What is an alternative to a credit check to rent an apartment or home?

Question

I have bills, student loans and payments on a car (car is under my dad's name). I dont think my credit is the best in the world, is there an alternative option to applying for renting an apt? For example, if they dont aprove my credit, can I pay a bigger deposit? Or can someone else sign or co-sign for me?

Answer 1

The landlord will want to see your credit score, regardless if you think its good or bad. If you don't want them to run the credit check (because doing the credit check itself actually hurts your FICO credit score by about 15 points), you might be able to visit annualcreditreport.com and print off your report and show it to them. You can't however get your FICO score from that website. If you want your FICO score, contact me. I have a business relationship with Privacy Matters.

The best alternative to having bad credit is a co-signer. A larger deposit may help. Some landlords will allow you to rent if you pay the full amount of the lease upfront - but not many people can afford it.

Answer 2

You are more then likely going to have to have a credit run no matter what. Yes a lof of landlords will accept a co-signer or a larger deposit if it falls below thier guidelines. You mentioned your student loans and payments but nothing that is behind, so your credit might not be as bad as you think it is. I have been in property management for 10 years now and pretty have found that a lot of people think that they have bad credit but it is okay for renting purposes. Be honest with the property managers and owners, it is your best bet.

Answer 3

There are some that will check your rental history and overlook your credit score if you can prove excellent rental history. Orher places will require a co-signer (especially in a college town). I hope this helps. The best thing to do is to ask the property manager. Seriously. Be honest and tell them from the start that you have less than perfect credit and ask them if this will be an issue...that way you don't waste money on an appilcation fee. They will tell you what they require and you will know before they do, if you'll qualify.

Answer 4

If your credit is that bad you may want to focus on trying to get it fixed. Co-signers, heavy security deposit, all would help but as someone said if you can't pay your bills why would you pay your rent.

Your credit score influences so many things in life. Now employers are checking them out on prospective employees.

http://www.howtoestablishgoodcredit.com is a great resource.

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Answer 5

As a landlord myself, I do require a credit check. If a person can't pay their other debts on time, why would their rent be any different?
A co-signer would be ok, but they are putting themselves in jeopardy because if you don't pay the rent, it falls on them and can ruin their credit.

Answer 6

You need to talk to the landlord, you can't force them to rent to you. I have one "bad credit" renter. I asked for 3x the regular deposit and he agreed.

THe problem you have is that your credit report shows that you do not feel obligated tro pay your bills, and rent is a bill.

Answer 7

IT IS ALL UP TO THE LANDLORD. THEY MAY TAKE A BIGGER DEPOSIT OR WANT A CO-SIGNER, BUT THEY WILL STILL WANT TO SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORE. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

Maybe - that's up to the landlord. They want to know that they'll get the rent that's due, when it's due.

Answer 9

You can have your parents write a check stating you are a good person.

Answer 10

to make sure u don't have an eviction