Finding an apartment is not as easy as it used to be, especially for those who have a bad credit history or no credit at all. Today, apartment managers check for everything before they are willing to give you the key to your new home. In addition to checking your references, financial history, and getting a sample of your DNA, they’ll also want to get a view of your credit. For those with a rocky financial past this could prove to be a major problem. But there are ways to land that perfect apartment and bypass the credit check altogether.

Go Small:

Look for those small privately owned apartment complexes. You may not find them advertised in the apartment finder websites or in the apartment magazines that are widely distributed but a drive through your chosen community or a look at the classified ads in the local newspaper will turn up a few. You can also find some pretty flexible lenders on sites like Craig’s List that will be more than accommodating. Keep in mind that the larger the complex you’re looking at the more difficult it will be to get them to bypass the rules and grant you an apartment without the credit check.

Money Talks:

To get an apartment no credit check keep in mind that money is a powerful communicator. Be prepared to offer a larger deposit for them to hold as collateral if you move in. You might even want to sweeten the pot by offering to pay several months rent in advance to assure them that you will be able to fulfill the terms of your lease. Money works even if you can’t find an apartment manager that will forego the credit check. The more money you offer them the less that score will mean to them.

Recommendations:

You can also get recommendations for finding an apartment no credit check from your past landlords. This gives the manager a good and solid impression of your reputation. The more recommendations you have the more likely they will be willing to work with you. It would also be a good idea to offset those recommendations by dressing the part of a true professional. When you arrive, make sure you’re dressed the part and that your demeanor shows an air of responsibility. Be clean and well groomed and use professional language when you’re conversing with them; it will leave them with a lasting impression that is positive and can turn the entire situation around in your favor.

If all else fails, don’t despair. Remember, finding an apartment no credit check can present a certain amount of challenges but if you tackle the issue head on, you’re less likely to look like you’re hiding something and there will be someone who will be willing to accept you. Be flexible and don’t get discouraged and with the proper planning you can be sure to find exactly what you need. Credit checks are not always a deal breaker when it comes to apartment hunting. The more careful you are in your search and the more professional and honest you are, the better chances you will have in finding the right place for you.