How to Fill Out a Rental Application With Bad Credit
You've found that buying a home with bad credit is out of the question. Yet you still need a house or apartment in which to live, and rental companies and some other landlords request credit checks before accepting new tenants. This can create problems for you when you're filling out rental applications, even if they are for properties you can afford. The good news is that landlords have the discretion to say yes or no regardless of what some credit formula might say.
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Instructions
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Fill out the form with all the information requested. This likely will include previous rentals and employment history. Also provide personal references.
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Write a cover letter to accompany your rental application. Explain your situation and be honest about your credit. At the same time explain why you would be a good tenant and how you would be able to afford the monthly rent. Add that you are willing to work with the landlord to make sure he is comfortable with the situation. This may mean agreeing to a direct deposit setup for the rent or a paying higher security deposit. Include anything else that will make you a more attractive tenant, such as community organizations of which you are a respected member.
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Let your references know they may be called upon.
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Follow up with the landlord to make sure he received everything in good order and repeat how interested you are in the property. Remind the landlord of your willingness to work with him to overcome any credit issues.
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Tips & Warnings
Although you don't want to scare a landlord by immediately disclosing major credit issues as you tour the property, it may be wise to warn him before you leave that you don't have the best credit but hope to find a way to make things work. This bit of honesty may go a long way.
