The score ranges that matter for housing

A good credit score for housing typically falls between 620 and 739, though what lenders actually require depends on the loan type and the lender. A score of 620 is often the minimum to get a conventional mortgage, while 740 and above usually means better interest rates and terms. For Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, some lenders will work with scores as low as 580. For rental housing, landlords often look for 650 or higher, though this varies widely by property and location.

The score itself is a three-digit number generated by credit bureaus based on your payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent inquiries. Different lenders use different scoring models — FICO is most common for mortgages, while some landlords use alternative scores or no score at all. A score that works for one lender may not work for another, and a score that gets you approved for a mortgage may not satisfy a landlord's requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Scores between 620 and 739 are generally considered good for mortgage lending, though FHA loans may accept lower scores and conventional loans reward scores above 740 with better rates.
  • Landlords checking credit for rental housing often want to see 650 or higher, but requirements vary by property, location, and individual landlord policy.
  • Your score is calculated from payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and recent inquiries (10%).
  • The same score can produce different outcomes with different lenders, so knowing your actual score and checking your credit report for errors before applying is more useful than aiming for a single number.

How lenders use credit scores differently

Mortgage lenders have published minimum scores, but they also layer in other factors. A conventional loan from a major bank might require 680 minimum, while a credit union or portfolio lender might go lower. FHA loans, backed by the federal government, officially allow scores as low as 500, but most lenders will not actually issue them below 580, and you will pay higher insurance costs. VA loans (for military members) and USDA loans (for rural properties) have their own score expectations, usually around 620 or higher.

The interest rate you receive depends heavily on where your score falls within the lender's acceptable range. A borrower with a 640 score and a borrower with a 760 score might both get approved, but the 760 borrower will pay a lower rate — sometimes 0.5 to 1 percentage point lower, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Lenders also use scores to decide how much they will lend you and whether they require a larger down payment.

Landlords and property managers use credit scores differently. Some check scores at all; others do not. Those who do often set a hard cutoff — 650, 700, or higher — and deny anyone below it. Others use the score as one signal among many, weighing it against income, rental history, and references. A few landlords use alternative credit reports that include rent payment history, utility payments, or eviction records instead of traditional credit scores.

What your score actually reflects about housing risk

Credit scores measure your history of borrowing and repaying money — they do not directly measure whether you will pay rent. A person with no credit history has a score of zero or no score at all, even if they have paid rent on time for years. Conversely, someone with a high score might have never rented before. This mismatch is why some landlords look at rental history, references, and income instead of or in addition to credit scores.

Payment history makes up 35% of your score, so late payments, collections, and charge-offs damage it significantly. A single 30-day late payment can drop your score 100 points or more, depending on your overall profile. Amounts owed (your credit utilization) make up 30% — using more than 30% of your available credit limits signals higher risk to lenders. The length of your credit history (15%) rewards people who have held accounts for years. Credit mix (10%) means having different types of credit — cards, installment loans, mortgages — is better than having only one type. Recent inquiries (10%) are the smallest factor, but multiple hard inquiries in a short time can lower your score slightly.

Scores below 620 and your housing options

A score below 620 closes off conventional mortgages and most landlords, but it does not close off housing entirely. FHA loans remain an option if you can find a lender willing to work with your score — typically 580 or higher, though some go lower. You will pay higher insurance premiums (mortgage insurance) and may need a larger down payment, but homeownership is still within reach. Some credit unions and portfolio lenders (lenders who keep loans rather than selling them) have more flexible score requirements than banks.

For rental housing with a low score, you have several paths. Some landlords do not check credit at all and rely on income verification and references. Others will rent to you if you pay a higher deposit, provide a co-signer, or show proof of stable income. A few will accept a letter of explanation if your low score is recent and caused by a specific event — a job loss, medical emergency, or identity theft — that you have since resolved. Building your score before you apply is also possible; paying down credit card balances and making all payments on time can raise your score 50 to 100 points within a few months.

How to check your own score before applying

You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the bureaus themselves. This report shows your payment history and accounts but does not include your score. To see your actual score, you can use free tools offered by credit card companies, banks, or services like Credit Karma or NerdWallet, though these often use different scoring models than the FICO score a mortgage lender will pull.

Checking your own credit report is important because errors are common. A late payment that was not yours, an account you did not open, or a debt that was paid but still shows as open can all lower your score unfairly. If you find errors, you can dispute them directly with the bureau through their website or by mail. Disputes usually take 30 days to resolve. Correcting errors can raise your score significantly and may be faster than waiting to build credit through on-time payments.

When you apply for a mortgage or rental housing, the lender or landlord will pull a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Multiple hard inquiries within 14 to 45 days (depending on the scoring model) usually count as a single inquiry, so shopping around for mortgage rates within a short window does not multiply the damage. Soft inquiries — when you check your own score or a company checks it for marketing purposes — do not affect your score at all.

Rebuilding credit for better housing terms

If your score is low but you have time before you need to apply for a mortgage or rental housing, raising it is possible. The fastest improvements come from paying down credit card balances, especially if you are using more than 30% of your limits. Paying a card from 80% utilization to 20% can raise your score 50 to 100 points within one or two billing cycles. Making all payments on time for the next several months also helps — payment history is 35% of your score, so consistent on-time payments compound.

Older negative marks fade over time. A late payment stops affecting your score after seven years; a charge-off or collection account also stops affecting it after seven years from the date of first delinquency. Bankruptcy stops affecting your score after seven years for Chapter 13 or ten years for Chapter 7. You cannot remove accurate negative information before it ages out, but you can dispute inaccurate information at any time.

If you have no credit history, building it takes time but is straightforward. A secured credit card (one backed by a cash deposit) is the most direct route — you deposit $300 to $2,500, receive a card with that limit, use it for small purchases, and pay it off in full each month. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, you can usually graduate to an unsecured card. Being added as an authorized user on someone else's account can also help if that account has a long, clean payment history. Within 6 to 12 months of credit activity, you should have a score high enough for most landlords and some mortgage lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 650 a good credit score for renting an apartment?

650 is at or above the threshold many landlords use, but it is not universal. Some landlords want 700 or higher; others do not check credit at all. If your score is 650, you are in range for many properties, but you may face denial from some. If you are denied, ask whether the landlord will reconsider with a co-signer, a higher deposit, or proof of income.

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Conventional mortgages typically require 620 minimum, though 640 to 660 is more common. FHA loans may work with scores as low as 580. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate and the less you will pay over the life of the loan. Scores above 740 usually unlock the best rates available.

Does checking my credit score hurt it?

Checking your own score does not hurt it at all. Only hard inquiries from lenders or creditors lower your score slightly, and only temporarily. You can check your score as often as you want without any penalty.

How long does it take to raise a credit score?

It depends on what is dragging your score down. Paying off a high credit card balance can raise your score 50 to 100 points within one or two months. Building a history of on-time payments takes longer — usually three to six months to see meaningful improvement. Negative marks like late payments or collections fade gradually over seven years.

Can I get a mortgage with a 580 credit score?

Yes, through an FHA loan, though most lenders will not go below 580 and some require 600 or higher. You will pay mortgage insurance premiums, which add to your monthly payment. You may also need a larger down payment or a co-signer. Shop with multiple lenders, as requirements vary.