Our credit isnt that great, can I still rent?

Hi Aimee!! You have come to the right place! :)

Please work with a realtor to get a complete application filled out, including any known reasons for items that will come up as "hits" to your credit report. If your realtor knows your situation, he/she can explain this to the landlord's agent and there is no doubt you will be able to qualify for a property making $80,000 a year with only $6,000 in debt! Most landlords are "case-by-case" with pets, so this will just be a landlord specific item. Most should be fine with two small dogs (as long as they are house broken and your previous landlord doesn't have anything to say about pet damage). Being a family of five should have no impact, due to Fair Housing.

The only hiccup I see is a landlord that actually sets forth a policy that they don't rent to anyone with a credit score under a certain amount. Most don't, though. Most landlords factor in the whole pictures, which is the reason you should be up front about everything.. There is a chance they will ask for extra deposit, but that's normal. Ninety-nine percent of Landlords will require background and credit. Just know that this is the reason you are up front about any hardships you have come across lately. It is better to explain this ahead of time, before the landlord has to ask questions about it. I have helped several families who had experienced hard times secure leases b/c everything was laid out on the table!

You also mentioned the possibility of home ownership in your future. It's never too early to start talking to a lender (just in case this is something you want to consider a year or so after getting used to the area). $80,000 and only $6,000 in debt are both "pluses" and then you could just work with your lender on what steps need to be taken to bring your credit score up for purchase.

I hope this was helpful. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance!

Darby Grimmett / KW / darby@darbygrimmett.com / 936-827-9217

Yes, as a landlord and property manager, we rent to people with less than perfect credit. Depending on the reason for your credit issue, your landlord may ask for more security deposit.

Aimee - I think it is great you are asking the question before you move. The short answer is - it varies by landlord. Some landlords have a minimum credit score they are looking for in potential renters. Others are more concerned with income and past rental history. I would HIGHLY recommend connecting with a Realtor in the area of town you are looking to rent. For instance, in the past I have had clients in a similar situation. As their Realtor, I called to the listing agents beforehand to discuss the situation, that you have two small dogs and your credit is not that good in order to see if the landlord would be willing to make an exception. In the case of my clients the landlords offered to lease to them with an additional pre-payment of rent, increased deposit, or direct transfer for rental payments etc to ensure good faith. I also had my clients write a letter explaining the extenuating circumstances (if there are any) as to what led to the low credit. Things such as identity theft, loss of job, medical bills etc. If a landlord knows why, it can help set them at ease. Likewise I had one client provide letters of recommendation from previous landlords to vouch that they were timely on their rent payments. A landlord wants a tenant who will take care of their property and pay ontime. That said, there are of course no guarantees. I wish you the best of luck. If you are looking in the Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City area, please give me a call - if you are hoping to relocate elsewhere around Houston use the "find a pro" on HAR to search for an agent in your target area.