You may be asked to provide your name and contact information for professional and personal reference. These people will guarantee that you are a responsible person. They may also want to know which bank you are using and what balance you hold. They may ask to see those bank records.
Credit check
Landlords often charge applicants for running their credit reports. Even if you don't get the apartment, you have to pay the fee. For most apartment buildings, this is a big project, especially for the first time renters.
How can I view my credit report?
What if I don't know my credit score?
Even if you don't have a credit card, you should check your credit score to see what is written above. If you don't have a credit, the report will come back without results. But if you have a credit card, or if you pay a car loan or a student loan, you will have a credit score.
What kind of credit do I need to get an apartment?
If your credit score is not high, the landlord cannot rent it to you. I don't have too many credit records because I have never had a credit card, bought a car, paid a bill, etc. This almost prevented me from getting my apartment. Thankfully, one of my roommates has a good credit history, which saved us.
If your credit is not good, the landlord is unlikely to rent it to you. You must find an apartment where a good-willed friend lives, or ask a responsible adult to sign it for you.
Before you leave your parent or guardian, you need to start building your credit. Take a credit card and pay your balance every month. If you are not authorized to use a credit card, consider asking the parent to sign a credit card with you or allow you to become an authorized user of their credit card.
