Navigate Apartment Credit Checks for Faster Approval

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Request your credit report from all bureaus to check accuracy before applying.
• Review your report for outdated debts or errors to avoid automatic rejection.
• Ask landlords if they use soft or hard inquiries to assess credit score impact.
• Confirm which bureau and scoring model will be used for your application.
• Check if unpaid utility or prior rental debts show on your credit report.
• Prepare written explanations for any negative marks on your credit file.
• Verify if a minimum credit score is required and if exceptions may be allowed.
• Clarify whether the application fee includes the credit check to avoid surprises.
• Ask if co-signers or guarantors are permitted in case your credit falls short.
• Check if tenant screening databases for eviction history will be used.
• Clarify if multiple hard inquiries for different apartments will lower your score.
• Request written criteria for credit screening to help ensure fair evaluation.