Not having a credit history doesn't mean you can't rent an apartment. It just means you need to know which options are available to you.
Landlords use your credit history to get a sense of how reliably you pay your bills, so when there's no history to look at, it can feel like a closed door.
But there are ways to get approved even when you're starting from zero, and once you're in, there are easy ways to start building the credit you'll need for your next place.
Here's everything you need to know to rent an apartment with no credit history.
Why landlords care about credit history
Credit history gives landlords a track record to evaluate.
When you have a documented history of making on-time payments, it signals that you're likely to pay your rent consistently. Without that history, many landlords feel they're taking on more uncertainty, which is why a thin or nonexistent credit file can complicate an application even when you're financially responsible.
It's worth knowing that no credit history is actually different from bad credit.
Having no credit file simply means you haven't had a chance to build one yet. With roughly 44 million Americans renting their homes, this is a common situation for first-time renters, recent graduates, new immigrants, and anyone who has primarily used cash or debit up until now.
What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?
Most landlords look for a score of at least 620 to 650, though this varies a lot by location and property type.
In competitive rental markets, like major cities, landlords often set the bar higher, sometimes 700 or above. If you have no credit history at all, you likely won't have a score to report, which can be just as challenging as a low score when it comes to passing a standard screening. The good news is that there are ways to strengthen your application even without one.
How to rent an apartment with no credit history
The most reliable option for renters with no credit history is a lease guarantee service like TheGuarantors.
Many renters in this situation feel like their only options are to ask a family member to co-sign or accept that certain apartments are simply out of reach. TheGuarantors exists specifically to change that, stepping in as a cosigner on your behalf so your landlord has the coverage they need to say yes.
Every individual who applies gets evaluated on their full financial picture, not just a credit score.
This means that renters who are paying their bills, managing their finances responsibly, and doing everything right can still get approved for the apartment they want, even when their credit file doesn't reflect that yet. That gap between financial responsibility and credit history is exactly the situation TheGuarantors is built for, and it's a lot more common than most people realize.
It's a smarter way to get approved on your own, without asking a parent or family member to take on real financial risk on your behalf.
Luckily, applying is quick and straightforward, and you don't need an established credit history to get started. Apply through TheGuarantors to see if you qualify.
Other than applying with TheGuarantors, there are a few additional ways to strengthen your application alongside a lease guarantee.
In states that allow it, offering a larger security deposit reduces the financial risk for the landlord upfront, and some may ask for two or three months' rent instead of the standard one. Showing proof of income helps too. A general rule of thumb is that your monthly income should be at least two to three times the monthly rent. Lastly, strong references, whether from a previous landlord confirming on-time payments or an employer who can speak to your reliability, can also add meaningful context to an application that's thin on credit history.
How to start building credit once you're in
Getting approved is the first step. But once you're settled in, it's worth thinking about how to build the credit history that will make your next rental application easier.
One of the most effective ways renters can do this is through rent reporting services like Kikoff’s, which let you report your monthly rent payments to the major credit bureaus, so the rent you're already paying starts working in your favor. For renters with no credit file, this can be a faster path to establishing a score than most people realize.
Combining rent reporting with a credit-builder account gives you two active streams of positive payment history, which is the single most important factor in your credit score.
If you apply through TheGuarantors, you will receive a free credit-building package through Kikoff that includes up to 24 months of retroactive rent reporting, so your existing history of on-time payments can start contributing to your profile right away.
Conclusion
Having no credit history is a temporary situation, not a permanent barrier.
With the right preparation, including a lease guarantee, proof of income, strong references, or a larger deposit, you can get approved for an apartment even when you're starting from zero.
And once you've moved in, using your rent payments to start building your credit score puts you in a much stronger financial position.
Ready to get started? TheGuarantors can help you qualify for the apartment you want, even without an established credit history.
