What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment in Colorado?

One of the most common questions I get from renters across Denver and Northern Colorado is: “What credit score do I need to get approved for an apartment?”

Every property uses its own screening standards, but there are very consistent rules across the Colorado Front Range. And more importantly, there are a few hard requirements that will get you denied instantly — no matter what your credit score is.

This guide lays out the real approval standards Colorado apartments use, plus the smartest ways to build credit without needing a cosigner.

The Real Credit Score Minimums in Colorado (500 and Up)

Most professionally managed apartments want a credit score in the 600–650 range. But many older, more affordable, or more flexible properties in Denver, Greeley, Longmont, Thornton, Aurora, and Colorado Springs will approve renters with scores as low as 500, as long as everything else is clean.

Here’s the real-world breakdown:

• 700+ — Approved almost everywhere.
• 650–699 — Approved at most properties.
• 600–649 — Usually approved or conditionally approved.
• 500–599 — Still absolutely possible at older or budget-friendly communities.

But credit alone does NOT guarantee approval. Two issues override every score.

Two Automatic Denials in Colorado (No Exceptions)

1. Landlord Debt (Owing a Previous Property Money)

If you owe money to any previous landlord, property, or management company — even $50 — you will be denied everywhere until it is fully paid off.

2. Evictions Less Than 4 Years Old

To be approved, an eviction must be:

• Older than 4 years
• Fully paid off

If the eviction is newer than 4 years or unpaid, no professionally managed property in Colorado will approve the application.

Income Requirements in Colorado (Legal Maximum: 2× Rent)

Colorado law states that a property cannot require more than 2× the rent in gross monthly income. This is the legal maximum. Properties can require less, but that is extremely rare — almost all use the full 2×.

Examples:

• $1,600 rent → $3,200/mo gross income
• $2,100 rent → $4,200/mo gross income
• $2,500 rent → $5,000/mo gross income

Most applicants are denied due to income before anything else.

How Cosigners Actually Work in Colorado (Combined 4×–6× Income)

A cosigner does not fix bad credit. A cosigner will not override:

• Bad or damaged credit
• Landlord debt
• Recent collections
• Recent eviction
• Poor payment history

Cosigners are only helpful for:

• No credit history
• Thin or new credit
• First-time renters

When a cosigner is involved, the income requirement becomes a combined total (cosigner + applicant), typically:

• 4× the rent
• 5× the rent
• 6× the rent

For example, on $2,000 rent:

• 4× = $8,000 combined monthly income
• 5× = $10,000 combined
• 6× = $12,000 combined

This is because the cosigner must be able to support both themselves and the applicant if needed.

How to Build Your Credit Score Without a Cosigner

Credit does not update instantly. Even after paying off debt or collections, it usually takes 30–60 days for a score to change because credit bureaus update in cycles.

1. Put Monthly Bills on One Credit Card and Pay It Off in Full Every Month

Use one credit card for predictable monthly spending like:

• Gas
• Groceries
• Utilities
• Subscriptions
• Phone bill

Then pay the card off in full, on time, every single month.

This builds:

• On-time payment history
• Low utilization
• Consistent positive credit activity

2. Become an Authorized User on a Parent’s Credit Card

If a parent adds a child as an authorized user, the child instantly gains:

• The parent’s long credit age
• The parent’s on-time payments
• The parent’s utilization history

This can dramatically raise a credit score and help the child rent an apartment on their own without needing a cosigner.

They do not need access to the physical card for this to work.

3. Utilities Are Now Reporting to Credit Agencies

Utilities that often report include:

• Xfinity
• Comcast
• Spectrum
• Excel Energy
• T-Mobile
• Many municipal utility providers

One missed utility bill can drop a score 70–100 points and cost someone approval. Always keep utilities current — even after moving — because they follow you.

4. Changing States Does NOT Erase Bad Credit

All states share the same national credit reporting systems. Moving from Colorado to another state will not reset your credit. Any landlord debt, collections, evictions, or late payments will still show up everywhere.

5. Be Very Careful With Credit Repair Companies

Many credit repair companies tell clients to stop paying bills so they can “fix” the accounts later. This usually destroys credit before it improves it.

It often takes a full year or longer to recover after following those instructions.

You can fix credit faster and more safely on your own.

6. Use the Snowball Method to Fix Credit Yourself

The snowball method is simple and effective:

• Pay off the smallest debt first
• Roll that payment amount into the next debt
• Repeat until everything is paid off

This raises credit scores consistently, reduces stress, and avoids damaging tactics.

Rental History Still Matters

Even with solid credit and income, apartments still verify rental history, including:

• Evictions (must be 4+ years old and paid)
• Lease breaks
• Late rent payments
• Any unpaid landlord debt

If you’ve never rented before, strong income and clean credit usually get first-time renters approved.

Background Checks Still Apply

Most Colorado communities check for:

• Felonies
• Violent offenses
• Sex offender registry

Each management company follows HUD guidelines and cannot issue blanket denials.

Need Help Finding a Place You’ll Actually Get Approved For?

I work across Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and everywhere in between.

I match renters with properties that fit their credit, income, rental history, pets, move-in month, and budget — so you don’t waste time or money applying to places that will deny you.

View current apartments and homes for rent across Colorado

If you want help narrowing down what you'll get approved for, reach out anytime.