All credit checks for apartment applications are hard inquiries as with other serious inquiries for financing such as mortgages, car leases, and credit cards. Secure your next rental using our expert tips for how to pass a rental credit check successfully and make a strong impression on landlords.Without background check and credit report I cannot know you would be a potential good tenant. Did you fill out an application? A landlord credit check helps determine if you're likely to pay rent. Most apartments do require credit checks for potential tenants, but not all do. Most landlords will check prospective tenants' credit, and if you submit many applications, it can affect your credit score. Credit check You'll need to give the landlord or management company permission to conduct a credit check. No-credit-check apartments are available from some private landlords. Learn about ways to avoid a credit check or offset a problematic financial history.