What credit score should a tenant have?

There is no federal minimum credit score set for renting, and no single number that ensures a good tenant. Most landlords use a score somewhere in the mid 600s or higher as a starting point. That range signals a track record of paying bills on time without heavy financial strain.

Treat the score as one input, not a pass or fail gate. A well qualified applicant with a slightly lower score can be a safer bet than a high scorer with unstable income. Set your own baseline, write it down, and apply it to every applicant.

A credit score compresses years of borrowing behavior into one number. It reflects payment history, how much available credit is in use, the length of the credit history, and recent applications. It does not show income, savings, or whether the person has ever paid rent on time.

• Payment history: late payments, collections, and charge-offs weigh the heaviest.
• Debt load: high balances relative to limits suggest real financial pressure.
• Credit age: a thin file can lower a score without meaning risk.

Read the full report, not just the number. A single medical collection tells a very different story than a long string of missed loan payments.

A lower score is not an automatic decline. Look for strengths that offset it. Steady income that comfortably covers rent, a clean rental history with no prior evictions, and verifiable long-term employment all reduce your risk.

You might also consider a qualified cosigner or guarantor, or a larger security deposit where it is permitted. Deposit limits and screening rules vary by state, so check the guides at /laws/ and confirm with your own counsel before you lock in a policy.

Fair housing law requires you to apply the same standard to every applicant. Pick your criteria before you open applications, put them in writing, and judge each person against that fixed bar. Do not move the line based on who is applying.

Document the reason behind every approval or denial. If you decline someone based on a credit report, you may be required to send an adverse action notice. The exact requirements vary by state, so review /laws/ and your legal counsel.