Not every rental sets the same bar. A studio apartment, a suburban townhouse, and a downtown single-family home can each ask for a different number, so what credit score is needed to rent a house really depends on the property and the market. Most landlords look for at least 620, but the exact target shifts from place to place.
This guide breaks down those numbers so you know where you stand. If you want a step-by-step plan for the application itself, see our guide on what credit score you need to rent a house. Here, we focus on the specific score ranges.
What Credit Score Is Needed to Rent a House?
As of July 2026, the common baseline is a credit score of about 620. That is the level many landlords treat as a green light for a standard rental.
For a single-family house, the target often rises to 640 to 680. Houses usually cost more per month, so landlords want a bit more cushion.
Scores of 700 and up tend to unlock the smoothest approvals and can reduce the deposit you owe. Scores under 620 are not automatic denials, but they usually come with extra conditions.
Score Thresholds by Property Type
The property itself shapes the number a landlord wants to see.
Apartments in large buildings
Big management companies often set a firm cutoff, commonly around 620 to 650. Their software may auto-decline scores below that line.
Single-family houses
Private owners renting a house often look for 640 to 680. Because they carry the mortgage, they want confidence you will pay on time.
Condos and townhomes
These fall in the middle. Expect a target near 620 to 660, though a homeowners association may add its own screening.
Rooms and private landlords
Renting a room or leasing from a small independent owner is often the most flexible path. Some accept scores in the 500s with a larger deposit.
How Your Local Market Changes the Number
Where you rent can matter as much as what you rent.
In less competitive areas, such as many suburbs and smaller towns, a score of 620 is often enough. Landlords there have fewer applicants and more reason to be flexible.
In hot markets like major cities, the bar climbs fast. When dozens of people apply for one unit, a landlord may favor scores of 740 or higher just to narrow the field.
Seasonal timing plays a role too. During slow rental months, some landlords ease their standards to fill empty units.
Why Landlords Set These Score Cutoffs
Your score is a quick way for a landlord to guess how likely you are to pay rent on time. A higher number suggests a steady track record.
But landlords rarely stop at the score. Many pair it with your income, usually wanting about three times the rent, plus rental history and a background check.
Some now review your bank-account activity, looking at deposits and balances alongside your credit. So even if your score sits below a cutoff, strong finances elsewhere can tip the decision your way.
Because your score does so much of the talking, it pays to strengthen it before you apply. A starter option like the Self Visa Credit Card helps you build a record of on-time payments that landlords like to see.
What to Do If Your Score Is Too Low to Rent a House
A number below the target is a starting point, not a dead end.
Offer a larger deposit or prepay a few months of rent to lower the landlord's risk. Bring a co-signer with strong credit if you can.
Focus on private landlords and smaller buildings, which tend to weigh the whole picture rather than one score. Come prepared with pay stubs, references, and a short note explaining any past bumps.
And give yourself time. Even a few months of focused effort can lift your score past a key threshold.
Put that time to work by adding a positive tradeline. The Current Build Card helps you grow credit as you make everyday purchases, which can nudge your score toward a landlord's target.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
Tools That Can Raise Your Score
If your move is not urgent, use the runway to build credit before you apply.
It also helps to know your number before a landlord checks it. A monitoring tool like Creditship.ai can track your score, flag errors, and help you catch problems early, so you apply with confidence rather than guesswork.
A dedicated credit-builder can add positive history along the way. The Kikoff Credit Account reports your on-time payments and is designed for people starting or rebuilding credit. These products do not promise a set score, and results vary, but paired with on-time payments and low balances, they can help you move toward the range your target rental wants.
Kikoff Credit Account
Kikoff Credit Account
Everything you need to build your credit, right in one app. Build credit, lower debt, and unlock progress with tools that actually work.
Standout feature
An avg increase of +86 points within a year with on-time payments
Fees
$5/month for Basic plan, $20/mo for Premium plan $35/mo for Ultimate plan
Pros
Helps both payment history and credit utilization, the two factors that move scores most
Cons
Monthly fee continues for as long as you keep the account open
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest credit score to rent a house?
There is no universal floor. Many large landlords stop around 620, but private owners sometimes accept scores in the 500s with a larger deposit or a co-signer. The lower your score, the more you may need to offer to reassure the landlord.
Do you need a higher credit score for a house than an apartment?
Often, yes. Single-family houses usually carry higher rent, so landlords may look for 640 to 680 instead of the 620 to 650 common for apartments. The exact number still depends on the owner and the market.
Does a no-credit-check rental exist?
Yes, though they are less common. Some private landlords and room rentals skip the credit pull and rely on income proof and references. Be cautious and confirm the listing is legitimate before paying anything.
How much does a low score raise my deposit?
It varies by landlord, but a below-target score often means a deposit of one to two extra months of rent. Some landlords also ask for the last month up front. Ask before you apply so you can budget.
