What landlords look at
- Credit report
- Landlords look for on-time payments and how much debt you carry.
- Rental history
- Past evictions and landlord lawsuits can show up on tenant screening reports.
- Income and employment
- Many landlords verify your job and compare your income with the rent.
- Background checks
- Screening reports can also include criminal history and other records.
Your plan, step by step
Timelines are a guide. Everyone's starting point is different.
Right now
See what a landlord will see
- Pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Dispute errors, especially accounts you don't recognize or debts that aren't yours.
- Gather proof of income and, if you've rented before, a reference from a past landlord.
Months 1 to 3
Get rent and bills working for you
- If you already pay rent, a rent reporting service can add those payments to your credit reports. Coverage varies by service and bureau.
- Bring any past-due accounts current and set up autopay so nothing new goes late.
- Pay card balances down so they're a small share of your limits.
When you apply
Apply with a plan
- Ask each landlord which screening company they use and what they require before you pay an application fee.
- If your credit is thin, ask whether a larger deposit, a co-signer or proof of savings would help.
- If you're denied because of a report, the landlord must tell you which company made it. You can get a free copy within 60 days and dispute errors.
Tools that can help
Frequently asked questions
What do landlords check on a rental application?
Many use a tenant screening report, which can include your credit report, rental history such as evictions, employment verification and criminal history. Each landlord decides what they weigh and how.
What can I do if a landlord denies me because of a report?
Federal law requires the landlord to tell you a report was used, which company made it, and that you have the right to dispute it and get a free copy if you ask within 60 days. Check it for errors and dispute anything wrong.
Can paying rent help my credit?
Only if it's reported. Many landlords don't report rent, but rent reporting services can add your payments to one or more bureaus. Check which bureaus a service reports to and whether it can include past months.
Can I rent with no credit history?
Often yes. Landlords may accept a larger deposit, a co-signer or proof of income and savings. Building some on-time payment history beforehand gives you more options.
Get a plan built for your situation
Answer a few questions about your budget and what's on your reports, and we'll match the steps above to specific options that fit.
Get my apartment plan