Photo by Isaac Quesada on Unsplash

Let’s talk about apartment shopping when your credit isn’t looking its best. If you’ve got collections on your report and only one good account to your name—trust me, you are not alone. I’ve been there. This guide is for you if you’re ready to find a place to call home without jumping through impossible hoops or coughing up a $2,800 deposit.

Start With What’s Real: Your Credit Report

The first step is simple: pull your credit report and see what you're working with. Look at all your collections, and don’t panic. When I was hunting for my apartment, my only positive account was my car loan. I had over seven collections and still found a way. In a previous blog post, I shared how paying my car note on time helped raise my credit score—go check that out if you need a little strategy boost.

Build Strength With a Trade Line

Before applying, you need at least one strong trade line—this means an account reporting positive activity to your credit. If you already have one (like a car note or credit card), lock in and make on-time payments for the next 3 to 6 months. Don’t skip. Don’t delay. These months matter. This consistency can give your credit the boost it needs to put you in a stronger position for approval.

Be Smart About Your Search

Next, look for apartments that match your real budget. Not the dream price. Not what looks cute. The real one. Here’s how:

• Search for income-based housing or apartments that require 2x the rent (instead of the typical 3x).

• Be open to surrounding areas or the outskirts of town—places where landlords may be more flexible and deposits lower.

• Don’t sleep on smaller, privately-owned units. They’re often more understanding of credit challenges.

Now Breathe, Pray, and Believe

When I was applying for my apartment, I was so nervous. Every time I swallowed, my throat felt tight. I didn’t know if I’d get approved or if the deposit would be too much to handle. But I kept reminding myself:

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
— Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)

That scripture reminded me that when you’re believing for change, it’s important to stay honest, stay faithful, and walk upright. Even if things look uncertain right now, choosing to do right—even when it’s hard—creates a foundation that God can bless.

Integrity might not always speed things up, but it secures your steps. It means you’re building something that will last. You're trusting God's timing over shortcuts. And that's powerful.

I thought I was choosing my apartment, but looking back, it was God the entire time. He led me to the exact door I needed to walk through—and He will do the same for you.

So take a deep breath. Keep praying. Keep believing.
Do your part, and trust that God is already working behind the scenes.
Because He is.

You’ve got this. Help is on the way.

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Written by Kyterria Ivory
Creator of The Credit Repair Ministry. Former Car Sales Pro turned Credit Mentor, helping everyday people fix their credit and level up their life.