5 Simple Steps on How-To Rent With Bad Credit

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Get A YES! With Less then Perfect Credit


In today’s economy, so many have lost their homes to foreclosure. And the number is rising. This has a direct result in taking most homeowner from ownership to becoming a tenant. With the down grade status, you now have damaged credit. People are struggling to find a way and a decent roof over their heads. This can be difficult and seeming impossible to handle for most.

Apartment complex’s and property managers tend to use corporate policies and a structured outline in their guidelines to determine acceptance just to rent or lease from them. Your credit report plays first priority in their decision. So if you know your credit is bad, you should avoid the hassle and disappointment in trying to rent through them.

The one thing the foreclosure crisis has done was create more independent landlords who are the actual home or property owner. Their main concern is simply that you can afford to pay the rent PERIOD. Most of them will also what to see your credit report to determine your creditability to pay. But they tend to be more flexible and understand to hardship and life changes. After all, they did just get the “deal of the day” by you losing your home and their gain at a fraction of the cost.

So now, personality and presentation takes center stage. You must make sure that you meet with the owner or someone who represents the owner who will make the final decision. Keep in mind, if you meet with a real estate agent who represents the owner, they will look at this like a property manager. But it won’t hurt to try.

Here are 5 steps you need to take when your express interest in a rental. Remember, before you look at the property you must BE PREPARED.

1. Have an application already completed in advance. Most applications are the same. You can go online and print one out or you can find them at a local stationary store. This shows the owner that you are serious and ready to express your interest in applying for the rental property.

2. Have a copy of your most recent credit report available. You can simply go online and order a copy of your report. Most landlords will charge a fee to pull the report and they still may even with you providing a copy. But, this gives you the opportunity to show your credit history to them in advance and discuss the issues you have with your credit. It also shows that you are being upfront and honest about your situation. So, if credit is the most important thing to them, this process will save you the expense of paying for a credit report that would ultimately be rejected.

3. Write a letter of explanation. Explain any and all derogatory marks on the report. This again allows you to put your issues in writing explaining why your credit is bad and make the letter part of your credit record.

4. Make a copy of the following items:

A) A copy of your driver’s license. This proves you are who you say you are. And now, it’s always part of an application process.

B) Have a copy of your (2) most recent pay stubs. This proves that you are currently employed and it verifies how much you make. Typically, making 3x the amount of the rent is a big plus.

C) Have a copy of your most rent W2. This gives them a better look at your annual income and that you have had steady employment.

D) Have a copy of your most recent bank statement or asset account statements. This will let them know that you have the money for the deposit, the first months rent and possibly 1 or 2 months in reserves. Money will always speak for itself. The more you can show you have the better your odds can be. *in some cases, they may want to increase your deposit and this will show that you have the funds.

5. Make a list of 3 – 5 references. Provide the names and phone numbers of at least 3 to 5 people who can verify your character. This can be a friend, family members, co-workers, or someone who may be a creditor. This simply adds strength to your application package.

8 out of 10 time, you will find that the homeowner is impressed with how prepared you are at the time of viewing the property. And it is the rapport that you build with them that’s most important. You can gain trust by setting a foundation for a great rental relationship.

There are many different website that list homes for rent by the owners. Also use your local newspapers, community bulletins, etc. You many find that this is a very simple process. Not providing a credit report and trying to find someone who won’t ask for one can be time consuming and stressful to say the least. Know what’s on your credit report so that you can start to make the necessary adjustment and correction to improve your credit profile so that you came ultimately get back to prime status.

Sometimes it helps to have an independent agent represent you if you need to go through this process. An agent can screen the home owners, advise them of your situation in advance and set up many appointments for you to view properties that you would likely qualify for even under your circumstances. This will help you to avoid a mountain of rejection and keep a piece of mind by working with one person who truly understands your situation.

Although times have change, the game remains the same. People will always and forever have bad credit. And they will always pay more for what they want unless they make a change in the financial situation.


This Article was written by Eva Black, a licensed real estate agent with over 24 years on experience in mortgage lender, real estate sales and loan consulting. Servicing the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, The Villa Group. eblackinvest@yahoo.com