If you are planning to rent an apartment, there is a good chance that a landlord will be checking out your credit report.
This could create some challenges if your credit is not good. However, there are a few things that you can do to get a landlord to work with you.
Order a copy of your credit report before applying for an apartment. This can give you a heads up on what your landlord will see. From now until April 2021, you can obtain a free copy of your credit report every week by going to this website. If you notice errors, take immediate action to correct them. If you have a few blemishes, this may not be a big issue, but it can give you an opportunity to explain things.
If your credit is not good, a landlord may work with you if you have a co-signer on the lease, or you are willing to pay a higher security deposit, higher rent, or having your rent paid via automatic debit.
In addition to checking your credit, your landlord also wants to know that you will be a good tenant. They may be checking out criminal reports, social media, or other sources to learn more about you.
Having a letter of recommendation from a previous landlord, or others could help your situation.
For more information about Wisconsin’s landlord/tenant rights, check out the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Landlord/Tenant Guide.
