How to Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit: 8 Strategies That Work in 2026
The short answer
A low credit score doesn't have to mean rental rejections. These 8 proven strategies help renters with bad credit get approved for an apartment in 2026.
A low credit score does not have to mean automatic rental rejections. While credit is a key part of many applications, there are proven strategies to get approved for an apartment even with bad credit — here is how.
What Counts as Bad Credit for Renting?
Most landlords consider a FICO score below 620 to be problematic. Below 580 is generally considered poor. However, many private landlords and smaller property managers do not have hard cutoffs — they evaluate the full application.
Renters with bad credit pay on average 10–20% more in security deposits compared to renters with good credit. That is an extra cost worth planning for.
8 Strategies to Rent With Bad Credit
1. Be Upfront and Explain Your Situation
Hiding a bad credit score will not work — landlords run credit checks. Instead, address it proactively with a brief written explanation. Medical debt, job loss, or divorce are common causes that landlords often understand. A brief, honest explanation paired with strong income documentation goes a long way.
2. Show Strong Income Instead
If your credit is weak, your income must be strong. Aim to show 3.5–4x the monthly rent in income (rather than the standard 3x) to offset the credit risk. Note that 1 in 5 Americans has no credit score or a thin credit file — landlords who rely solely on credit scores lose access to a large tenant pool, which is why income verification is gaining weight. Bank-verified income via a service like Settl shows landlords your actual deposit history — which is more directly relevant to rental reliability than a credit score.
3. Get a Co-Signer
A co-signer with good credit agrees to be responsible for your rent if you default. This is one of the most effective ways to overcome a bad credit score. The co-signer's credit effectively backstops your application. Learn how co-signers work
4. Offer a Larger Security Deposit
Offering 2–3 months' security deposit (instead of the standard 1–2 months) reduces the landlord's financial risk. In states where it's allowed, this can be a strong signal of good faith and financial stability.
5. Get a Letter of Recommendation From Your Current Landlord
A personal recommendation from your current or most recent landlord — confirming on-time payments and good tenancy — can outweigh a bad credit score in the eyes of many private landlords.
6. Offer to Pay Rent Electronically With Automatic Deduction
Offering to set up automatic rent payment from your bank account signals to the landlord that they will not have to chase payment. Some landlords will accept this as a risk mitigation alternative to a strong credit score.
7. Look for Private Landlords and Smaller Buildings
Large property management companies typically use automated screening with rigid credit cutoffs. Private landlords who own one to five units are far more likely to look at the full picture and make exceptions based on conversation and character.
8. Rent With a Roommate With Good Credit
If you can find a co-applicant (roommate) with a strong credit score and income, their credit can help balance the application. The roommate's profile improves the overall application risk.
How the Settl Verified Passport Helps Renters With Bad Credit
The Settl Verified Passport is specifically designed for situations like this. For $99, it gives you a verified rental credential that doesn't rely on your credit score. Instead, it verifies:
- Bank-verified income — shows landlords your actual income from source, not a pay stub you uploaded
- Rent payment history — 12 months of verified on-time rent payments from your bank account
- Employer + payroll verification — confirms job stability and tenure via Argyle
- Landlord references — direct ratings from past landlords who can vouch for you
- Biometric identity — eliminates fraud concerns and builds trust instantly
If your credit took a hit from medical bills, student loans, or past financial hardship — but your current income is stable and you've been paying rent on time — the Settl Verified Passport lets you demonstrate that story clearly. Landlords see the full picture: your income, your history, and references from people who've already rented to you. That's far more compelling than a credit score alone.
Colorado renters: Under HB25-1236, if you provide a valid Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR) like the Settl Verified Passport, landlords are required to accept it. This is a meaningful protection — especially when your credit score might otherwise be used to automatically reject your application. Your verified income and rental history data must be considered.
Settl Editorial
Settl Editorial
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