Credit Scores And Affordable Housing

A credit score does not affect the eligibility to receive Public Housing assistance or Section 8 program.

Real estate agent with house model and keys

A credit score does not always effect your eligibility to receive public housing assistance or the Section 8 program. But be clear that this does not mean that prospective landlords won’t pull credit scores and run a background check before leasing to a tenant. Also, other affordable housing programs will likely have a certain credit score as part of the approval process, such as the Low-Income Housing TAX Credit Properties. (LIHTC)

How To Get Your Free Credit Score

Bill payment history and the sum of money owed to bills will affect a credit score. If an applicant is worried about their score, the best option is to run a credit report. Many places offer free credit reports, but popular ones include TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Be careful not to fall for scams or unethical companies that force you to pay for a credit score. There are some credit services in which you might want to pay for. However, you should be aware that everyone is entitled to a free report once a year.

Understanding Your Score

The scale for scoring is generally between 350-850. According to myFico.com, the national average credit score is 690, and a score above the mid 600’s is considered “good credit.” Good credit does not guarantee eligibility in a unit. It is still up to the landlord’s discretion to accept or reject based on a credit score. There is no set qualifier. Knowing your credit score, whether good or bad before applying can help you prepare for potential questions from land lords.

0 I like it
0 I don't like it

Findhousingtoday.com is your online resource to simplify the qualification process for various assistance programs at a local, state and federal level.