Renting for the first time
First-Time Renter Guide
No rental history? No problem. Here is exactly what you need to know to find and get approved for your first apartment.
Build your renter profile. Soft pull onlySettl verifies income, identity, and more — soft pull only, no score impact
The process
The 5-step process
Know your budget before you search
The 3x rule is universal: landlords require your gross monthly income to be at least 3x the monthly rent. For a $1,800/month apartment, you need $5,400/month ($64,800/year) in income. Budget another $200–400/month for renters insurance, utilities, and internet. Use our rent calculator to find your number before you start touring.
Use the rent calculatorGather your application documents early
Apartments rent fast. Have these ready before you tour: government-issued photo ID, 2 recent pay stubs or 3 months of bank statements, employer contact info, previous landlord references (if any), and a personal statement if you have no rental history. The faster you can submit, the better your chances.
Full application checklistUnderstand what landlords actually check
Standard screening includes: credit score (most require 620+), income verification (3x rent), identity verification, and background check. As a first-time renter with no rental history, your credit and income carry extra weight. Some landlords also ask for a reference from an employer or professor.
Address the "no rental history" gap
No rental history is common. Landlords know first-timers exist. Strong income, good credit, and a co-signer (if needed) offset it. Alternatively, a verified income report from Settl shows landlords you earn enough and pay consistently, which often compensates for the lack of a rental record.
Read the lease before you sign
Key lease terms to understand: lease length, renewal terms, what happens if you need to break the lease early, pet policy (even if you have no pets), guest policy, and what utilities are included. Ask about the process for maintenance requests and how the landlord communicates.
Rental terms glossaryWhat to avoid
Common first-timer mistakes to avoid
Searching before knowing your budget
Calculate your rent ceiling using the 3x rule first. Touring places you cannot qualify for wastes time.
Waiting until you need to move
Start looking 60 days before your intended move date. Quality apartments are rented quickly: 1–2 weeks is common in competitive cities.
Ignoring the security deposit
Most landlords require 1–2 months rent upfront in addition to first month rent. Budget $3,600–$5,400 cash for a $1,800/month apartment.
Not asking questions about the building
Ask: who handles maintenance, how quickly are requests addressed, what is the lease renewal process, and what are typical utility costs.
Skipping renters insurance
Renters insurance costs $10–20/month and covers your belongings plus liability. Many landlords require it. It is almost always worth it.
Why Settl
Why first-time renters use Settl
The biggest challenge for first-time renters is not income. It is proof. You may earn plenty, but without a credit history or rental record, landlords cannot verify it. Settl solves this by reading your actual bank deposit history and creating a verified income report that landlords can review in seconds.
Settl includes a VantageScore 4.0 soft pull. For first-timers with thin credit, verified income and biometric identity carry significant weight.
We connect to your bank and verify actual deposit history. Gig work, payroll, freelance, all counts.
Government ID + selfie check proves you are who you say you are. A key trust signal for landlords.
One link, valid for 30 days at any property. Send to any landlord in any city with a single tap.
From $99 · Valid 30 days at any property
Who Settl is for
Built for every kind of renter
Whether you're relocating, self-employed, or applying for the first time. Settl gives you a verified profile that speaks for itself.
“No rental history, no co-signer. Settl lets you show exactly what you earn and who you are. So landlords can make a real decision, not a guess.”
First-time renter
New York, NY
“Applying from another city means landlords can't meet you. Settl Verified Passport with verified income gives them the confidence to approve you before you arrive.”
Relocating professional
Remote applicant
“Pay stubs don't tell the whole story for 1099 workers. Bank verification shows your real cash flow. Often stronger than a salary looks on paper.”
Freelancer or self-employed
Variable income
“One Settl Verified Passport, valid for 30 days at any property, shareable with any landlord. Apply to as many units as you want without repeating the paperwork.”
Applying to multiple units
Competitive markets
Early users. We'd love to share your story. Tell us how it went →
Settl into your new home.
Ready to prove you are a great tenant?
Get Settl Verified Passport in under 10 minutes. Bank-verified income, identity check, and a shareable profile. From $99.
Start Your Free CheckSoft pull only. Valid 30 days at any property.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need to rent my first apartment?
Most landlords require a minimum credit score of 620–650. In competitive cities like NYC and San Francisco, the bar is often 680–700. If you have limited credit history, a co-signer or larger security deposit can help bridge the gap.
Can I rent an apartment with no rental history?
Yes. Landlords understand that everyone is a first-time renter at some point. Strong income, good credit, a co-signer, and professional references can all compensate for no prior rental history. A Settl Verified Passport with verified income is especially useful here.
How much should I budget for my first apartment?
Budget for: first month rent + security deposit (1–2x rent) + any move-in fees upfront. Monthly costs include rent, utilities ($100–250/month), renters insurance ($15–20/month), and internet ($50–80/month). A general rule: total housing costs under 30% of gross income.
What is a co-signer and do I need one?
A co-signer is someone (usually a parent or family member) who agrees to guarantee your lease. They are legally responsible for rent if you cannot pay. Many first-time renters use co-signers to qualify when they have limited credit or income history. Not all landlords allow co-signers, but most individual landlords do.
How long does apartment approval take?
Most landlords process applications within 24–72 hours. Background and credit checks are usually instant. Income verification takes longest if it requires manual review. Some large property management companies can take 3–5 business days.
What does Settl do for first-time renters?
Settl creates a verified renter profile based on your identity and bank-linked income. Not your credit score or rental history. This gives first-time renters a shareable proof of income and identity that landlords can review instantly, with a soft pull — no score impact.