 TITLE: Should I Check My Credit Before Renting an Apartment? CONTENT: Tips for Improving a Bad Credit Score\n-------------------------------------\nIf you have time before you need a new apartment, try to work on improving your credit before you start looking at listings. Checking your credit report will give you an idea of which areas you need to address, but here are some specific steps you can take:\n*   **Pay on time.** If you have any credit accounts with past-due payments, get caught up as quickly as possible, and make it a goal to make every payment on time going forward.\n*   **Keep credit card balances low.** Your credit utilization—your card balances relative to your total credit limit—is an important factor in your credit score, and the lower your balances are, the better. A utilization ratio above 30% will start to hurt your score; those with the top credit scores keep their utilization percentage in the low single digits.\n*   **Dispute fraudulent information.** In rare cases, a credit report can include information that resulted from fraud. If you find something you don't recognize, consider disputing it with the credit reporting agencies to have it removed or corrected.\n*   **Avoid new debt.** Multiple credit inquiries in a short period can be a sign you're struggling to manage your budget and leaning on debt to make ends meet. It's essential to apply for credit only when you need it.\nAs you take these steps and address other issues you find on your credit report, you may be able to improve your chances of getting the apartment you want. END