Having a plan of action can help your bad credit report be pushed to the back when renting your next place.

The older you get, the more you realize just how important your credit report can be. While you can’t go back in time and take back all the mistakes you made with your credit cards when you were younger, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer through a bad apartment. Even if your credit is less than perfect, you can still land a great apartment.

Use this guide to help you navigate the renting process if your credit score is lower than you like.

Write a letter of explanation

A landlord that just sees your bad credit score may simply pass over your application. If your low score has an explanation attached, it will give them a reason to give your application a second look. Your letter should include as much information as possible about why there is a discrepancy between your credit score and the actual health of your finances.

Offer incentives

Be ready to put down a larger deposit for an apartment if your credit score is lacking. You should also consider other incentives that could look good to your potential new landlord, including signing a shorter lease to make their perceived risk time shorter or moving in immediately so they don’t have to worry about vacancies.

Sign up for automatic payments

Automatic monthly rent payments will give your landlord the peace of mind that they need to ensure they will get their money each month. Automatic payments will eliminate the risk of human error, such as forgetting to mail your check or being out of town, so your landlord has one less issue to worry about.

When you are done with renting and have brought your credit score up, contact Ranch & Coast Mortgage Group Inc. Our professional mortgage team will work with you to help you move into the perfect Solana Beach, California house.