When it comes to choosing who will or will not prove to be a good tenant, the information contained in a credit report can prove to be a very valuable tool to a property owner. Although not all property owners run credit checks, most do. Among other things, a credit check allows a property owner to see if a prospective tenant has any judgments for back rent brought against them by a former owner that have never been paid off.

But a property owner's or manager's decision on who to rent to depends on other things as well, such as the owner's preferences and on your other application information. For example, if you have reliable, regular income and proof that you are in the process of paying off delinquent debts and working on building good credit for the future, then you may have an easier time than you think of securing a lease or rental agreement on a desired apartment.

Another idea for helping your chances of getting an apartment is to collect some letters of reference. You could ask any of your past property owners with whom you have had good relationships with for a reference. If you have had no previous rental experiences, you might use personal reference letters from people who are not your relatives--teachers, religious personnel (nuns, priests, rabbis, pastors, etc.), co-workers, or anyone else who would be comfortable vouching for you as a responsible person.

You may also find ideas for successful renting through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The web site for HUD's "Federal Rental Assistance" section is http://www.hud.gov/fedrent.html, but you may want to explore the entire site as well.

Every property owner has slightly different criteria, but honesty is usually a highly valued trait in a potential tenant. Before any credit reports are run on you in your apartment search, it might be a good idea to be upfront about your past problems, highlighting the steps you have taken to improve your credit. This way, you can explain your situation beforehand and head off any unpleasant credit-related surprises-both for the owner and for yourself.

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