A 670 credit score is low enough that landlords will notice it, but not so low that renting is impossible
A 670 credit score falls into the "fair" range for most credit scoring models. Landlords typically want to see 700 or higher, so a 670 puts you below the threshold many use as a quick filter. That said, landlords do not all use the same standards, and many will rent to someone with a 670 if other parts of your process are strong — steady income, good rental history, a co-signer, or a larger deposit.
The real question is not whether you can rent, but how much harder you will have to work and what it will cost you. A lower score often means higher security deposits, requests for a co-signer, proof of income requirements, or a shorter lease term. Some landlords will skip your process entirely; others will look at the whole picture.
Key Takeaways
- Most landlords use 700 as a cutoff, so 670 will trigger additional scrutiny, but does not automatically disqualify you.
- Landlords may ask for a larger security deposit, a co-signer, or proof of income if your credit score is below 700.
- Your rental history, employment stability, and the reason for the low score matter as much as the number itself.
- Smaller landlords and independent property managers are often more flexible than large management companies about credit scores.
- You can improve your score before explore by paying down balances and correcting errors on your credit report.
Why landlords check credit scores and what they are looking for
Landlords pull your credit report to predict whether you will pay rent on time. A 670 score suggests past payment problems — missed payments, high debt, collections accounts, or a recent bankruptcy. The score itself is a summary; the landlord will also read the details underneath to understand what happened and how recent it was.
A missed payment from five years ago looks different from one from five months ago. A high credit card balance looks different from a charge-off. Landlords are trying to answer one question: will this person pay me rent before they pay their credit card company? A 670 score raises that question in their mind, but it does not answer it.
What landlords typically require at different credit score ranges
| Credit Score Range | Typical Landlord Requirements |
|---|---|
| 750 and above | Standard process; standard security deposit (usually one month's rent) |
| 700–749 | Standard process; may request proof of income or employment letter |
| 650–699 | Higher security deposit (1.5 to 2 months' rent); proof of income; possible co-signer request |
| Below 650 | Significantly higher deposit; co-signer often required; may be denied outright |
These are general patterns, not rules. A landlord with a 670 applicant might ask for nothing extra, or might ask for all of these things. It depends on the landlord's risk tolerance, the local rental market, and how strong the rest of your process is.
The table shows where 670 sits: at the top of the range where landlords start asking for extra documentation and higher deposits. You are not in the "likely denial" zone, but you are also not in the "standard approval" zone.
How to strengthen your process with a 670 credit score
Before you approach any landlord, get a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com. Look for errors: accounts you did not open, payments marked late that you made on time, or duplicate entries. Dispute any errors you find directly with the bureau. Corrections can take 30 to 45 days, so start this process early if you have time before you need to move.
If the low score is accurate, focus on the parts of your process you can control. Gather recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), an employment letter from your employer stating your position and salary, and references from previous landlords or employers. If you have a co-signer — a parent, spouse, or trusted family member with a higher credit score and stable income — ask them to be willing to sign the lease with you. A co-signer is often the fastest way to move past a 670 score.
Write a brief, honest letter to the landlord explaining the low score if there is a specific reason: a medical emergency, job loss, or divorce that caused missed payments, and what has changed since then. Do not make excuses, but do show that the problem was temporary and you have moved past it. Landlords respond to honesty and evidence of change.
Where to look for landlords more flexible about credit scores
Large property management companies often use automated credit screening and will reject you at 670 without a second look. Independent landlords and smaller property management firms are more likely to review your full process and make a judgment call. Rental marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local rental groups sometimes connect you directly to owners who are more flexible.
Some landlords specialize in renting to people with lower credit scores or past evictions. Search for "second chance apartments" or "no credit check apartments" in your area, but be cautious: some of these listings come with predatory terms, extremely high deposits, or scams. Always verify the landlord's identity, see the property in person, and never wire money before signing a lease.
Nonprofit housing organizations and community action agencies in your area sometimes maintain lists of landlords who work with people rebuilding credit. Call your local housing authority or dial 211 to find these resources.
How much extra a 670 credit score might cost you
The financial impact depends on the landlord and the market. In a competitive rental market where many people are explore, landlords have less reason to negotiate. In a slower market, they may be more flexible. A landlord might ask for a security deposit of $2,000 instead of $1,500, or require first month's rent plus last month's rent plus deposit upfront instead of just first and deposit.
Some landlords will rent to you at 670 but charge a higher monthly rent than they would charge someone with a 750 score — sometimes $50 to $100 more per month. This is not always disclosed upfront; you may only discover it when comparing offers. Ask every landlord what their standard deposit and rent are for the unit, and whether those amounts change based on credit score.
Steps to improve your credit score before or after you rent
Improving your score takes time, but the effort pays off. Pay all bills on time, starting now — even one late payment can drop your score further. Pay down credit card balances, especially high ones; credit utilization (how much of your available credit you are using) makes up about 30 percent of your score. If you have old negative items on your report, they fade over time: late payments drop off after seven years, and bankruptcies after seven to ten years.
If you have no credit history at all, a 670 score is not your problem — you may have no score at all. In that case, landlords may ask for a larger deposit or a co-signer, but the path forward is the same: build a history by getting a credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account, and make on-time payments. Once you rent an apartment, on-time rent payments will eventually help rebuild your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a landlord definitely reject me if my credit score is 670?
No. Many landlords will rent to someone with a 670 score if the rest of the process is solid — steady income, good rental history, and a reasonable explanation for the low score. Rejection is more common with large management companies than with independent landlords, and more likely in competitive markets where many people are explore.
Can I improve my credit score quickly before I explore?
Significant improvement takes months, not weeks. Paying down a high credit card balance or correcting a reporting error can help, but most changes to your score happen slowly. If you need to rent soon, focus on strengthening other parts of your process — proof of income, a co-signer, or a letter explaining the low score — rather than waiting for your score to rise.
What if I have a co-signer with good credit?
A co-signer with a score of 700 or higher often overrides concerns about your 670 score entirely. The landlord is essentially betting on the co-signer's ability and willingness to pay if you do not. Make sure your co-signer understands they are legally responsible for the rent if you cannot pay.
Should I pay off old debts to improve my score before renting?
Paying off old debts is generally good, but it can sometimes lower your score temporarily if the account is closed as a result. The long-term benefit outweighs the short-term dip. If you are renting soon, focus on paying down current balances rather than settling old ones.
Can a landlord charge me more rent because of my credit score?
Legally, it depends on your state and local laws. Some states prohibit rent discrimination based on credit score; others allow it. Ask the landlord directly whether the rent amount is the same for all applicants or varies by credit score. Get any rent quote in writing before you sign a lease.