The credit score and your housing search
In the United States, the credit score is a number from 300 to 850 that reflects your payment history. Many landlords check it before approving your rental application.
What is considered a good score?
| Range | Rating |
|-------|-------------|
| 750-850 | Excellent |
| 700-749 | Good |
| 650-699 | Fair |
| 600-649 | Poor |
| Below 600 | Low |
Most landlords look for a score of 620 or more, although some accept lower scores with additional conditions.
How to build credit from scratch
If you have just arrived in the USA, you probably have no credit history. You can start building it:
1. Secured credit card: you deposit an amount that becomes your limit
2. Become an authorized user on the card of a relative with good credit
3. Pay bills on time: phone, utilities, small loans
4. Report rent payments: some services report your rent payments to credit agenciesFactors that affect your score
Payment history (35%): paying on time is the most important
Amount owed (30%): do not use more than 30% of your credit limit
Length of credit history (15%): the more history, the better
New credit (10%): do not open many accounts at once
Types of credit (10%): having variety helpsHow to check your credit for free
You can get your free credit report once a year at annualcreditreport.com, the only site authorized by the federal government. Many banks and apps also show your score at no cost.
Remember: checking your own credit does NOT lower your score.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit Without You Knowing
Many people make these mistakes without realizing it. Avoid them from the start:
Closing old cards: even if you don't use them, closing them shortens your credit history and can lower your score.
Only paying the minimum: it's not terrible in emergencies, but doing it consistently increases your debt and your credit utilization ratio.
Applying for many cards or loans in a short time: each application generates a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score.
Ignoring errors on your report: wrong names, accounts you don't recognize, or incorrectly reported payments are more common than you'd think. If you find one, you have the right to dispute it directly with the credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) for free.
Having no active accounts: credit needs activity to grow. One card with a small monthly charge paid in full is enough.---
Real-Life Example: María Looks for Her First Apartment
María arrived in the United States two years ago. She had never had a credit card here. When she applied for an apartment, the landlord required a minimum credit score of 620 — and she had no credit history at all.
What did she do?
1. She opened a secured credit card with a $300 deposit.
2. She used it only to pay her phone bill each month and paid it off in full.
3. She asked her sister to add her as an authorized user on her credit card.
4. After 10 months, her score reached 640.
5. She went back to apartment hunting, this time with a letter from her employer and two months' deposit as extra assurance.The landlord approved her. The key was consistency and documenting everything in writing.
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Checklist: Before You Apply for an Apartment
Use this list to arrive prepared:
[ ] Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and dispute any errors
[ ] Know your current score (use your bank's app or a free app like Credit Karma)
[ ] Have your most recent pay stubs or an employment letter ready
[ ] Prepare 2–3 personal or professional references
[ ] Save past rent payment receipts as proof of payment history
[ ] If your score is low, prepare a letter explaining your situation and offering extra guarantees (larger deposit, co-signer)
[ ] Ask the landlord in writing what the minimum score requirement is before they run a formal inquiry---
What Happens If You're Denied Because of Your Credit?
If a landlord rejects you based on your credit report, they are legally required to notify you (this is called an "adverse action notice"). That notice allows you to:
Know exactly which credit bureau they used
Obtain a free copy of that report
Dispute any incorrect informationIf you believe you were rejected due to discrimination (based on your national origin, language, or ethnicity), you can report it to HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or contact a Fair Housing organization in your area. You can also call 2-1-1 to find free legal help near you.
> 💡 Remember: building credit takes time, but every on-time payment counts. Don't get discouraged if doors seem closed at first — with documentation, patience, and the right resources, moving forward is absolutely possible.
