 TITLE: How to Get an Apartment With Bad Credit CONTENT: How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Getting an Apartment\n------------------------------------------------------------\nIf you're trying to rent an apartment with bad credit and have a few months to spare, concentrate on ways you can improve your credit score. If renting an apartment is your focus, these are the most important steps to follow in the months leading up to applying.\n**Pay all bills on time**: Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so making all your payments on time every month will help your score improve and show a strong credit history. Creditors and landlords like to see consistent payments over a long time.\n**Pay down your debts**: Do you have credit card debt? What about an old student loan? If you have time before you plan to get an apartment, focus on paying down your debt. Reducing your balance by paying down your debt can help raise your score.\nIf you're serious about renting an apartment with bad credit, consider getting a free credit report from Experian so you can identify your red flags before applying and work to improve your credit for the long term. END