Most landlords run a credit check, but some do not
The short answer is no — not every landlord checks credit. Many do, especially large property management companies and corporate landlords. But smaller landlords, owner-occupied buildings, and some regional chains skip the credit check entirely or use it as only one piece of the decision. What they check instead varies widely: rental history, income verification, employment status, criminal background, eviction records, and references from previous landlords.
The type of property and landlord matters more than the location. A single-family home rented by its owner may never pull your credit report. A 200-unit apartment complex almost certainly will. Understanding what different landlords actually look for helps you know which applications to pursue and what to prepare before you explore.
Key Takeaways
- Large property management companies and corporate landlords typically run credit checks; individual landlords and small buildings often do not.
- Landlords who skip credit checks usually focus on rental history, income (often requiring 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), and references from previous landlords.
- Criminal background checks and eviction records are separate from credit checks and are run by many landlords regardless of whether they pull credit.
- You can ask a landlord before you explore whether they run credit checks, and many will tell you their screening process upfront.
What landlords check when they skip credit
Landlords who do not pull credit reports typically rely on three things: proof of income, rental history, and references. Income verification is the most common substitute. Most landlords want to see that your monthly income is 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent — so for a $1,200 apartment, you would need to show roughly $3,000 to $3,600 in monthly income. They ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.
Rental history comes second. They call or email previous landlords to ask whether you paid on time, kept the place in good condition, and caused problems. If you have no rental history — you lived with family or owned a home — some landlords will accept references from an employer, a professor, or someone who has known you for years and can vouch for your reliability.
A few landlords also run background checks on their own, separate from credit reports. These check for criminal convictions and eviction filings. A background check is not the same as a credit check, and a landlord can run one without ever looking at your credit score.
Which landlords are most likely to skip credit checks
Individual landlords who own one or two rental properties often do not run credit checks. They may not have the systems in place to do so, or they may prefer to make decisions based on a conversation and a reference call. Owner-occupied duplexes and small apartment buildings (under 10 units) are more likely to skip credit than large complexes.
Some regional and local property management companies also avoid credit checks, especially if they focus on workforce housing or have a mission to rent to people with damaged credit. Public housing authorities and subsidized housing programs rarely pull credit reports at all — they focus on income limits and family size instead.
Corporate chains and national management companies almost always run credit checks. If you are renting from a major brand or a large portfolio company, assume they will pull your report.
What shows up on a rental screening report
When a landlord does run a check, they typically use a tenant screening service that pulls three things: your credit report, a background check, and an eviction history search. The credit report shows your payment history with credit cards, loans, and other creditors — not your rental history. The background check looks for criminal convictions. The eviction search looks for court filings in your name.
A low credit score alone does not automatically disqualify you. Many landlords have a minimum score (often 600 or 650) but will overlook a lower score if your rental history is clean or if you have a co-signer. Late payments on credit cards matter less to landlords than late rent payments, so a damaged credit score from medical debt or old collections may not hurt your rental process as much as an eviction or a pattern of late rent.
How to find landlords who do not run credit checks
The most direct approach is to ask. When you contact a landlord or property manager about an opening, you can say: "Do you run a credit check as part of your screening process?" Many will answer honestly. If they do, ask what else they look at — income, references, background check — so you know what to prepare.
Rental listing sites sometimes note screening criteria. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local rental boards often have individual landlords who post their own listings and may mention "no credit check" or "flexible screening." Websites that specialize in rentals for people with bad credit or no credit history also connect you with landlords who have decided to skip credit checks.
Local nonprofits that help renters, community action agencies, and housing counseling services often know which landlords in your area are willing to rent without a credit check. A call to your city or county housing authority can point you to these organizations.
What to do if you have bad credit and a landlord does run checks
If a landlord pulls credit and your score is low, you have several options. The first is to explain the damage in writing — a brief letter that says what happened (medical debt, job loss, identity theft) and what you have done since (paid off the debt, rebuilt your income, placed a fraud alert). Some landlords will consider context.
The second is to offer a co-signer: a parent, relative, or friend with better credit who agrees to pay rent if you do not. The co-signer's credit report gets pulled instead of or in addition to yours, and their income may be counted toward the rent requirement.
The third is to offer a larger security deposit. Some landlords will accept a deposit of two or three months' rent instead of one, which gives them more cushion if you fall behind. Check your state's laws on security deposits first — some states cap how much a landlord can charge.
The fourth is to focus your search on landlords who do not run credit checks. This is often faster than trying to overcome a bad credit score with a co-signer or extra deposit.
Eviction records and background checks are separate from credit
Even if a landlord skips your credit report, they may still run a background check that includes eviction history. An eviction filing shows up in court records and is searchable by county. A landlord can find an eviction without ever looking at your credit score.
Similarly, a criminal background check is separate from credit. A landlord can run one without the other. If you have a criminal record or an eviction, credit checks are not your main barrier — the background check is. In those cases, focus on landlords who explicitly state they consider context, hire people with records, or work with nonprofit housing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord run a credit check without my permission?
No. A landlord must have your written consent before pulling your credit report. When you fill out a rental process, you typically sign a form that authorizes them to run a credit check. If a landlord pulls your credit without that signature, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general.
How long does a credit check take for an apartment?
A credit check itself takes minutes — the landlord orders it and gets the results within hours or a day. The full screening process (credit, background, eviction search, reference calls) usually takes three to seven business days. Some landlords prioritize applications and move faster; others take longer if they are busy.
Will checking my own credit hurt my apartment process?
No. When you check your own credit, it is a soft inquiry and does not lower your score. Only hard inquiries from lenders or landlords count against you. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com without any impact on your score.
What if I have no credit history at all?
Many landlords accept applicants with no credit history if they have a clean rental history or strong income. If you have never rented before, offer references from an employer, school, or someone who knows your financial reliability. Some landlords will also accept a co-signer or a larger deposit in place of a credit report.
Can I dispute something on my credit report before explore for an apartment?
Yes. If you find an error on your credit report, you can dispute it with the credit bureau for free. Disputes can take 30 to 45 days to resolve. If you are explore soon, focus on landlords who do not run credit checks while the dispute is pending. Once it is resolved, you can explore to landlords who do check credit.