You found the apartment. Good light, reasonable rent, ten minutes from work. Then you see it on the application: “Credit check required. Minimum score 650.” Yours is 590, thanks to a rough year when you were out of work and a couple of cards went to collections.
A low score doesn’t automatically mean no. Plenty of landlords, especially smaller ones, look at the whole person. A short, honest letter of explanation for a rental application gives you a chance to tell your side before the score tells it for you. Here’s how to write one.
Quick note: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Landlords set their own criteria, within fair housing and local laws.
What Landlords Actually Worry About
A landlord checking your credit is really asking one question: will this person pay rent on time? Your letter should answer that question directly. The best letters do three things:
- Explain what happened, briefly and without excuses.
- Show it’s in the past, or under control.
- Offer something that reduces the landlord’s risk.
Things You Can Offer
- Proof of income. Recent pay stubs, an offer letter, or bank statements. Many landlords look for income of about three times the rent.
- Rental history. A reference from a past landlord saying you paid on time can outweigh a low score.
- A larger deposit, where local law allows it. Some states and cities cap deposits.
- A co-signer or guarantor with stronger credit.
- Prepaid rent, in places where it’s allowed.
- Autopay set up from day one.
What to Leave Out
- long backstories
- blaming others
- private medical details you don’t want to share (a short “health issue” is enough)
- promises you can’t keep
A Worked Example
Tomás has a 590 score after six months of unemployment in 2024 left two credit cards in collections. He’s been at a new job for 14 months, earns 3.2 times the rent, has paid his current landlord on time for two years, and has a payment plan on both collection accounts.
With his application, he includes a letter of explanation for a rental application (Template 1), pay stubs, a reference letter from his current landlord, and proof of his payment plans. He offers to set up autopay. The property manager approves him with a deposit of one and a half months’ rent.
Template 1: Letter of Explanation for a Rental Application (Past Hardship)
[Your Full Name]
[Phone] | [Email][Date]
[Landlord or Property Manager Name]
[Property Address]Re: Rental application for [Property Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
Thank you for considering my application. I want to explain my credit history before you review my report.
In [year], I [lost my job / had a medical emergency / went through a divorce], and I fell behind on [two credit cards]. Since then, I have [found steady work at (employer) in (month/year) / set up payment plans on both accounts / paid off (amount)].
Through all of this, I have always paid my rent on time. My current landlord, [name], can confirm that, and their reference is enclosed.
My monthly income is $[amount], about [X] times the rent. I’m also happy to [pay a larger deposit / provide a co-signer / set up automatic rent payments].
I’d be glad to answer any questions. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Template 2: Thin or No Credit History
Re: Rental application for [Property Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
I’m applying for [unit] and wanted to give you some context about my credit. I [recently moved to the U.S. / am a recent graduate / have always paid in cash], so I have little credit history, not bad credit.
I work as a [job] at [employer], earning $[amount] per month. I’ve attached [pay stubs / an offer letter / bank statements showing (X) months of savings].
To make this easier, I can [pay a larger deposit / provide a guarantor / set up automatic payments].
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Template 3: Past Eviction or Broken Lease
Re: Rental application for [Property Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
I want to be upfront about something you may see in my rental history. In [year], [briefly explain, e.g., I had to break a lease after losing my job, and my former landlord filed for unpaid rent].
Since then, I [paid the balance in full in (month/year) / have rented at (address) for (X) years without a late payment]. A reference from my current landlord is enclosed.
My income is now $[amount] per month, and I can [offer a larger deposit / provide a co-signer].
I appreciate your considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Tips
- Keep it to one page.
- Attach proof for every claim you make.
- Apply with smaller landlords, who often have more flexibility than large companies with strict cutoffs.
- Ask before you apply what the minimum requirements are, so you don’t pay application fees for places that won’t bend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I send this before or after the credit check?
Before, or together with the application. It’s better for the landlord to read your explanation first.
Can a landlord reject me just for bad credit?
Generally yes, as long as they apply the same rules to everyone. Some cities and states limit how landlords can use certain information, such as old evictions or medical debt.
What if I’m denied?
If a landlord denies you because of your credit report, they generally must tell you and name the bureau they used. You can get a free copy of that report and dispute any errors.
Related Guides
Official Resources
Last reviewed: November 5, 2026 by the PerfectWordNow Editorial Team.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice.