Landlords and apartment complexes are among the many businesses that use your credit to decide whether or not let you borrow money or services. Bad credit can cause you to end up homeless, if you're looking in the wrong places.
Different landlords have different credit requirements. Some might deny your rental application if you have blotchy credit, even if you have a spotless rental history and a sizable salary.
If you’re worried that a bad credit history will keep you from finding a place to live, there are other options you can exercise.
Avoid A Credit Check
The key to getting an apartment when you have bad credit is finding a landlord that doesn’t do credit checks.
Start by looking on Craigslist, an online classified listing. In the housing section of Craiglist, apartment owners advertise rentals (apartments, condos, townhouses, and houses) they have available.
The classified section of your local newspaper (or that of the area you’re interested in moving to) is another place where property owners advertise for rentals. Sunday's paper usually has the most advertisements.
Many homeowners use real estate agents to rent their homes. Checking with real estate agents in your area might help you find an apartment, townhouse, condo, or house to rent.
As you inquire about an apartment, ask the landlord what criteria is used to approve tenants for the rental. If credit check isn't one of them, then you have one less thing to worry about. However, if there is a credit check involved, you have some additional options for getting approved.
Tips for a Successful Lease Negotiation, About Apartment Living