Online Credit Repair Secrets

Is my credit too terrible for renting?

I have a 650 credit score, and I have some negatives on my credit report from 2002-2003. Since then I have had no problems, but one of my 2002 accounts was re-aged to 2007 and I'm trying to have that removed since that's not legal in my state. However it will take time to remove it. I have 3 charge-offs from 2003, but I have only good standing accounts since then (about 8). I make a good amount of money and I have never been even a day late paying rent in 3 years. (before that, I lived with my parents and didn't pay rent) and my landlord will verify. Do you think my credit score and report will prevent me from renting a house? I mean in YOUR opinion.. of course no one knows what my landlord will do. But what do you think? Trust me, I plan to repair my credit, I'm just really nervous because it's hard to get over my first couple years of being an adult with credit cards. I just didn't understand how it worked at the time. I know now! Thanks for the replies so far, folks. :) To answer a couple questions - I can't buy a house now because I'm in college and I don't want to live in this city most likely, so I don't want to be tied here. One thing is, my landlord doesn't get the credit score, just the report. I'll send the score along also. I'm trying to decide if I should explain the negatives (does "I was a dumb 20 year old" count? Haha...) or just let it go. All of my other references are great though. I just stress out about money situations!

Public Comments

1. It may. Some property managers insist on a credit rating above a certain level. Some don't care at all. Private landlords, owner/landlords, usually don't dig that deep if the references are good, they know you have a job and are honest with them if they do ask you certain questions.
2. NO I really dont think it will. First of all 650 is good, Secondly, Most landlords look at your rental payment history and your debt to income ratio. Afterall, who doesnt have some negatives on their credit report? Go For It!
3. MM IT COULD--IF THEY ASK FOR ANY REFERENCE..
4. 650 is not a terrible score. When I was trained on loans, we were told that someone had to have a 660 or higher to get an unsecured loan. That means you are only 10 points below an excellent score. Keep up the good work. Meanwhile, if you are renting a house directly from the owner and not an agency, it will give you a better chance to explain everything to them if they run a credit report on you. Here's a thought: Perhaps you should stay put for a while, save the difference between what you are paying now and what you would pay to rent a house and in a year or two, buy your own house! Prices are dropping and your credit score will keep getting better.
5. I dont think you have a problem many landlords dont say much about it others are picky but your credit score is not that bad