A family preparing to move to El Paso received quotes from two different apartments. When they applied with a credit score of 640, they were asked for a deposit equal to one month's rent, while 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.

Compared to other major cities in Texas, 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. Fact-checking by El Paso Matters also confirms that rent in El Paso is among the more affordable in Texas's major cities. However, just because rent is low does not mean that credit requirements are also low; it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages. While the rent burden is lighter, the minimum credit score required by management companies is typically around 620 to 650, which is not significantly different from the national average.

Areas of interest for Korean families in El Paso include parts of the Westside and Eastside school districts. While referencing GreatSchools ratings can be helpful, it is wise to verify the actual school assigned to a specific address before signing a lease, as school district boundaries can change frequently. For families moving from other states, it is advisable to consider not only the rent but also Texas's unique property tax structure when planning for future purchases.

Texas state law does not impose a cap on deposits. Management companies 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 be increased significantly.

If a credit score falls short of the required standard, aside from paying an additional deposit as mentioned earlier, options include having a cosigner or enrolling in rental guarantee insurance like Guarantors or Insurants. The cost of guarantee insurance is reported to be between 4.5% and 10% of the annual rent, making it a practical alternative for families who find it challenging to come up with a large sum at once. However, not all complexes accept guarantee insurance, so it is necessary to confirm this directly with the management office before signing a lease. For investors looking at properties in El Paso for rental income, it is also helpful to consider how the local rent levels relate to the credit standards of potential tenants to assess vacancy risks.

Income verification criteria should also be reviewed. It is common to look for income that is three times the monthly rent, along with rental history and background checks. For a rent of around $950, a pre-tax monthly income of about $2,850 is generally considered acceptable. If someone has just moved from Korea and has no credit history, they might consider using international credit history conversion services like Nova Credit or proposing to pay several months' rent in advance. Building a habit of paying rent and credit card bills on time for a few months can often lead to a gradual increase in credit scores, so if possible, planning the move with some flexibility can be beneficial. It is also common for incorrect late payment records to appear on credit reports, so checking reports from the three credit bureaus before applying and requesting corrections for any errors can help improve scores. Delaying the issuance of new cards for a few months and ensuring that existing card payment dates are not missed can also lead to noticeable stabilization of credit scores. This article is not investment or legal advice, and rental conditions may vary by management company and county, so consulting with a professional before signing a lease is recommended.