 TITLE: How to Rent Your First Apartment CONTENT: Check Your Credit Before Applying for an Apartment\n--------------------------------------------------\nPotential landlords will likely check your credit when deciding whether to approve you for an apartment. A history of responsible debt payment will help convince the landlord that you'll be a low-risk tenant; credit reports with many missing payments and other negative marks can do just the opposite. Start by checking your credit three to six months ahead of time if possible, which you can do for free through Experian.\nIf your credit score needs work, bring all debt payments current (and make all payments on time going forward) and pay down your credit card balances. Your potential landlord may require a steeper security deposit or cosigner if you have a subpar score—or may reject your application outright—so taking steps to improve your score is a smart move. While some landlords may rent to you with a poor credit score or no credit at all, you'll increase your chances of approval, and of lower deposit requirements, if you build your credit first. END