 TITLE: How to Check Your Rental History Report CONTENT: Can I Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit?\n----------------------------------------\nYou don't need perfect credit to rent an apartment. Although a credit score of 700 or above is helpful—especially if you're looking to rent in a competitive city like San Francisco or Boston, or you have your eye on a high-end building—the average credit score for renters in 2020 was 638, according to listing site RENTCafé.\nIf your credit score seems to be an issue when you submit rental applications, consider these tips for getting an apartment with less-than-perfect credit:\n*   **Set your sights lower.** Choose a more modest location or a building that isn't as posh. Credit requirements are likely to be more forgiving.\n*   **Consider a less expensive unit.** A lower rent will take up less of your available income and your credit score won't be as much of a factor to landlords.\n*   **Highlight your strengths.** If you have a good income—say, three to four times rent or more—be sure to emphasize it.\n*   **Look for a landlord who doesn't check credit.** Alternatively, you may find a landlord who's open to a credit score in your range.\n*   **Find a cosigner with good credit.** Be mindful, however, that your cosigner may be on the hook for any rent you fail to pay.\n*   **Offer more money upfront.** Paying a larger security deposit or multiple months of rent upfront might convince a landlord to approve your application.\n*   **Pause your search and work on your credit.** Good credit habits plus a little time may bring your score into a better range. END