 TITLE: How to Get an Apartment With Bad Credit CONTENT: Can You Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit?\n------------------------------------------\nThe short answer is yes, you can rent an apartment with bad credit. However, you need to be strategic about how you secure the rental. Here's how to position yourself as the strongest applicant and get your apartment, despite your credit.\n### 1\\. Pay More Upfront\nMost landlords and property managers require a security deposit and the first month's rent upfront to get into a property. If you want to make a good impression, pay two or more months' rent in advance or offer a larger security deposit. This will give your landlord peace of mind while you demonstrate your commitment to restoring your creditworthiness.\nPaying more in advance will also put you ahead of the rental schedule. Even if you are required to use an extra payment as a deposit upfront, keeping your payments ahead of schedule in excess of any deposits will build trust with the landlord. In some cases it can also be arranged to act as a buffer should you have financial challenges in the future.\n### 2\\. Find a Cosigner\nIt can be difficult to ask a friend or family member to cosign your lease, but it can help you to get into an apartment. If you have someone who is willing to cosign, make sure they have good credit and a history of timely mortgage or rental payments. Last, make sure your cosigner knows what they are getting into because if you default on a rental agreement, you both will be held accountable for it.\nBecause cosigning presents a risk for the cosigner, make sure that you can financially commit to a rental agreement before you move forward. Failing to honor a commitment after enlisting the help of a cosigner can damage your credit—and your relationship.\n### 3\\. Bring Documents and References\nYour credit score is just one part of the story that makes up your consumer profile. If your score is low, submit with your application documents that tell the rest of the story and demonstrate that you are a credible applicant capable of paying your rent every month. Here's what to bring:\n*   **Proof of a responsible rental history.** Bring copies of payments you've made for your last rental, if applicable. Your previous landlord may not have reported your payments to the credit bureaus. Bank statements can prove you've been on time with your payments.\n*   **Letters of recommendation.** Request reference letters from past landlords, property management companies, employers, roommates or business associates. Make sure your reference letters are from credible sources: A letter from a friend or relative who has no experience working with you or receiving payments from you won't do much for your case.\n*   **Paystubs as proof of employment.** A landlord will likely ask for proof of employment. Try to present pay stubs that go back several months, not just a couple weeks, to show you have a steady job.\n*   **Utility payments.** Proof you've made your utility payments on time every month also shows you're reliable, dependable and consistent.\nBy bringing documents to your interview with the landlord, you can fill in the gaps in your credit report or balance out your profile if your score does not accurately reflect your credit history.\n### 4\\. Search for Apartments That Don't Require a Credit Check\nMost established property owners require a credit check before they'll rent to you. There are, however, landlords who do not require a credit check. These properties often are less desirable, but may show you can be trusted to pay your rent while you're also building your credit.\nTo find a place that doesn't require a credit check, start by looking for apartments on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or the local newspaper's classified ads. If you're patient and do a thorough enough search, you should be able to find a place where your credit score isn't part of the evaluation process.\n### 5\\. Consider a Roommate\nIf you're trying to rent an apartment with bad credit, a landlord may be more willing to accept your rental application if you share the rent with one or more roommates. Just make sure a landlord pulls your roommate's credit report first.\nAnother option is to move in with someone who already lives in an apartment or property for rent. You may still have to undergo a credit check, but your payments will be lower and your roommate may still assume responsibility for the apartment. You simply pay them, and they pay the landlord. Like having a cosigner, this arrangement will be built on the premise that you'll make all your payments on time. Before entering into a subletting agreement, check your lease agreement to make sure it's allowed.\n### 6\\. Readjust Your Expectations\nThe apartment you want and the apartment you qualify for may differ. The one you can qualify for may not have a pool, workout room or built-in cable package. It may even be on the less-desirable side of town, or could require a longer commute.\nBy readjusting your expectations and treating this period as a \"rebuilding\" experience, you will give yourself time to rebuild your credit. As a bonus, paying less for a smaller space or fewer amenities allows you to keep that extra cash in your pocket. END