Introduction - How To Rent Despite Having Bad Credit
These days, having a good credit score means everything. It will make a lot of things easier for you if your credit history is clean, including renting out an apartment. However, according to the Good Apartment Blog, ” even if you have bad credit, it’s not impossible to rent an apartment”. While your potential landlord is likely to be pretty wary of taking you on as a tenant, that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. You just might have to put in a little extra work to get the apartment that you want. Get your FREE credit report and more! CLICK HERE
Step One
Obtain a copy of your credit report so that you know exactly what your credit problems are. It is also cheaper to pull your own 3 in 1 credit report than to pay $25.00 credit processing fees for each apartment you apply for. California Rent Source members has access to there FREE 3 in 1 credit report. Get your FREE credit report and more!
Step Two
Write a simple letter of explanation for all negative remarks in your file. Landlords may be more willing to rent to you if they understand your financial background.
Step Three
Offer a larger deposit. Landlords may be willing to assume more risk if they get more money up front. In most cases the owners will require at least 1/2 of an extra security deposit. Example: Security deposit= $450.00 . California Rent Source Bad Credit Members = $775.00 .
Step Four
Offer a larger deposit. Landlords may be willing to assume more risk if they get more money up front.
Step Five
Have your 3 in 1 credit report with you. This shows you don't have anything to hide. You may also avoid the expensive $25.00 application fees. Although $25.00 may not seem like alot of money, it can add up if your applying for more than one apartment. Get your FREE credit report and more!
Step Six
If you have had any evictions in the past that's on your credit report you may want to find a co-signer for your lease.
Step Seven
Provide a list of references who can vouch for your credibility.
Step Eight
Offer to allow landlords to see the property you are currently living in so they can be assured you'll take equally good of care of their property. (They probably won't take you up on this, but it leaves a good impression.)
Tips & Warnings
When meeting with a landlord or property management company, dress professionally. It will leave a good impression and might just tip the scales in your favor. The idea here is that if you look nice, you'll probably keep the property looking nice too.
