Yes, you can rent an apartment without a credit score, but landlords will ask for other proof that you pay your bills on time
A missing credit history does not automatically disqualify you. Many landlords care more about whether you have paid rent and utilities consistently than about a credit score. The catch is that you will need to show proof of that payment history in other ways — through bank statements, letters from previous landlords, or a co-signer who does have credit.
What matters most to a landlord is the answer to one question: will this person pay rent on the first of the month, every month? A credit score is just one way to answer that. If you can answer it another way, you have a real chance.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords will usually ask for proof of income (a recent pay stub or job letter), a bank statement showing you have money, and references from previous landlords or utility companies.
- A co-signer — someone with good credit who agrees to pay if you do not — can replace a credit score, though not all landlords accept co-signers.
- Some landlords will run a background check instead of a credit check, looking for evictions or unpaid judgments rather than credit history.
- Offering to pay a larger deposit upfront, or agreeing to automatic bank transfers for rent, can persuade a landlord to take the risk on you.
- Smaller landlords and buildings with fewer than five units are more likely to work with no-credit renters than large management companies.
What landlords actually look for when there is no credit score
A landlord's job is to predict whether you will pay rent. Without a credit score, they will ask for documents that show you have paid other bills on time. Bring a recent bank statement (the last two months) showing regular deposits and a low balance of overdrafts. Bring recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, salary, and how long you have worked there.
If you have rented before, get a written reference from your previous landlord. A letter saying you paid on time and left the place in good condition carries real weight. If you have not rented before, a reference from a utility company (electric, gas, water) or a cell phone provider showing you paid bills on time for at least a year can work. Some landlords will also accept a letter from a bank manager or credit union officer confirming you have maintained an account in good standing.
The stronger your income proof, the less a landlord will care about credit. If you earn three times the monthly rent (the standard threshold most landlords use), you are already a lower-risk tenant. If you can show you earn five times the rent, you may not need references at all.
Using a co-signer to strengthen your process
A co-signer is someone — usually a parent, relative, or close friend — who signs the lease alongside you and agrees to pay the rent if you do not. The co-signer's credit score and income replace yours in the landlord's calculation. This is the fastest way to get approved if you have no credit history.
Not all landlords accept co-signers, so ask before you ask your co-signer to commit. Some management companies have policies against them. Others will accept a co-signer only if that person lives in the same state or has a U.S. address. A few require the co-signer to earn a certain multiple of the rent (often three to five times) on top of their own living expenses.
If you use a co-signer, understand what you are asking them to do. They are legally responsible for the full rent if you stop paying. Late payments or evictions will appear on their credit report. Make sure your co-signer knows this and agrees to it in writing before you hand their information to a landlord.
What happens during the background and credit check
Most landlords will run some kind of screening, even if you have no credit score. They typically use a tenant screening service that pulls three things: a credit report (which may be empty if you have no history), a background check (looking for criminal convictions, though rules vary by state), and an eviction history check (looking for past evictions or unpaid judgments).
If you have no credit history, the credit report will straightforward show no score. That is not the same as a bad score. A landlord who sees "no history" and strong income and references will often approve you. A landlord who sees a bad score (below 600, typically) will usually reject you, even with good references.
The background check is where problems can arise. Some states allow landlords to reject you based on any criminal conviction, no matter how old. Others limit this to convictions related to property damage or violence, or require the conviction to be recent. Ask the landlord what their policy is before you submit to a check. If you have a conviction, some landlords will consider it if you can show rehabilitation or a long period of stable housing and employment since then.
Strategies that work: deposit, automatic pay, and smaller landlords
If a landlord is hesitant, offering a larger deposit can tip the decision in your favor. A standard deposit is one month's rent. Offering two months' rent as a deposit shows you have money and are serious about the lease. This is legal in most states, though some states cap how much a landlord can ask for (usually at two months' rent total, including the security deposit). Check your state's rules before you offer.
Agreeing to automatic bank transfers for rent also reduces a landlord's worry. If rent comes out of your account on the same day every month without you having to write a check or transfer it yourself, the landlord knows it will arrive on time. Many landlords view this as a sign of reliability and will approve tenants with no credit if they agree to autopay.
Smaller landlords — people who own one or two buildings, not large management companies — are often more willing to work with no-credit renters. They may know their tenants personally, may be more flexible about references, and may care more about your story than your score. If you find a building you like, ask to speak with the owner or property manager directly rather than submitting an online process. A conversation can do more than a form.
Building credit while you rent
Once you have a lease, you can start building credit. Ask your landlord if they report rent payments to credit bureaus. Most do not, but some will if you ask. You can also get a secured credit card (one backed by a cash deposit you put down) and use it for small purchases you pay off every month. After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you will have a credit score, and your options for future housing will expand.
Keep records of every on-time rent payment you make. Take screenshots of bank transfers, keep receipts for checks, or ask for a letter from your landlord at the end of each year confirming you paid on time. These records are valuable if you move and need to prove your rental history to a new landlord.
What to do if you are rejected
If a landlord rejects you, ask why. They are not required to tell you, but many will. If it is because of a background check result, you have the right to see the report and dispute errors. The screening company must give you a copy if you ask within a certain time frame (usually 30 days). If the report is wrong — for example, it lists an eviction that was dismissed, or a conviction that was expunged — you can file a dispute with the screening company and the credit bureau.
If you are rejected because of income, consider finding a co-signer or looking for a less expensive apartment. If you are rejected because of a criminal conviction, some landlords will reconsider if you can show a long period of stable housing and employment since the conviction, or if you have a letter of recommendation from a community organization or employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to rent an apartment?
No. A credit card is one way to build a credit score, but it is not required to rent. Landlords care about proof that you pay bills on time — that can come from bank statements, previous landlord references, or utility payment history. A credit card helps for future rentals, but not for this one.
Can a landlord reject me just because I have no credit?
Legally, no — they cannot reject you solely because you have no credit history. They can reject you if you do not meet their income requirements, fail a background check, or cannot provide references. But "no credit" by itself is not a legal reason to deny housing. If a landlord says that is their only reason, they may be breaking fair housing law.
What if I have bad credit instead of no credit?
Bad credit (a low score) is harder to overcome than no credit. You will need stronger income proof, references, and possibly a co-signer. A larger deposit or agreement to autopay can also help. Some landlords specialize in renting to people with credit problems — search for "bad credit apartments" in your area, though be cautious of scams.
How long does it take to get approved without a credit check?
Most landlords will give you an answer within three to five business days of receiving all your documents. If you are missing something — a reference letter, a recent pay stub, or co-signer paperwork — it will take longer. Have everything ready before you explore to speed up the process.
Will renting an apartment help me build credit?
Only if your landlord reports your rent payments to credit bureaus, which most do not do automatically. Ask your landlord before you sign the lease. If they do not report, you can still build credit by getting a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account.