5 ways to Rent a House with Bad Credit
We’ve all been there… You want to find a new home to rent but you’re worried about your credit. All those credit cards, late payments, how will this affect your ability to get that home you’ve always wanted? Luckily there are various ways that you can still make your dreams a reality. These five steps should prove beneficial to anyone wanting to rent a home with less than perfect credit.
Get one or multiple roommates
One of the easiest ways to get a new home that seems just a bit out of reach is to obtain one or more roommates. This not only gives a little security to the landlord because multiple people are working to pay the rent, but it could also help with the cost of utilities and other things associated with renting a home in certain areas. Ensure that the roommates you’ve chosen have the same ability to pay and show responsibility as you do, or else you may be in for more headaches.
Pay extra in advance
One of the most effective ways to get the attention of a potential landlord and show you are serious is to offer to pay a little extra in advance. Some people will offer upwards of three months of rent in advance as well as security deposit. This will help persuade a landlord that your credit score and history doesn’t exactly make the final determination.
Show proof of solid income
Just because you haven’t had time to fix all the blemishes on your credit report doesn’t exactly mean you don’t have the ability to show that you’re a hard worker. Landlords love to see that their potential tenants have long-standing, good jobs that ensure the bills always get paid. Don’t be modest, make sure that your landlord has all the information he or she will need to determine your ability to pay the monthly rent.
Compromise rent payment amount
If you know that your credit isn’t a very good place to be renting a house, you can potentially change the mind of a landlord by showing your good faith in the way of a monetary gesture. Offering to pay a little more each month in rent and also paying more on the security deposit may show a potential landlord that you are serious and able to handle the responsibility of your new dream home.
Recommendations
Have you previous rented a home or apartment? Just like a job resume, recommendation (or references) are a great way to spread the word of your amazing rental history. Have your old landlord or rental company write you a letter explaining how great of a tenant you have been. This may go a long way to show a potential landlord that you are worth the risk, even if you have less than perfect credit.
At the end of the day what matters most is that a landlord knows you as a potential renter / tenant are a good investment. Will you destroy the property? Will you pay your rent on time? Will you be more issue than you are worth? These are all questions that credit/background check usually help landlords / property owners determine. However using the five steps outline above you can raise your chances of getting the home of your dreams even if your credit isn’t perfect. For more information contact us today or check out our available rental listings today!
