Good credit is required when applying for a mortgage and making large purchases like cars and apartments. That's because it's possible to gauge a person's reliability in meeting financial obligations through their credit score. Although it may be challenging, it is possible to find housing if you have no credit history.

A prospective landlord can see from your credit report whether or not they need to take additional measures, such as requesting a larger security deposit, to ensure that they will be paid on time each month.

However, you may still need to build credit if you're renting while still in school or if this is your first time living alone. If you are in this predicament, know that help is at hand.

Finding an apartment to rent without a credit check is unusual, regardless of whether you're dealing with an individual landlord or a huge property management firm. Almost every landlord needs assurance that you can afford to pay the rent every month, as agreed upon in your contract. Here are seven options for renting an apartment even without a credit history.

1. Search For A Private Landlord

Have you ever looked for housing in a newspaper or online classified ad and seen the terms "apartments for rent no credit check" or "private landlord no credit check"? This was done by a private landlord who needed to fill empty units to cover expenses like mortgage payments, utility bills, and tax payments. And because of their predicament, you won't have to follow as stringent credit check guidelines.

It is common practice for property management companies and condo associations to run credit checks on prospective residents. Private property owners, on the other hand, can be more flexible. They may be ready to overlook your spotty credit history if you are interested in renting from them. If you search this way, apartments that do not require a credit check are easier to find.

2. Get A Reputable Person To Co-Sign Your Loan

If you don't have an established credit history, a co-signer from your family, like a parent or sibling, could be an excellent option. Your co-signer does not have to share an address with you; they must have an excellent credit history for your application to be approved.

When you co-sign a lease, your co-signer agrees to take over rent payment responsibilities if you fail to do so. You should not take the responsibility of a co-signer lightly. Always pay your rent on time so you don't put your loved ones in a difficult financial position.

3. Make An Immediate Offer Or One With A Shorter Lease Term

Landlords lose money on empty flats. It's in everyone's best interest to ensure they never go hungry. Therefore, if you can move in immediately, you can convince the landlord to rent to you despite your lack of credit history. You may also benefit from renting monthly or agreeing to a shorter lease period. By doing so, you can show your landlord that you are a responsible renter and increase the length of your lease.

4. Deposit More Money As Collateral

Landlords will be more likely to rent to you if you can show that you can pay the rent at least a couple of months in advance, even if they can't run your credit. But it doesn't mean you can skip out on rent for a few weeks. Instead, this sum will serve as a security deposit and will be held in escrow until the end of your lease, at which time it will be returned to you. Just make sure that the security deposit amount is specified in the lease and that you pay your rent on time every month.

5. Give Some Recommendations And Citations

Without a co-signer, recommendations from employers, teachers, and, most importantly, former landlords can go a long way toward helping you acquire a new rental. Your application is better accepted if you can show the landlord that you have a track record of being reliable and responsible with money.

Bottom Line

Finding a place to live without a credit history to vouch for you can be difficult, but it's not impossible. Look for private landlords who may be more tolerant of credit checks if you're looking for no-credit-check apartments. You can improve your chances of getting approved for a rental by including a co-signer with strong credit, finding a roommate with good credit, volunteering to pay more of the rent upfront, or demonstrating that you have sufficient income, assets, or savings.