The first number that someone looking for an apartment in St. Louis checks is a credit score of 600. According to the screening criteria of the local management company Rent Saint Louis LLC, 600 is the minimum requirement. Nationally, many management companies require scores between 620 and 650, and the closer you are to 700, the more likely you are to receive favorable conditions such as reduced deposits.

The rent for a one-bedroom in St. Louis varies by source. According to RentCafe, it is $1,344 for 712 square feet, while Rent.com lists it at $1,290, and Apartments.com shows it at $1,124. In summary, it is realistic to expect rent to be between $1,100 and $1,350. These figures are based on 2026 data.

It's not just about the credit score. They also look at whether your net income is more than three times the monthly rent and if you have any evictions in the past three years. According to Rent Saint Louis's criteria, you must have a positive rental history from all landlords in the last three years. Large management companies that use automated screening software may automatically reject applicants with scores below 600, criminal records, or past eviction histories.

So, if your score is below 600, is there no way to rent? Not necessarily. Common methods include having a cosigner, increasing the deposit to two or three times the amount, or enrolling in rental guarantee insurance. Companies like TheGuarantors or Insurent offer rental guarantee insurance for a fee ranging from 4.5% to 10% of the annual rent. However, in a market like St. Louis, where there are many small to medium-sized management companies, some may not accept such insurance, so it's important to check if the management company recognizes it before applying.

Missouri state law sets the maximum security deposit at two months' rent. Landlords are not allowed to collect more than this limit due to insufficient credit. When moving out, you must receive an itemized statement and your deposit back within 30 days, and if this is not followed, you can claim double the amount wrongfully deducted under consumer protection provisions. However, the specific application may vary by county.

If you are just starting to settle in after moving from Korea, the lack of a credit history can be a significant obstacle. Some people use services like Nova Credit, which convert foreign credit histories to the U.S. system, or negotiate by paying several months' rent in advance.

Managing your credit score in advance is not complicated. Keeping your credit card utilization below 30% for a few months before applying for rent and using services that report utility or phone bill payments to your credit history can often improve your score. Creating several new cards right before applying can actually lower your score, so it's better to avoid that.

For families moving to St. Louis from another state, the rent itself is generally lower compared to their previous state, so as long as they meet the credit criteria, the budget burden is relatively less. However, the criteria of management companies can vary slightly depending on the school district or neighborhood, so it's advisable to inquire directly about the actual screening criteria of the building before signing a lease.

Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with scores below 620 classified as high risk by many management companies, scores from 620 to 679 as average, and scores above 680 as good. This is the standard classification by credit agencies like Experian. In a market like St. Louis, where 620 is a critical threshold, crossing this range often determines the outcome of the screening process.

Services that report rent payment history to credit agencies are also worth considering. If you are paying your rent on time each month, that record can be added to your credit report, gradually building your score. For first-time renters or those just starting their life in the U.S., using such services can be beneficial in the long run.

Compared to high-cost areas like New Jersey or California, Missouri has relatively lower property taxes and rent, but that doesn't mean the screening process is lenient. In fact, due to lower rents, there can be competition for available units, so it's wise to have your documents prepared in advance. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any agreements.