Credit matters – but less than perfect credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a place. It becomes a matter of what kinds of issues you have and how many. A couple of late payments for example, aren’t nearly as bad as a string of judgments or collections. The most damaging thing a landlord can see is a judgment from another landlord for non-payment.

If you’re dealing with a company, they should be able to tell you up front what their qualification criteria are. If you’re dealing with a private landlord, he/she should be able to give you some idea of what they look at. You might also want to go to one of the free credit report sites and pull your report so you’ll know what’s on there and prepare yourself to explain if needed.

The offer of advance rent or increased deposit often helps, since it gives you more of a stake in making good on your promise to pay from the landlord’s perspective. A guarantor (co-signer) can also be helpful if you have access to someone with good credit who is willing to back you up.

Find a place that doesn’t run your credit. Call all the renters in your area. Private renters do not usually run your credit.

try to find an apt. that is rented out by an individual and just explain the situation. normally apt. complexes will run your credit.

Try to find a place that won’t check your credit.