How to Rent an Apartment With No Credit History

Trying to rent an apartment but have no credit history? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Most landlords check your credit report to see if you’re likely to pay on time. But if you haven’t built credit yet, that doesn’t mean you’re locked out of the rental market.

From offering a bigger deposit to showing steady income, there are ways to get approved without a credit history. This guide covers practical steps you can take, what landlords look for instead of credit, and how to start building credit for the future.

How to Rent an Apartment With No Credit: 9 Smart Strategies

Renting an apartment with no credit isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible either. Landlords want to see that you’re reliable and able to pay rent on time. If you can’t prove that with a credit report, you’ll need to show it in other ways. Here are nine proven strategies that can help you get approved without a credit history.

1. Rent From an Individual Landlord

Private landlords are often more flexible than large property management companies. They may be willing to skip the credit check if you can prove you’re responsible in other ways. Look for listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local bulletin boards, and be ready to explain your situation directly.

2. Be Transparent About Your Finances

If you don’t have credit, address it upfront. Let the landlord know why—whether you’re just getting started financially or have chosen to avoid debt. Explain how you manage your money, and emphasize that you’re financially stable and can afford the rent.

3. Prove You Can Afford the Rent

Landlords want proof you can make rent each month. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an offer letter from your employer. Ideally, your rent should be no more than one-third of your take-home income. If your income is lower, showing a healthy savings balance or emergency fund can help make up for it.

4. Use a Cosigner With Strong Credit

A cosigner—usually a parent, family member, or close friend—agrees to back you financially if you miss a payment. This gives landlords peace of mind. Just make sure your cosigner understands the responsibility, and only go this route if you’re confident you can cover the rent yourself.

5. Offer to Pay More Upfront

If you can afford it, offer a larger security deposit, several months of rent upfront, or both. This lowers the landlord’s risk and can make them more comfortable renting to someone without a credit history. Just be sure the terms are clearly written into your lease.

6. Provide Solid References

Personal and professional references can go a long way. Ask former employers, professors, or even past roommates to vouch for your responsibility and reliability. If you’ve rented before—even informally—ask that landlord for a reference and proof of on-time payments.

7. Offer to Start With a Short-Term Lease

A landlord might be hesitant to commit to a year-long lease without credit history. Offer to sign a short-term or month-to-month lease as a trial run. If things go well, you may be able to renew or extend it later.

8. Sublet or Become a Roommate

If you’re having trouble qualifying on your own, look for sublets or shared housing. Many roommate situations don’t involve a credit check at all, especially if you’re not the primary leaseholder. You’ll still get a place to live while avoiding the full application process.

9. Use a Lease Guarantee Service

Some companies will guarantee your lease for a fee. These services act like a cosigner and step in if you default on rent. Not all landlords accept them, but it can be an option if you don’t have a cosigner or need help qualifying. Just read the fine print and understand the costs.

See also: How to Get an Apartment With Bad Credit

What are no credit check apartments?

No credit check apartments are rentals where the landlord skips the credit screening process. These places are often managed by private owners who care more about your income, job stability, or rental references than your credit report.

You’ll typically find no credit check apartments through local listings, classified ads, or community boards. They can be a good option if you don’t have a credit history yet, but you may need to pay more upfront or sign a shorter lease while you prove yourself as a tenant.

What Landlords Look For If You Don’t Have Credit

Most landlords check your credit report to see how you’ve handled money in the past. But if you don’t have one, they may still consider you—especially if other parts of your financial profile look strong.

Here’s what they’re likely to focus on:

• Proof of income: Pay stubs, bank statements, or an employment letter that shows steady earnings.
• Employment stability: A consistent work history tells landlords you’re less likely to miss rent.
• Rental references: Past landlords or roommates who can vouch for your reliability.
• Willingness to pay upfront: Offering a larger deposit or several months’ rent can help ease concerns.
• Cosigners: A cosigner with strong credit can back your lease and reduce the landlord’s risk.

The stronger these factors are, the more likely you are to get approved—credit history or not.

Alternatives to Renting on Your Own

If you’re not ready to sign a lease by yourself, there are other ways to secure housing without a credit check. These options can give you more flexibility while you build up your credit profile.

Rent a Room in a Shared Apartment or House

Many shared housing setups don’t require every roommate to pass a credit check. You might be able to move in by paying your share of the rent directly to the main leaseholder. This works especially well in college towns, house shares, or sublets. Just make sure the living arrangement and payment terms are clearly understood upfront.

Rent From a Friend or Family Member

If someone you know owns property, they may be willing to rent to you without going through the usual screening process. This can be a great temporary option, especially if you’re just getting started financially. Still, put everything in writing—including rent amount, payment schedule, and lease length—to protect both sides.

Sublet From a Current Tenant

A sublet is when you rent from someone who already has the lease—often temporarily. Sublets are common in college towns, cities with seasonal workers, or when someone relocates before their lease ends. Many sublets skip the formal application process and credit check entirely. Just be sure the landlord is aware and agrees to the arrangement, or you risk getting evicted without notice.

Rent a Guesthouse or Converted Garage

Some homeowners rent out in-law units, guesthouses, or converted garages on their property. These informal setups are often off the books and may not require a credit check at all. You’ll usually find them on neighborhood forums or local listings. As always, confirm expectations in writing and clarify what’s included (utilities, private entrance, etc.).

Try Month-to-Month Rentals

Short-term, month-to-month leases are often easier to get approved for—especially if the unit has been sitting vacant. Landlords may be more focused on filling the space quickly than running a full credit screening. Once you’ve built trust, they may be willing to renew or extend the lease on more favorable terms.

Start Building Credit Sooner Than Later

Renting without a credit history is possible—but long term, it’s better to have one. The sooner you start building credit, the easier it will be to rent, borrow, or qualify for better financial products in the future.

Here are three simple ways to start building your credit score:

Become an Authorized User on a Credit Card

Ask a parent or trusted friend to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. You don’t need to use the card yourself—just being listed can help you build credit, as long as their payment history stays clean.

Apply for a Secured Credit Card

Secured credit cards require a refundable deposit, usually a few hundred dollars, which becomes your credit limit. Use the card for small purchases, pay it off on time, and it will help you build credit with minimal risk.

Need help choosing one? Check out our top picks for the best secured credit cards.

Take Out a Credit Builder Loan

Credit builder loans are offered by credit unions and fintech apps. The lender holds the loan amount in a savings account while you make monthly payments. Once it’s paid off, you get the money—and the payment history helps you build credit.

Want to compare options? Here are our top recommended credit builder loans.

For more tips, check out our full guide: How to Build Credit From Scratch

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a credit history to rent an apartment—but you do need a plan. Whether it’s offering more upfront, getting a cosigner, or starting with shared housing, there are ways to make it work.

Once you’ve secured your place, take a few simple steps to build your credit score. That way, next time you’re ready to move, you’ll have more choices and fewer hoops to jump through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an apartment with no credit if I have a high income?

Yes, a high income can work in your favor. If you can show that your monthly rent will be a small portion of your take-home pay, some landlords may be willing to overlook your lack of credit history—especially if you offer to pay more upfront or provide references.

Do all landlords check credit before approving a lease?

No, not all landlords check credit. Larger property management companies almost always do, but many private landlords, especially those renting out a single unit, may focus more on your income, job stability, and rental history.

Will applying for apartments hurt my credit score?

If a landlord runs a hard inquiry on your credit report, it could temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, if you don’t have any credit history yet, it won’t make much of a difference. You can also ask landlords whether they use a soft or hard inquiry before you apply.

How can I find no credit check apartments near me?

Start by checking local classified sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and look for listings by individual landlords. You can also search for terms like “no credit check apartments” or “second chance rentals” in your area. Be cautious of scams—always verify the listing and meet the landlord in person when possible.