By Krystel Spell

Checking Your Credit Before You Apply for Housing

What Veterans Should Know Before Submitting a Rental Application

Before you apply for a rental, it’s important to understand what a landlord may see when they review your application.

Even if you can afford the rent, your credit can affect whether you’re approved, how much you’re asked to pay upfront, or whether additional requirements are added.

This is not about having perfect credit. It’s about knowing what’s there before someone else reviews it.

WHAT LANDLORDS MAY LOOK AT

When you apply for housing, landlords may review:

  • your credit score
  • payment history
  • collections or charge-offs
  • past evictions or rental history

Some landlords use this information to decide:

  • whether to approve your application
  • how much your security deposit will be
  • whether a co-signer is required

WHAT CAN AFFECT YOUR APPROVAL

You don’t need perfect credit to rent, but certain things can make the process harder:

  • unpaid collections
  • recent missed payments
  • high credit card balances
  • limited credit history

These don’t always mean you’ll be denied, but they can lead to higher deposits or additional screening.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU APPLY

Take a few minutes to check what’s on your credit report so there are no surprises.

Start with:

  • reviewing your credit reports from all three bureaus
  • checking for errors or accounts you don’t recognize
  • identifying any past-due balances or collections

You can check your reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

A SIMPLE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT

Before you apply, ask yourself:

“If a landlord looked at my credit today, would anything raise questions?”

If the answer is yes, it doesn’t mean you can’t rent. It just means you should be prepared for what might come up.

IF YOUR CREDIT ISN’T WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE

You still have options.

Some landlords may:

  • accept a higher deposit
  • allow a co-signer
  • work with you if you can show steady income

If you need to improve your credit over time, focus on:

  • paying bills on time
  • lowering balances
  • addressing past-due accounts

NEXT STEPS

If you need help improving your credit over time, explore:

Increasing Your Credit Score

And, if you’re preparing for a move or working toward more stable housing, setting a small, realistic savings goal can help. 

Take the Veteran Saves Pledge and choose a goal that supports your housing plans.