No Credit? No Problem: 10 Tips for Moving Successfully with Bad Credit

Moving to a new home is a monster in of itself, but moving to a new home with bad credit hanging over your shoulder is much more difficult. In this article, we’ll detail the specific steps to take if you have bad credit and are moving to a new apartment complex or house.

Honesty really is the best policy. When apartment or house hunting, the best thing you can do is to be honest about your credit score. There’s no hiding it. Some landlords or companies may even appreciate the transparency and be more willing to give you some leeway.

Bring references from previous landlords and employers to give landlords and companies a better sense of who you are. Ask for references from people who will vouch for your character and reliability as a person. Sometimes, a good word from a trustworthy colleague can outweigh the numbers on the credit sheet.

When dealing with bad credit, private landlords are better than public ones. They often are more flexible than larger property management companies and want no part in bad credit reports. Private landlords could potentially overlook the bad credit for good character and a stable source of income.

Since it’s not easy getting a mortgage with bad credit, renting first is a good idea. When you rent instead of buy, you’ll not only have more flexibility in terms of where you live but if things don’t work out with your job, it will be much easier to move to a different city.

When searching for rentals, remember that the rental price doesn’t always include utilities, so make sure to budget accordingly.

If you have bad credit, obviously the first step toward fixing it is paying off your debt. In order to make a dent in your debt pile, you need to pay more than the minimum balance on your credit card statements each month. 

Once you start doing this, you’ll be able to slowly improve your credit score, opening the door to many more opportunities in your new city.

Here’s another way you can improve bad credit. Some credit card companies roll out the red carpet with offers of 0% interest when you transfer balances from another account to theirs. Taking advantage of this deal can slash your interest rates, making your monthly payment much more manageable. 

The best part? This strategy can work wonders on mountains of debt or a smaller sum.

A reliable friend or family member with good credit can be your X factor. Having a co-signer or guarantor may convince landlords to take a chance on you, despite having bad credit. 

Enlist the help of someone with better credit than you to sign your lease agreement alongside you, which basically promises the landlord that rent will be paid even if it has to come from them. Make sure the co-signer understands the role, has an open line of communication with you, and is someone you trust wholeheartedly.

Something extra that can help along the way is drafting a personal agreement between you and the co-signer to outline the specific expectations and responsibilities. 

Utility companies may require a deposit if you have bad credit. Don’t be afraid to negotiate these fees or ask about programs designed to help people with a bad credit history.

If professional movers aren’t in the budget, prepare yourself for a DIY move. Renting a truck and rounding up a few friends can cut costs significantly. Just make sure to at least buy your friends some dinner.

While this won’t help immediately, working to repair your credit for future moves is crucial. Here are 3 simple steps to repairing your credit: pay down debts, dispute any inaccuracies on your credit report, and make all future payments on time.

Despite having a looming shadow of bad credit, we believe these 10 tips can help you overcome your credit woes and level the playing field. So, as you close this chapter and prepare for the next, remember: Bad credit is just a stepping stone, not a roadblock, on your path to a new home.

Can I still rent an apartment with bad credit?

Yes, it’s possible to rent an apartment even with bad credit. Being upfront about your credit situation is always best. Try finding a co-signer, proof of income, and give a higher security deposit.

Will paying a higher security deposit work in securing a place?

It’s not always a guaranteed solution, but it shows you can provide the income to the landlord and is definitely more appealing to them to get more money upfront. 

What are some ways to find a private landlord who is more likely to rent to someone with bad credit?

Networking, word of mouth, and searching online classifieds are good strategies. 

Can demonstrating stable income override bad credit?

Yes, showing stable proof of income can reassure landlords of your ability to pay rent on time, making them more inclined to take someone who has bad credit.