• Renting an apartment or house can be a frustrating process, and even more so for those with bad credit or poor rental histories. If your rental history involves late payments, property damage, or evictions due to nonpayment, you may find it hard to locate a landlord willing to take a chance on you. You can still find a place to rent, but it may be more difficult.
  
  

Skip the Credit Check

• One of the first ways that most landlords assess your rental history is by running a credit check. Many landlords will not rent to tenants with poor credit, so finding one who doesn't run a credit check may be a good solution for getting a place. You can usually do this by moving in with people who are looking for a roommate as opposed to finding a place on your own. Or, you can look for apartment listings that say things like "no credit check."
  
  

Negotiate

• Landlords, in most cases, do not rent properties for fun. They rent properties because that's how they make a living. An apartment without a tenant is not what landlords want, so they may be able to work something out with you even though you have a bad rental history. If possible, speak with the landlord to see if any special accommodations can be made. As an example, some landlords will allow people with poor rental histories to move in if they pay their first and last months' rent in advance, in addition to the deposit.
  
  

Use a Co-Signer

• If you have a friend or family member with good credit and excellent rental references, you may be able to find a place that would otherwise be out of your reach. A co-signer takes partial responsibility for the bills associated with a rental and will be the first person the landlord looks to if you are unable to fulfill your rental contract. If you're considering a co-signer, be aware that breaking your lease or failing to pay your rent could cause legal issues for that friend or family member, so make sure to pay your rent on time.