICO credit score to rent an apartment falls somewhere between 620 and 650. However, some landlords may be open to scores of 600 or lower, while others may consider 700 to be the lowest qualifying score. Most landlords use FICO credit scores to determine if an applicant qualifies for an apartment.
Can I get an apartment with 517 credit score?
A 517 credit score is a poor credit score. It makes it very difficult to qualify for credit or even apply for an apartment but it can absolutely be improved.
Can I get an apartment with 520 credit score?
People with credit scores that are above 400 are finding good apartments, meaning that anyone with a credit score of 520 can find one, too. But the task won’t be easy since people with better credit scores will also have their eye on the apartment and would have already made a bid.
What’s the minimum credit score to rent an apartment?
Bottom Line: Minimum Credit Score to Rent an Apartment All in all, renting an apartment typically requires a minimum credit score of between 620 and 650. The higher you go, the better the apartments will be able to rent. But even if you have low credit, you might qualify for certain apartment rentals by implementing some smart strategies.
What to do if you have bad credit to rent an apartment?
Here are some tips that will help you rent with bad credit. Be Honest: Don’t make the mistake of trying to hide a poor credit score. Landlords will be performing an extensive screening on an applicant, including a credit check. They’ll find out. Bringing it up to your prospective landlord before the credit check helps to give you a fighting chance.
Can a landlord accept a tenant with a bad credit score?
Typically, landlords who are willing to accept a tenant with a bad credit score want to offset the added risk. Expect to pay a deposit up to 50 percent above the usual amount for the apartment.
How can I check my credit score before applying for an apartment?
To determine your credit score, check it at AnnualCreditReport.com. Be sure to check before you apply. That way, you can avoid applying to apartments that you don’t qualify for. Keep in mind, landlords are free to choose the credit reporting agency they will pull your score from.