Before submitting a rental application, it's important to prepare your documents first. This includes pay stubs, proof of employment, previous rental history, and your credit report. Surprisingly, many applicants only check their credit score after reviewing the credit report. The first question that comes to mind during this preparation is whether this score will be sufficient to pass.

Let's first look at the rental levels in the Federal Way area. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,599 per month for 690 square feet, based on data from March 2026. This is significantly lower than Seattle or Bellevue, making the screening criteria relatively flexible.

So, what is the minimum credit score required? It varies by management company, but generally, a score of 620 to 650 is the standard. A score between 680 and 700 increases the chances of receiving favorable conditions, such as reduced deposits. This is a common standard found in the credit guides from experian.com and rent.com.

How is the credit score calculated? Payment history accounts for 35 percent, credit utilization for 30 percent, length of credit history for 15 percent, and new credit inquiries and types of credit each account for 10 percent. This is based on data from myfico.com. By focusing on just payment history and utilization, you can significantly influence your score.

What income is needed in this area? Based on the Federal Way rent of $1,599, applying the three times income rule means you would need to earn at least $4,797 per month. Compared to other cities in Washington, the threshold is relatively low, so even if your credit score is somewhat lacking, there are often cases where meeting the income requirement is sufficient to pass.

Is the credit score the only factor considered in the screening process? No. They also look at whether your income is three times the rent, if your rental history is clean, and if there are no issues with the background check. Washington state law requires that these screening criteria be disclosed in writing before receiving applications.

What happens if your score falls short of the requirements? There are three options: getting a co-signer, increasing the deposit, or enrolling in rental guarantee insurance like The Guarantors or Insurent. The cost of guarantee insurance typically ranges from 4.5 percent to 10 percent of the annual rent.

What is a reasonable amount for the screening fee? Under Washington state law, screening fees are limited to actual costs, generally ranging from $25 to $45 per applicant. If you are asked for a significantly higher amount, it may be necessary to request receipts and justification.

What should you do if you receive a denial notice? Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to be informed of the reasons for denial and the credit reporting agency information. You can check your report for free within 60 days, and if your score was the reason for denial, you can receive that score and the main factors that negatively impacted it in writing.

Are you aware of rent reporting services? Services like Esusu and RentTrack are representative examples. The rent you pay each month is reported as payment history on your credit report. After consistently using these services for about three to six months, it's common for scores to increase by 20 to 40 points. It's also a good idea to utilize these services in advance for your next rental renewal or when moving to another property.

If you have just immigrated from Korea, what should you do? It's natural to have no credit history in the U.S., so looking into overseas credit history conversion services like Nova Credit or proposing to pay several months' rent in advance is a practical approach. If you are coming from another state, having proof of rental history from your previous residence can save time during the document preparation stage.

Taxes and rental conditions can vary by city and county. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any actual contracts.