Rent and applications
Can I rent an apartment with no credit history?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Yes. No credit is usually easier to overcome than bad credit, because there is nothing negative on your record. Landlords will lean on other proof instead: steady income, bank statements, a guarantor or cosigner, references from past landlords or roommates, or a larger deposit where allowed. Many first-time renters start this way.
Many young renters have a thin or empty credit file. Some screening systems return no score at all, which a person can then review. Make that review easy.
- A job offer letter or recent pay stubs showing income comfortably above the rent.
- Two or three months of bank statements showing regular deposits and a steady balance.
- Proof you have paid bills on time, such as phone, utility or previous rent payments.
- A reference from anyone you have rented from before, even a dorm or a family friend who rented you a room.
A parent or relative with good credit acting as guarantor is the most common solution for a first apartment. If you want to build credit for next time, a secured credit card used lightly and paid in full each month will usually create a score within about six months.
If you are new to the US and have no US credit history or Social Security number, the situation is different and has its own options. The international renters answers cover that.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.