When preparing to move to El Paso, I applied with a credit score of 640 and was asked for a deposit equal to one month's rent. In contrast, another family with a score of 590 applying for a unit in the same complex was required to pay a two-month deposit plus an additional security deposit.

The units were similar, and the rent was not significantly different, yet the deposit amount was more than double. This difference is due to the credit score.

The rent in El Paso is relatively low. According to RentCafe's data from April 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom is $986, while Rent.com reported it as $890.

It's important to note that just because the rent is low, it doesn't mean the credit requirements are also low.

While the rent burden is light, the minimum credit score required by management companies is typically around 620 to 650, which is not significantly different from the national average.

Unlike California, Texas state law does not impose a cap on deposits.

Management companies can set their own amounts but must apply the same criteria to all applicants, and they are required to settle and return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates.

This can be seen as an opportunity for negotiation, but it also means that for applicants with lower credit scores, the deposit could increase significantly.

If your credit score does not meet the requirements, options include paying an additional deposit, getting a cosigner, or enrolling in rental guarantee insurance like more guarantors or insurers.

The cost of rental insurance is reported to be between 4.5% and 10% of the annual rent, making it a realistic alternative for families who find it difficult to come up with a large sum all at once.

However, not all complexes accept rental insurance, so it's necessary to confirm this directly with the management office before signing a lease.

You should also consider income verification criteria. It is common to look at income that is three times the monthly rent, rental history, and background checks comprehensively.

If the rent is around $950, a pre-tax monthly income of about $2,850 is generally considered acceptable.

If you have just moved from Korea and have no credit history, you might consider using international credit history conversion services like Nova Credit or proposing to pay several months' rent in advance.

Paying rent and credit card bills on time can often lead to an increase in your credit score, so if you can afford to plan your move a bit more flexibly, preparing in advance is a good strategy.

Sometimes, there are incorrect late payment records on credit reports, so it's helpful to check the reports from the three credit bureaus before applying and request corrections if there are any errors to help boost your score.

Delaying the issuance of a new card for a few months and ensuring you don't miss payment dates on existing cards can also help maintain a stable credit score, so keep that in mind.