Normally we receive many calls from renters who have bad credit and need help finding an apartment community that will accept them. Of course having good credit is extremely important as it shows landlords and management companies that you will be a worth client. Paying rent on time is one of the most important factors in regards to your approval. Most landlords will request for a detailed history which they will receive from a credit report.

However, if you have a low credit score don’t worry so much. Your not trying to get a low interest rate on a mortgage, you are just trying to get approved for a lease. Apartment landlords will take in various factors in regards to your application.

Remember its very important that the landlord feels good that you will pay rent on time and won’t be a tenant he has to chase down for the rent each month.

Ok, so you are aware that you have had a history of bad credit and your afraid that this may impact you negatively. What can you do? First things first, you are entitled to one free credit report from all the major credit bureaus each year. The first step would be to run your personal credit score and see what items appear on it.

If you have any outstanding debts in regards to a previous apartment home, it might be wise to either pay them off or get on some kind of payment plan.

If this is not possible then you will have to look for smaller private homes for rent or a four-plex that do not require a background check. Check online using websites like Craigslist. Many of these individuals are private owners and just want to lease their apartment or home quickly.

If the apartment community does want a credit report, see if you can provide the information they need on your own. That way if there are any potential issues, you can address them in a letter or at that point in time.

Many landlords are willing to accept a letter if there is a recommendation from an previous landlord.