
You can afford the rent, you have a job, you pay your bills on time — so why does your credit history matter when renting an apartment? Here's what landlords actually look for.

Written by Sarah James ·
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A good credit score is more than just a number; it's a key indicator of your financial health and stability. In today's high-interest market, having a good credit score opens doors to various opportunities and can save you significant amounts of money over time.
Having a good credit score means you are more likely to be approved for loans and credit cards, and often at lower interest rates. For example, in 2024 Q1 and Q2, the average credit score required for a mortgage was 732.
Let's take a look at an example. Cindy and John both purchase a Tesla Model 3. Cindy has a credit score of 750, whereas John's score is only 550. Consequently, Cindy receives a lower APR compared to John, resulting in her monthly payment being approximately $112 less. Over the term of the loan, Cindy ends up paying nearly $6,500 less for the car.
A good credit score can also lead to higher credit limits, and it plays a role in other areas of your life. Many insurance companies use credit scores to determine premiums, so a good score often leads to lower rates on auto and homeowners insurance. Some employers check credit scores during the hiring process, especially for positions involving financial decision-making. And landlords frequently use credit scores to evaluate rental applications.
As of April 2024, the average American credit score was 717, according to FICO—considered a “very good” score on the VantageScore model.
Maintaining a good credit score is not always easy. Negative remarks on your credit report, such as late payments, defaults, or collections, can significantly damage your score. According to a recent study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission, as many as 42 million Americans have mistakes on their credit reports—that's about 13% of the entire national population.
Through our interactions with customers, we have found that many negative marks result from moving to a new property or location. Often, old leasing companies fail to update information, leading to utility companies continuing to charge for services at the old address without receiving payment.
If you find yourself in a situation where your credit score is less than ideal, TomoCredit's Credit Dispute Service can be an invaluable resource. TomoCredit offers a comprehensive credit report analysis to identify inaccuracies or errors that may be negatively impacting your score. Their team of experts works on your behalf to dispute incorrect or unfair negative remarks with credit bureaus and creditors.
In addition to dispute resolution, TomoCredit provides a personalized credit repair plan based on your unique situation, along with educational resources to help you maintain a good credit score in the long term.
Investing in your credit health today can lead to a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. If your credit score is suffering due to negative remarks or inaccuracies on your credit report, TomoCredit's Credit Dispute Service is here to help.

You can afford the rent, you have a job, you pay your bills on time — so why does your credit history matter when renting an apartment? Here's what landlords actually look for.

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The language used on this page is for creative purposes only. TomoCredit (or TomoBoost) does not guarantee an increase in credit score. Individual results vary based on each person's unique credit history and financial circumstances, and subscription payments are non-refundable.
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