Are you thinking about, or in the process of looking for an apartment? Whether you are going to be a first-time renter or you are looking for a new apartment in a new location, the process of submitting a rental application is extremely exciting! However, if you are finding that you are not in a totally financially stable place, or your credit is not where you want it to be, getting a rental application approved can be overwhelming and stressful. While the standard credit score that you will need for an apartment will vary depending on the location, the landlord and/or the property manager, having a good or excellent credit score will greatly increase your chances of getting your application approved. So, if you do not have good credit, how can you work to get approved anyways? Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind if you are not where you want to be credit score wise:

• Find a cosigner. One way that you can try and get approved is by bringing in a cosigner with good credit. This will help to increase your chances of an approved application however, it is very important that you are cautious about using this option due to the fact that if you are unable to pay, your cosigner will be fully responsible.
• Discuss your income. If you have a great salary, it might be worth discussing your income with the property manager and/or landlord. If you have a steady income and you are earning at least more than double what your monthly rent is, you may be able to be viewed as a good candidate for the apartment.
• Pay as much upfront as you can. If you have a decent amount of money saved in the bank, pay as much upfront as you are able to. Proactively offering a few additional months of rent upfront is a great way to earn trust and prove that you are serious about your commitment to stay on track with monthly payments.