For most landlords, a lower score could be the red flag that prevents you from making it to move-in day. That said, it's still possible to get an apartment with bad credit. It will just take a lot more time and effort.
In summary, while it may seem unfair to deny a tenant based on the absence of a credit score, it is generally legal as long as the landlord's criteria do not violate fair housing laws or other applicable regulations.
Yes, you can rent an apartment with a credit score of 500, but it may be more challenging. To improve your chances, consider offering a larger security deposit, getting a co-signer, or looking for landlords who are open to renting to tenants with lower credit scores.
You can access someone else's credit report by directly contacting one of the credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). Each of these bureaus technically gives their ratings independently, but all three of the scores should be quite similar for the same person.
If you have applied to Housing Choice Voucher or Project Based Voucher waitlists and cannot find the answer to your question on the Applicant Portal, please call 925-957-7085 or email us at ie@contracostahousing.
Contact Us 925-957-2200. TTY: 711. 925-646-2566 (Fax) To send the DA's Office an email, please email DAOffice@contracostada Note: Do not use this email address for Discovery Requests. All Discovery Requests should be faxed to the appropriate Unit. Office locations and maps click here.
Please email your question to Dept. 7 at dept07@contracostaurts.ca or fax your question to Dept. 7 at (925) 608-0694.
Joseph Villarreal oversees programs that provide affordable housing and supportive services to over 25,000 residents of Contra Costa County.
Customer Service telephone operations are from AM to PM on weekdays, and from AM to PM on Saturday – (925) 676-7500.
Qualifications for All California Leasing & Management Rental Properties: The credit score must be 640 or higher on our credit report to use that applicant's income to qualify. (A credit score of under 640 will disqualify that applicant from using their income to qualify)