BAD CREDIT AND NO CREDIT CHECK
APARTMENTS IN AUSTIN, TX

RENT AN APARTMENT EVEN IF YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS BELOW 500

Finding an apartment with bad credit or no established credit history can feel overwhelming — but you still have great options across Austin and nearby cities. I specialize in helping renters connect with apartments offering flexible approval processes, including no credit check options and second chance leasing opportunities. Whether you're searching in Downtown Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Hutto, or Leander, I'm here to make your apartment hunt faster, easier, and completely free for you. Let's find the right place together — even if your credit isn't perfect.

Understand that apartments do not treat broken leases/ evictions and/or rental debts the same as bad credit. Rental debts are NOT the same as bad credit. If you have a rental debts/ bad rental history, please refer to our Rental History Issues section.

Rent an apartment with bad credit

Are you trying to rent and get approved for an apartment, but your credit score is 550 or below 500?

Yes, you absolutely can get approved — even with bad credit or no credit history. Many apartment communities across Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Leander offer flexible approval standards, focusing on your current income and rental history rather than just your credit score. Some properties even offer no credit check options, making it easier for renters with unique situations to find a place to call home. I work directly with communities that are more understanding about credit challenges, so you won't waste time on places that aren't a fit. With the right guidance, getting approved is not only possible — it can happen faster than you think.

Many people get discouraged after being declined by an apartment community due to their less than perfect credit. It is true that many apartments turn down those that have bad credit. However, there are also apartments that can work with people with credit issues. Your credit scores will determine the number of options you have. Typically, if your credit scores are below 550, you will have to be flexible with your area requirement. To find out your credit scores, you can visit www.creditkarma.com for free Transunion and Equifax scores, and www.annualcreditreport.com for free credit reports.

Generally, when apartments with lenient approval process work with a prospect with bad credit, you can expect them to ask for a refundable extra deposit equal to one month rent. The extra deposit is not to be confused with the initial standard deposit that is required along with application and admin fee when applying to secure a unit.

Most apartments require the whole amount of the extra deposit to be paid upon your move-in date along with the prorated rent. For example:

• Your rent is $1000. Your move-in date is on Oct 15th. You got approved with a condition that requires for you to pay an extra deposit equal to one month rent. Since your move-in date is on Oct 15th, in this case, your prorated rent will be $500. On your move-in date, the total amount that is due is $1000 (extra deposit) + 500 (prorated rent).

The scenario mentioned above is not true for all apartments that work with bad credit. Some may only require $250 + prorated rent. Some may want half a month deposit. Some may require $400 non-refundable deposit. While some would want the extra deposit to be paid 72 hours after the initial approval date, others may let you pay upon move-in.  Different apartment have different stipulations. Apartments Express is aware of these stipulations each apartment has.

One thing to keep in mind when you have bad credit: You must be flexible with your required area. 

Let me guide you in the right direction so you know before you go. I will let you know upfront how much money is required upon move-in and what each apartment requires in their approval process. I want to make sure you are comfortable with the decision you make.

Rent an apartment with no credit

Have you never established any credit and have, therefore, no credit or lack of credit? That is not a problem. I can find those apartments that can work with you. Compared to people with bad credit, you are a little better off. Many apartments do prefer people with no credit over bad credit. Yet, there are also those who decline people that have ZERO credit activity.

What average apartment searchers do not know is leasing personnel are not allowed to discourage you from applying at the apartment community they work at. Therefore, whenever you call an apartment community and give them your situation, they all will reply: "I won't be able to tell you whether you are approved or not until your application is ran". Not being given a straight answer is quite frustrating.

Let me tell you what chance you have at the apartment you are interested in, and even give you better suggestions.

How to find an apartment with no credit check

Finding an apartment when you have little or no established credit can feel overwhelming — but it does not have to be. I work with apartment communities in Austin and surrounding areas that offer more flexible leasing requirements, giving more renters the opportunity to get approved without the stress. If you are concerned about your credit history, I can help match you with properties that focus on income, rental history, and other qualifying factors — making the process faster and less stressful.

**NOTE: Keep in mind. You still have to qualify for the income, rental history, and criminal background portion of the application. 

Price range for these apartments are:

• Studio or 1 bedroom starts at $850 (depending on the area and the time of the year)
  
• 2 bedrooms start at $1,200 (depending on the area and the time of the year)
  
• 3 bedrooms start at $1,800 (depending on the area and the time of the year)
  

** Unfortunately, I cannot help you if your price range is less than the above mentioned amount as I am not the one who creates the pricing system and qualification policy, but apartments and apartment market are.

*** Your income must be 3 times the rent to qualify. Some may ask for 2.5 times.

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