Finances

What credit score do you need to rent a house?

Read on and learn how to boost your credit score to rent a house! We've gathered some helpful tips for you! Let's go!

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Improve your rental chances by understanding your credit score

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What credit score do you need to rent a house? Find out! Source: Adobe Stock

Did you know that landlords demand that potential renters have a high credit score to rent a house? This is a major factor in the renting process.

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What credit score do you start with?

Credit scores are a mystery for some people. For example: do you know how your credit score starts? We'll explain everything you need below! Read on!

So continue reading if you don’t know how to check and improve your credit score to increase your chances of getting approved!

What is the minimum credit score to rent a house?

Although understanding credit can be confusing and intimidating, knowing the credit score required to rent a home can be helpful.

However, not all landlords require a single minimum credit score – it depends on the agreement between the tenant and landlord.

Generally, credit scores above 640 are seen favorably when looking for a place to rent. This can rise depending on the area, as well as other requirements.

Contacting potential landlords to determine their exact expectations is always a good idea.

Even if your credit score isn’t ideal, you should always reach out to see what options are available to you. Being open about your credit is always preferable.

What are other factors considered when renting a house?

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What are other factors considered when renting a house? Find out! Source: Adobe Stock

Although if you need a decent credit score to rent a property, landlords can not simply consider this when assessing your application.

Many landlords consider factors such as the duration and continuity of previous accommodation, evidence of income and work, and so on.

To succeed in your search for a rental home, you must show that you can fulfill the terms of your lease agreement and payment.

Check other important factors considered:

  • Rental History: Landlords may ask for rental references and contact previous landlords to ensure that you have a good rental history;
  • Income and Employment History: Landlords may ask for proof of income and employment history;
  • Criminal Background Check: To make sure you don’t have a criminal past, landlords could do a background check on you;
  • Rental Guarantors or Co-Signers: Landlords may want a rental guarantor or co-signer with a higher credit score or income to co-sign the lease and guarantee payment if you default;
  • Move-in Costs: Landlords typically ask for a security deposit and the first month’s rent upfront before moving in.
Businessman pulling speedometer from poor to good performance

650 credit score: is it a good score to achieve?

When it comes to credit scores, the higher, the better. But is 650 a good credit score? Keep reading to find out!

How can you check your credit score?

There are various free ways to access your credit score, from credit monitoring websites to credit cards that include score tracking.

Here are some ways of keeping track of your credit score:

  • Free Credit Reports: You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus once a year (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax);
  • Credit Monitoring Services: Credit monitoring services are available from a variety of companies and include your credit score, credit report, and credit alerts;
  • Credit Card Companies: Some credit card companies offer free access to their customers’ credit scores. Check with your credit card company to determine whether this service is available;
  •  Credit Score Websites: Websites that provide free credit scores can be helpful. These services often need you to create an account to view your credit score.

You must evaluate your credit report frequently, regardless of how you monitor your credit score.

Check that all of the information is correct and up to date.

How to boost your credit score and improve your chances of success

Good credit score for credit card spending with sufficient cash
Boost your credit score and improve your chances of success. Source: Adobe Stock

Raising your credit score might be quite beneficial to your financial situation. It can also assist you in boosting your chances of renting a property.

The process of raising your credit score is simple. Always be sure to pay your payments on time. Your credit history may suffer as a result of late payments.

Also, some tips to boost your credit score can be very helpful:

  • Keep your credit card balances low: Credit card balances that are too high might harm your credit score. Maintain a balance that is no more than 30% of your credit limit;
  • Don’t close old credit accounts: Closing old credit accounts can shorten your credit history, which can negatively impact your credit score;
  • Limit new credit applications: Too many credit applications at once might negatively influence your credit score. Strive to keep new credit applications to a minimum;
  • Check your credit report for errors: Your credit score may suffer due to errors on your credit report. Be sure to frequently monitor your credit report and challenge any mistakes you notice;
  • Use credit monitoring services: These services can help you track changes in your credit score. It can assist you in filing reports and warn you of potential fraud;
  • Paying off any outstanding debts will also help raise your credit score.

Bottom line

Boosting your credit score involves a few steps that may take some time, but it is well worth the effort.

You will eventually acquire the perfect credit score to rent a house.

A good credit score and a healthy financial life will always be helpful.

No matter your ambitions, your starting point should be managing your finances healthily.

Now that you know how to boost your credit score, find the best tips to move out from your parent’s house! Read on and learn!

Excited young woman on bed surround boxes, carton smiling to camera in modern apartment. Moving to new flat, expressing true positive emotions at new home with modern interior.

How to move out of your parents’ house

Moving out of your parents house can be scary, but it is necessary. If you feel the time has come, get ready with these tips!

About the author  /  Giovanna Klein

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