Rental with great income but low credit score.

Status: Open
Feb 13, 2015 Views42,044 Answer a Question

My wife and I are needing to find a place to rent in the Houston area ASAP due to a job relocation. I have great employment, income and prior rental references but due to a previous divorce, my credit is not good (500). My wives score is about 560 due to some old medical bills and not having very many open accounts till just last year. We have been working on rebuilding for about the last year or so with new accounts and a car loan that we pay religiously. We have looked at several homes in the Houston area but no one really wants to work with us despite all the positives (ample income, reference letters, employer references, and prior landlord references). We have 2 very young children so we need a safe place with room to grow ASAP. Please contact me if you can help us.

Addtional Details:
  • We are looking for something on the west/ northwest side and our budget is about 2000.00 a month. - Feb 13, 2015
Asked by
Consumer
Categories:
Relocation & Newcomer
About 7 years ago
Hi Ross,

If you have the ability to provide 2 months deposit then landlords will be more willing to work with you.

Best,
francois@cozy-homes.com
About 9 years ago
Hello and thank you for your question. As long as you have good work history and rental history, some landlords will let the credit score slide as long as it was not too bad. Also, you can also offer a double deposit to some landlords. They might consider it. Good luck with your search.
About 9 years ago
Hello Ross,
As an experienced landlord (new realtor), I have to say that Veronica Mullenix hit the "nail on the head". Some of our best tenants are individuals that hit a rough patch but are now back on their feet. We do pull credit history, but look more at where they are on the credit cycle vs the actual credit score. We understand that bad things happen to good people. We have rent houses that will be available in Katy and Pecan Grove - both great areas with great schools - that will be coming open April 1st. If you are interested in considering these areas and if it works with your time frame, I would be pleased to discuss our residential criteria in more detail. 281-730-2171
About 9 years ago
A landlord wants assurance that the rent will be paid. Being upfront about your previous life events that negatively influenced your scores is important. A reasonable landlord will take into consideration that you are back on your feet and on track "now". Write a letter to prospective landlords about how you've overcome life's tragic events. Accentuate your perseverance and resilience to what you've recently been through. Include that prior to divorce and health issues your scores and financial health was okay (assuming it was okay).
By being honest and professional with prospective landlords you may be able to secure a home without to put down extra deposits or pay increased rents. Demonstrate through your letter that outside of tragic events you are prudent with your finances, and you know how to manage your money; and it was your circumstances, not your negligence, that created the low credit scores and financial bruising.
Honesty and a professional approach is the best policy.
I wish you much success.
vm
About 9 years ago
I would get your Realtor to submit your credentials to the listing agent prior to viewing. Typically most homes for lease require one month's deposit.There are several options such as offer two months rent, offer a higher rent amount than asking price,add a guarantor,longer lease terms are also sometimes preferable. There are also apartments that will work with you as well.
About 9 years ago
Good evening, Ross! I specialize in the South/Southwest Houston area and suburbs, but have done some work in the Katy area. I cannot promise anything, but I would be willing to help you and your family rent a home that meets your needs. It is possible that a landlord may accept you if you are willing to pay a higher deposit or make other concessions. Please call me at your convenience so we can talk further.

Best Wishes,

Andrea Usanga
REALM Real Estate Professionals - Sugar Land
Phone: (832) 577-4602
Email: ahinckson@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.har.com/AndreaUsanga
"Going the Extra Mile to Bring You Home"
About 9 years ago
What area of Houston do you desire a place to live? What is the price range you are comfortable with?
Disclaimer: Answers provided are just opinions and should not be accepted as advice.
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