Can I Rent An Apartment With A Low Credit Score?

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 01/20/24 •  4 min read

Worried about the possibility of being approved for a rental in South Africa with a bad credit score? 

While a bad credit score can present some challenges, it is certainly not a permanent challenge. Understanding the situation is crucial, which is why we explore how a low credit score can impact your apartment rental plan.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

 There may be some difficulties involved, but that does not mean it is out of the scope of possibility. 

Many landlords insist on renters having a high credit score as evidence of their ability to pay rent on time consistently. When faced with these circumstances, you might be curious about securing an apartment despite having a poor credit score. 

Let us look at the feasibility of renting an apartment with a low credit score and a minimum credit score to secure an apartment.

Can I rent an apartment with a low credit score?

A low credit record exhibits a history of having trouble repaying credit in the past. These can involve payments that were not made, payments that were made late, or failing to repay a loan. 

In South Africa, credit records are carefully maintained by credit bureaus, which play a vital role in monitoring your credit history.

These bureaus analyse the information they have gathered and use it to calculate a credit score. Your credit score is a number that lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. It plays a significant role in their decision-making process when you apply for loans or rental accommodations.

Certainly yes, It is possible to secure a flat rental despite having a low credit history, although it may require additional effort to persuade the landlord to consider you as a tenant.

What is the lowest credit score to rent a house?

Renting a home depends on several factors, with your credit score being a crucial one. Your credit score serves as a numerical indicator of your creditworthiness, and landlords often depend on this measure to evaluate the risk of renting their property to a prospective tenant. An often-mentioned number in this context is 610; which is the minimum credit score that might secure you a rental opportunity.

A credit score of 610 is typically considered fair, falling within the range of 580 to 669 according to most credit bureau scoring models. 

Although 610 is often considered the minimum credit score required to secure a rental opportunity, tenants need to understand the complex nature of the rental application process. Presenting a strong argument beyond the credit score and showcasing responsibility can greatly enhance the likelihood of securing a desired rental property.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What is the minimum credit score most landlords accept?

Many landlords rely heavily on credit scores to evaluate potential tenants. However, it is important to understand what constitutes a good credit score for home seekers. It is crucial for landlords to have a clear understanding of how credit scores can be utilised in the screening process of tenants when reviewing rental applications.

Landlords, on the other hand, do not function as lenders in the traditional setting. Landlords rely on credit scores to assess a tenant’s likelihood of paying rent promptly. By examining a potential tenant’s credit report, you can gain insight into their past payment history for loans, credit cards, payments and other financial obligations.

Many landlords prefer a credit score above 650, as home seekers who may be below do not have the creditworthiness the landlords seek.

Can I pay someone to fix my credit?

It is very possible to pay someone to help you fix your credit issues. However, the question is who? Is it an individual? Is it a recognised firm? These are questions that must be asked.
Getting a trustworthy service is very key to getting your credit card fixed.

Credit repair companies with high reputations have the expertise and the experience to address and correct credit issues, whether they are inaccuracies or errors from the bureau. 

They might also guide you on how to better manage your credit.

Before listing and choosing the services of a credit repair company, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and carefully examine customer reviews to verify their credibility. 

Ensure their adherence to regulations and validate their pricing structure.

The outcome of credit repair is influenced by several factors, such as the accuracy of the information on your credit report.

On the other hand, you have the chance to look thoroughly into your credit issues by examining the inconsistencies, errors or any wrong report. Also, a trackback of all your payments for debt must be checked to ascertain when payments were issued. 

Instances where payments issued did not go through can affect your credit score, and therefore a careful examination is important. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Improve Credit Score Quickly

How to Improve Credit Score Quickly

In this blog post, we will share some ways to improve your credit score quickly. But remember, the timeline differs and comes with certain conditions. 

Can Sports Betting Affect My Credit Score?

Can Sports Betting Affect My Credit Score?

To enlighten ourselves we look at how sporty betting affects credit scores and other related credit score issues. 

How to Temporarily Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report?

How to Temporarily Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report?

Today we will look at how to deal with this circumstance, using TransUnion as an example. 

How to Check Credit Report For Free in South Africa?

How to Check Credit Report For Free in South Africa?

This article explains the steps you can take to check your credit report for free in South Africa. 

How to Get a Cell Phone Contract With No Credit History

How to Get a Cell Phone Contract With No Credit History

Getting a cell phone contract with no credit history is a difficult thing, but we have some tips to share that will help. 

How Can I Build My Credit As A Self-Employer?

How Can I Build My Credit As A Self-Employer?

However, self-employed individuals can build a solid credit score with the right strategies. Let’s explore how.

Capitec Credit Score Check

Capitec Credit Score Check

Understanding the credit score horizon can enhance your insight into how to manage your finances. Let us look at the Capitec credit score check and how to build your credit score.

How to Improve Your Credit Score Without a Credit Card

How to Improve Your Credit Score Without a Credit Card

While the credit card system is one of the easiest ways to build your credit score, Read on to learn how to improve your credit score without a credit card.

When to Perform a Credit Check in South Africa

When to Perform a Credit Check in South Africa

Today, we will unpack some of the mystery around credit scores, when (and how) to check your own

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

This initiative hopes to empower South Africans to better understand and use their credit report as a tool for growth. Curious to know more? Let’s take a deeper look.

Do Multiple Bank Accounts Affect Your Credit Score?

Do Multiple Bank Accounts Affect Your Credit Score?

If you're one of the people wondering if multiple bank accounts affect credit score, we've you covered in this article.     

Why Your Credit Score Goes Down When Checked

Why Your Credit Score Goes Down When Checked

Today we look into the facts behind this common myth, when a credit check will really pull down your credit score

Can I Check my Credit Score On the Absa App

Can I Check my Credit Score On the Absa App

Can I Check my Credit Score On the Absa App. Let us look at the possibility of checking your credit score on the Absa app. 

How To Build A Credit Score As A Student

How To Build A Credit Score As A Student

Several students are left in the dark about what a credit score is or how it helps. This article will bring this crucial topic to light.

How to Check Your Credit At Truworths

How to Check Your Credit At Truworths

Before we take you through how to check credit at Truworths, it is vital to know what Truworths is made up of.