Understanding your credit before you apply
Your credit report is often the first thing a landlord sees, so it pays to look first.
Free reports
You can get free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site for free reports.
What landlords notice
Landlords often look for late payments, collections, past rental debts and how much of your available credit you use.
Fix errors early
Disputes can take about 30 days, so check your reports well before you start applying.
Thin credit
If you have little credit history, offer other proof that you pay on time, such as rent receipts, utility bills or a letter from a past landlord.