When you’re struggling with the poisonous mark of bad credit, you may find that it’s even more difficult than usual to find an apartment you can rent. If you already know that your score is low, it may even be a good idea to steer clear of any apartments that require a credit check entirely. Fortunately, with a little research and some creativity, you should be able to find apartments that don’t require a credit check to give you a space that you can rent. Keep in mind that when it comes to renting an apartment, a low credit score won’t always be a deal breaker to some companies.

Here’s how you can start searching for no credit check apartments and find a new and wonderful property in no time.

Start Small:

Begin your search looking for privately owned, small apartment complexes. This should be easy enough to do if you keep your eyes open when driving around your city. Check out any rental signs that you see, and make sure to read through local classified websites and newspapers for more information. In most circumstances, the smaller a company is, the more likely it is to provide a no credit check apartment option. Larger companies are typically run by management companies that have to follow specific guidelines for screening.

Call to Ask for Information about Credit Requirements:

Before committing yourself to any single company or property provider, try calling up various apartment companies about their requirements in terms of credit. Ask if they have a mandatory minimum score in mind, or whether the content of your credit score will be assessed on a case-to-case basis. If your credit score, for instance, is low because of an issue regarding unpaid medical bills, you may find that apartment managers are more willing to approve your application than if you had recently suffered from bankruptcy.

Save Up For a Deposit:

Because, in general, a credit check will be used to decide whether or not you are likely to pay your rent, the best way to get access to no credit check apartments is to show first hand that you’ve got the cash to hold up your end of the deal. Forgoing a credit check can mean that the apartment company will ask for a larger deposit as a form of collateral.

Consider Asking Someone to Co-Sign With You:

If the above strategies don’t’ work out, or you’re still struggling to find no credit check apartments, then you may find that it’s helpful to seek someone out who might be willing to co-sign with you. Being unable to avoid a credit check means looking for more creative solutions to get your hands on the property you need, so ask a friend or relative whether they can help you qualify. Remember that the person who co-signs doesn’t have to be your room-mate, or plan to move into the home with you. Instead, they simply have to be willing to assume responsibility should you be unable to pay your rent.