Last updated on May 31st, 2023 at 06:16 am
If you have bad credit or a low credit score, a no credit check apartment can seem like a lifeline. But finding an apartment to rent can be hard, and it’s best to avoid apartments that require a credit check. So, how do you find no credit check apartments near you?
Well, if you do a little research, you can find apartments that don’t check credit. Some private landlords may be willing to overlook a low credit score. This post tells you everything you need to know about no credit check apartments. Here’s how to find no credit check apartments near you.
Call Different Apartments and Ask About Their Credit Requirements
The first thing you should do is call different apartments and find out their credit requirements. Talk to the property managers and ask if they have a specific minimum score or if tenants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For example, a property manager may be more willing to approve your application if your credit score has been affected by unpaid medical bills instead of a recent bankruptcy.
Do Lots of Research to Find Privately Owned Apartment Complexes
Research online and look around when driving for rental signs that mention no credit check apartments, usually called For Rent by Owner properties. Local classified websites and newspapers may also contain this information. Larger apartment complexes often are run by property management companies that adhere to specific screening guidelines. If you find a small apartment that’s managed by the owner, you can talk to them and explain the reasons for your low credit score.
Show Proof of Income
If you have a full-time or a part-time job, you can obtain pay stubs from your employer. Some landlords ask for pay stubs for the last three months to determine renters’ ability to pay and to see whether their income fluctuates every month. Your monthly pre-tax income must be at least three times the rent.
Save a Deposit
Landlords and property management companies usually perform a credit check to determine your likelihood to pay rent. In most cases, forgoing a credit check will cost you. You may be asked for a larger deposit as collateral. So, start saving for a deposit as soon as you can. Even though you may be unsuccessful in finding an apartment that skips the credit check, this doesn’t mean you’ll be automatically rejected. Most property managers require a larger deposit from renters with limited or poor credit.
Instead of saving up for a large deposit, you can get a surety bond which is a cheaper alternative. You simply pay a fee to the bond company instead of paying a refundable deposit to the apartment. This is usually a percentage of the security deposit (10%-15%). You pay the fee to the bond company which then pays your security deposit. But it’s worth mentioning that the bond fee is non-refundable. You’ll also be liable for any property damage.
Find Month-to-Month Leases
Also known as a short-term rental agreement, a month-to-month lease is a rental agreement that establishes occupancy without a specific end date. Every month, the lease renews automatically. To end the contract, the landlord or tenant must give proper notice. Because it’s a short-term lease, it’s not uncommon for a landlord to not perform a credit check.
Move in Immediately
Vacant apartments mean no income for landlords. If you can move in immediately, the landlord may choose to forego the credit check and offer you a shorter lease term. Once you show that you are reliable, the landlord may extend your lease to a longer one.
Get a Co-Signer
This is the easiest way to secure an apartment without a credit check. Simply ask someone with good credit to co-sign for you on your lease. This could be a close friend or a family member. Your co-signer must have good credit. Also, make them aware that they’ll have to pay your rent if you fail to pay on time. A co-signer gives the landlord a safety net. They know that someone will pay your rent in case you’re unable to.
Get a Guarantor
A lease guarantor is someone who takes the financial liability of your lease if you are unable to fulfill it. By agreeing to guarantee you, they are responsible for all lease terms. A guarantor differs from a cosigner in that they are only sought for payment when the renter is unable to make the rental payment. A co-signer has equal responsibility for payment of monthly rental costs.
Find a Roommate with Good Credit
Your potential landlord might be more willing to rent to you if you’re moving in with someone who has good credit. Since you don’t have a good credit history, take advantage of your roommate’s. But your combined income should be enough to cover the rent. Also, don’t put your roommate in trouble and pay your rent on time each month. Doing this will also help build your credit score.
Provide References and Recommendations
If you can’t find someone to co-sign your lease, provide references or get a recommendation from your employers or previous landlords. Former landlords can help you to find a no credit check apartment. They assure your potential landlord that you’re a financially responsible person who has been dependable in the past. This increases the chances of your application getting approved.
No Credit Check Rentals Near Me: How to Find Them
To find no credit check rentals near you, follow the tips we’ve listed above. Here’s what you should do:
- Search in your neighborhood for no credit rental checks
- Look for For Rent by Owner properties online and offline
- Save a large deposit—because the property management company will ask for it
- Get a cosigner or a guarantor
- Find a month-to-month lease or sign a short-term lease
- Move in with a roommate with good credit
- Prove that you’re able to pay the rent
- Provide references from previous landlords
How to Find Second Chance Rentals Near Me
Second chance rentals are available to people with a less-than-perfect rental history. These are renters who have:
- Failed to pay rent on time
- A poor credit score
- A bad background
- Broken a lease with no valid cause
- Owe rent
- Moved out without giving a notice
- Been evicted
- No credit history
- Gone bankrupt
To find a second chance apartment near you, search online to see the available apartments in your city. Choose a rental listing site with search filters so you can narrow down the results to meet your criteria. You can set the price range, choose the number of bedrooms, and select the apartment amenities you want.
How to Find No Credit Check Apartments Craigslist Near Me
To find no credit check apartments on craigslist, do this:
- Go to the homepage and type “no credit check apartments” in the box beneath “search craigslist.” But make sure the location is correct or change it to reflect your area.
- You can also search by category. Click on the category (e.g. “housing”) or sub-category (e.g. “apartments/housing for rent”). If you select a sub-category, you can set the price range, the bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet, the exact location, and other features.
Property Management That Works With Bad Credit Near Me
Want to find a property management company that works with bad credit near you? You’ll need to do lots of research. Here’s what you can do.
- Research property management companies online
- Search on websites that publish crowd-sourced reviews about companies—like Yelp
- Ask friends and colleagues for referrals
- Contact property management companies directly and ask if they work with renters with bad credit.
There you have it! That’s how to find no credit check apartments near you. Word to the wise: you’ll need lots of patience and good research skills to find the best apartment. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start searching!