When screening renters, landlords typically evaluate five things: credit score (most require 620 or above), income (usually 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), rental history (prior landlord references), background check (criminal and eviction history), and employment verification. A strong credit score is the single most influential factor in most markets. Renters who use a service like Roots Wealth Building Rewards to report their rent payments to credit bureaus each month build the credit profile that landlords are looking for, before they ever need it.
The 5 Things Landlords Look at When Screening Tenants
1. Credit score and credit report.
Your credit score is the first thing most landlords check. In competitive markets, it can determine whether you get an application before you even speak to the landlord. Most landlords use a minimum credit score of 620 as a baseline.
Beyond the score, landlords often review the full credit report for missed or late payments in the last 12 to 24 months, outstanding collections especially from prior landlords, eviction-related judgments, and high debt loads relative to income.
Building your credit score is the highest-leverage preparation you can make before apartment hunting. See what is a good credit score and how do you get one.
2. Income verification.
Most landlords use a rent-to-income ratio of 2.5x to 3x. Your gross monthly income should be 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. On a $1,500/month apartment, you'd need $3,750 to $4,500 in gross monthly income.
Landlords verify income through recent pay stubs, bank statements showing consistent deposits, tax returns for self-employed applicants, and offer letters for applicants starting a new job.
3. Rental history.
Most landlords will contact your previous landlords directly to ask whether you paid rent on time, cared for the property, and left on good terms. Make sure your prior landlords are willing to serve as a reference and that you have their current contact information.
4. Background check.
Most landlords run a background check that includes criminal history and eviction history. An eviction on your record is one of the most significant flags a landlord can find and will disqualify you from most standard rentals.
5. Employment verification.
Landlords want to know that your income is stable. They'll often call your employer directly to verify your position, start date, and salary. Be prepared with your employer's HR contact information.
What Credit Score Do Landlords Require?
The best time to work on your credit score is before you need it. Renters who report their rent payments to credit bureaus through a service like Roots Wealth Building Rewards build their score month over month, so when it's time to apply for a new place, the credit profile is already there.
For steps to improve your score before applying, see how to improve your credit score in 30 days and how to build credit as a renter.
What Income Do Landlords Require?
The standard 3x rent rule means your gross monthly income should be three times the monthly rent. Here's how that breaks down at common rent levels:
If your income doesn't meet the threshold, a co-signer who does can often satisfy the requirement. Some landlords will also accept a larger security deposit in lieu of meeting the income standard.
What Rental History Do Landlords Check?
Landlords typically verify: on-time payment history with your prior landlord, whether you gave proper notice before moving out, whether you left the property in good condition, and whether there were any complaints or lease violations.
If you used a rent reporting service at your previous address, you have documentation that your payments were made on time, which can serve as independent verification beyond a landlord's verbal reference.
How to Strengthen Your Rental Application
Build your credit before you apply. A score above 700 opens significantly more doors than one at 640. Start building credit with your rent payments now so the work is done before you need it.
Offer a larger security deposit. If your credit or income is below the landlord's standard threshold, offering one to two months of extra deposit upfront signals seriousness and reduces risk.
Get a co-signer. A co-signer with strong credit and income who agrees to be responsible for the lease can satisfy a landlord's requirements when your own profile falls short.
Apply early and be responsive. In competitive markets, the first qualified applicant often wins. Being ready with all documents before you tour a unit gives you a meaningful advantage.
Write a brief cover letter. A short note explaining your situation (stable employment, good rental history, clear reason for moving) can differentiate you from a stack of faceless applications.
Build the Credit Profile Landlords Are Looking For
If your next move is months away, the highest-leverage preparation you can do is build your credit before you ever start apartment hunting.
That's the idea behind Roots Wealth Building Rewards. For $10 a month, members complete short financial education challenges, earn Investable Rewards™, and deploy those rewards into the Roots REIT, credit repair, home-purchase services, and other Growth Market partners. Rent reporting, credit monitoring, a $1,000 closing cost credit through Movement Mortgage, and Rooty, your AI Wealth Coach, are all part of the toolkit.
Start with Roots Wealth Building Rewards for $10/month →
Frequently Asked Questions About Landlord Screening
What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?
Most landlords prefer a minimum credit score of 620. In competitive markets, a score of 700 or above gives you a meaningful advantage. Some landlords will accept lower scores with a larger deposit or a co-signer.
What do landlords check when screening tenants?
Landlords typically check credit score and report, income (usually requiring 2.5 to 3x the monthly rent), rental history and landlord references, criminal and eviction background, and employment verification.
Can I rent an apartment with no credit history?
Yes, but it's harder. Options include finding a co-signer, offering a larger security deposit, providing strong employment and income documentation, or targeting private landlords who may be more flexible. See how to find an apartment with bad credit for more options.
Do landlords check bank statements?
Often yes. Bank statements are one of the most common forms of income verification, especially for self-employed applicants. Most landlords request 2 to 3 months of statements.
Can an eviction be removed from your record?
An eviction judgment stays on your public record for seven years. It can be expunged in some states under limited circumstances. Consult a local tenant rights organization for jurisdiction-specific guidance.
How can I improve my chances of getting approved for an apartment?
Build your credit score above 700, document your income clearly, gather strong landlord references, and be prepared with all application materials before touring. Starting rent reporting now builds the credit profile you'll need for your next application.
About Roots Wealth Building Rewards
Roots Wealth Building Rewards is a $10/month subscription app for renters. Members complete short financial education challenges, earn Investable Rewards™, and put those rewards to work in the Roots REIT, credit repair, home-purchase services, and other Growth Market partners. WBR is powered by Roots, a win-win wealth building community that has helped more than 29,500 investors build wealth since 2021. Learn more at investwithroots.com.
Disclosure: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Last Updated: April 2026
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