The most common number that people looking for apartments in Denver are curious about is 650 points. Various rental surveys indicate that many places in the Denver area require around 650 points as a baseline, and many large management companies set a minimum of 620 points (source: thecreditpeople.com). What this number means is that if you exceed 650 points, you are likely to pass the screening for most listings without any special conditions, while if you are below that, the approval may vary from listing to listing.

Looking a bit deeper, there is a range in the Denver rental market. Properties classified as second chance listings may approve applicants with scores in the 500s or even no score at all, as long as income verification is solid (source: thecreditpeople.com). Conversely, newly built luxury properties or those in popular areas may set the effective minimum at over 700 points. Generally, income requirements tend to demand at least double the monthly rent, which is due to Colorado law limiting the income multiple landlords can require to twice the rent (source: city-data.com).

It's also important to consider rent prices. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Denver in 2026 is around $1,717, while Zumper's data from July 2026 suggests about $1,650 (source: rentcafe.com, zumper.com). Averaging these two figures means that a pre-tax monthly income of around $3,400 becomes a benchmark based on the income requirement of double the rent. This point is advantageous due to lower income requirements, but the high rent itself can be a burden.

Areas with a high concentration of Korean families, such as the Cherry Creek School District or Littleton, are often mentioned, and these areas tend to have higher-than-average rent prices. For school district ratings, refer to GreatSchools or Niche, but keep in mind that school boundaries change frequently, so it's advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before signing a lease. If you are moving from another state, note that while Colorado has relatively low property tax rates, rent and living costs are high, so budgeting based solely on your previous residence may lead to discrepancies in actual expenses.

As of January 1, 2026, Colorado has implemented HB25-1249, which prohibits landlords from deducting normal wear and tear from security deposits, and requires them to disclose any deductions in writing within 30 days after moving out. Additionally, HB25-1240 is in effect, which prevents credit scores or histories from being used as criteria for applicants receiving housing assistance (source: hemlane.com, rentgrace.com). However, these provisions may vary based on county or individual management company policies, so it's safest to check the conditions specified in the lease agreement.

If your score falls below 650, it may be worth considering having a cosigner or guarantor, or looking into rental guarantee insurance like The Guarantors or Insurent. The cost of guarantee insurance typically ranges from 4.5% to 10% of the annual rent (source: theguarantors.com, insurent.com). For international students or recent immigrants with a short credit history, converting your home country's credit history through Nova Credit or offering several months' rent in advance may also be practical options (source: novacredit.com).

In summary, Denver uses 650 points as a baseline, but the market has a wide range depending on the type of listing. Even if your score does not meet the criteria, there are opportunities to supplement it with income verification or guarantee options, so it can be beneficial to inquire about the criteria from management companies before narrowing down your listings. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before finalizing any contracts.