Competition for rental properties is fierce in a lot of cities around the country, which means many businesses managing apartment complexes are choosing to only rent to applicants with the best credit scores. Consequently, if your credit isn't in prime shape, you might find it very difficult to make a move from your current apartment when the need arises. If you have poor credit, take a pass on the big apartment complexes when you begin your search and focus on rental units owned by private landlords instead. In many cases, private owners may overlook a poor credit score for those who have documentable income and stable employment. Don't try to hide your credit issues in hopes that the landlord won't find out. They will find out at some point, so take the initiative to tell the landlord up front that your credit isn't perfect and then make a strong case for why you should be considered based on other factors such as income, employment, cleanliness, etc.
Find out how to get the ball rolling on improving bad credit from the good members of the Credit Talk Discussion Forum.
