Finding housing in New York city can be tough — trying to do so when you’re new to the country, with a low or nonexistent credit score can feel even tougher. But New York State law protects you. Here’s what you need to know about finding and applying for housing in New York if you have low or no credit.
According to New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), if you’re applying for rental housing — state-funded or otherwise — a landlord cannot automatically reject you just because you have a low credit score. Landlords and housing providers are required to give you a chance to provide other information and/or documentation to bolster your application.
Let’s break that down even further. By law, you cannot be rejected because of your credit score or history if:
- Your credit score is 580 or above (Or 500 if you are homeless)
- You have low or no credit history
- Rent subsidies cover your full rent
- You have credit issues that stem from having endured domestic violence or stalking (Learn more: Read about the Violence Against Women Act)
- You had past financial troubles but can prove that you’ve paid your rent on time for the past 12 months, or the 12 months before the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2019 – March 1, 2020)
You also can’t be rejected because of:
- Medical or student loan debt
- Unpaid debt that is less than $5,000
- Bankruptcies older than a year
- Past eviction or housing court history
Landlords can, however, require that you have a guarantor.
But, what is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for a tenant’s lease if the tenant cannot meet the rental obligations. This arrangement is common in NYC’s competitive rental market.
If a tenant doesn’t meet a housing provider’s rental criteria due to limited income, poor credit history, or lack of rental history, a guarantor can help bridge the gap. The guarantor, often a family member or close friend, typically needs to demonstrate strong financial stability, and in New York City that can mean needing to show an income of 80 to 100 times the monthly rent.
Guarantors must provide documentation such as proof of income, credit reports, and tax returns. It’s important to note that being a guarantor is a significant commitment; if the tenant defaults, the guarantor is legally obligated to cover the rent and any associated costs.
If you can’t provide a guarantor, other options exist. You can offer to pay extra months of rent upfront or offer to pay a larger security deposit. Alternatively, if you don’t have a friend or family member who can act as your guarantor, you can also look into using a guarantor service.
Can I avoid a credit check entirely?
Yes, it’s possible. You can skip a credit check if you can show proof that you paid your rent in full and on time for the last 12 months. Accepted forms of proof can include receipts, bank statements, or signed letters from past landlords.
Can a housing provider contact my current or past landlord(s) without my permission?
Yes and no. Housing providers may only reach out to your current or previous landlord to check for evidence of serious lease violations. These can include things like property damage, performing illegal activities, having unauthorized pets or even noise violations .
Even if you had violated your lease in the past, you must still be given a chance to explain your side, especially if the violation(s) were the result of hardships caused by illness, job loss, or the COVID-19 Pandemic.
What fees can I be charged?
A landlord cannot charge you for a credit/background check if you already have had one from the past 30 days.
If the landlord or housing provider runs their own credit check, they cannot charge you more than $20 or the actual cost (whichever is less).
What if a landlord tries to reject me?
If a landlord tries to reject you based on your credit report, they must first tell you why and give you 14 days to respond and/or provide additional documents that either prove that there were errors in the credit report or that your financial struggles were temporary.
If you do get officially denied, landlords are required to give you a copy of the credit and background report.
Where can I look for affordable rental apartments?
One option is to check out NYC Housing Connect, an online platform where New Yorkers can search for reasonable rental homes across all five boroughs.
Affordable housing listed on the site is regulated to ensure rents remain stable over time. Homes that are for sale — such as condos, co-ops, and family houses — have price restrictions as well.
Anyone can apply for these housing opportunities regardless of citizenship or immigration status, as long as they meet the specific income and household size requirements for each listing.
Applications are submitted through a lottery system, and certain applicants, like seniors, people with disabilities, and neighborhood residents, may receive priority.
Selected applicants must submit documentation proving their income, assets, and rent history (or opt for a credit check if needed).
NYC Housing Connect also offers free resources like financial counseling through the Ready to Rent program to help users prepare successful applications.
What else should I know?
Beyond the protections offered by New York State, there are proactive steps you can take to improve your chances of securing housing:
- Be honest and transparent: Treat the rental process like a job interview. Dress well, be punctual, and explain any credit or financial issues and how you’ve overcome them.
- Show proof of income: Provide pay stubs, bank statements, or an employer letter showing your income covers at least 30–35% of the rent.
- Offer extra security: Offer a larger security deposit or pay several months’ rent upfront to ease landlord concerns.
- Set up automatic payments: Propose automatic rent payments to demonstrate reliability.
- Get a cosigner or guarantor: A cosigner with good credit can strengthen your application by agreeing to cover the rent if needed.
- Find a roommate with good credit: Sharing an apartment with someone who has strong credit can boost your chances, especially if they become the primary leaseholder.
- Provide references: Letters from past landlords, employers, or community leaders can prove your responsibility and reliability.
