So what credit score do I need to rent a house? Most landlords look for a score around 620.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Rent a House?
As of July 2026, most landlords want to see a credit score of about 620 to 650 for an apartment. Scores between 580 and 619 can still get approved.
What Landlords Actually Look For
Income
Many landlords want your gross monthly income to be about three times the rent.
Payment history
A history of on-time payments tells a landlord you are likely to pay rent on time too.
Rental history
Steady, on-time rent in the past is a strong sign.
Background and banking activity
Some landlords now review bank-account activity.
How to Prepare Before You Apply
Check your own credit report first. Gather your documents early. Offer a larger deposit if you can.
What to Do If Your Credit Score Is Too Low to Rent a House
Ask about private landlords. If your rent history is good but not on your credit report, look into a rent-reporting service. A low-cost credit account like Kikoff reports to the credit bureaus.
Kikoff Credit Account
Kikoff Credit Account
Everything you need to build your credit, right in one app. Build credit, lower debt, and unlock progress with tools that actually work.
Standout feature
An avg increase of +86 points within a year with on-time payments
Fees
$5/month for Basic plan, $20/mo for Premium plan $35/mo for Ultimate plan
Pros
Helps both payment history and credit utilization, the two factors that move scores most
Cons
Monthly fee continues for as long as you keep the account open
Build Credit Before You Try to Rent a House
A credit-builder product can help. The Self Visa Credit Card pairs a small savings plan with a secured card.
The Current Build Card is another option that reports your activity. Pair a credit-builder with simple habits: pay every bill on time, keep card balances low.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
Watch Your Credit So There Are No Surprises
Checking your own credit does not hurt your score. A monitoring tool like Creditship.ai can track changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a house with a 600 credit score?
Yes, in many cases. A 600 sits just below the typical 620 target.
Do all landlords check credit scores?
No. Large property managers almost always run a credit check.
Will applying to several rentals hurt my credit?
Multiple applications can add hard inquiries.
How long does it take to raise my credit score to rent?
It depends on your starting point.
