If you are about to sign a lease for an apartment, the first thing you can address is your credit score. While income and rental history are not easy to change immediately, your credit score can often improve significantly in just a few months with some attention, making it the first thing people preparing to move check. Lowering your revolving credit utilization to below 30 percent, avoiding opening new cards or loans right before applying, and checking for errors on your report can lead to score changes within weeks. If your credit history is short, becoming an authorized user on a trusted family member's card can also help boost your score.

The minimum credit score generally required in the U.S. rental market is between 620 and 650, according to management companies. To receive better conditions like reduced deposits or priority processing, many recommend a score of 680 or higher (source: experian.com, rent.com credit score guide). It's also important to remember that they will consider whether your income is at least three times the monthly rent and if there are any issues with your rental history or background check.

Focusing specifically on the Colorado Springs area, different management companies have slightly different criteria. For example, All Seasons LLC CRMC, a local management company, states that they require an average credit score of 625 or higher for joint applicants (source: propertymanagementincoloradosprings.com). In simpler terms, if there are two applicants, the sum of their scores must average over 625. This means that even if one person's score is low, a high score from the other joint applicant can still allow them to pass the average, making it advantageous to apply together rather than alone.

It's also important to consider the level of rent. According to RentCafe data, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Colorado Springs in 2026 is around $1,342 (source: rentcafe.com). If you set your income requirement at three times the monthly rent, a pre-tax monthly income of about $4,000 becomes a benchmark. Areas like Briargate, which are preferred by Korean families, or the Academy School District 20 region tend to have higher average rents, so it's advisable to check the school ratings on GreatSchools or Niche for assigned school addresses.

Starting January 1, 2026, several tenant protection laws in Colorado have changed. Under HB25-1249, deposits cannot typically be deducted for normal wear and tear, and landlords must provide a written statement of deductions within 30 days after moving out. Additionally, HB25-1240 restricts the consideration of credit scores or credit history for applicants receiving housing assistance (source: hemlane.com, rentgrace.com). However, these regulations may vary by state and county, so it's wise to double-check before signing a lease.

Just because your score falls short of the criteria doesn't mean your rental application will be immediately denied. Common practices include having a cosigner or guarantor, proposing an additional deposit of two to three times the rent, or enrolling in rental guarantee insurance like The Guarantors or Insurent. The cost of guarantee insurance is generally set at about 4.5 to 10 percent of the annual rent (source: theguarantors.com, insurent.com). If you have just moved from Korea and have no credit history in the U.S., services like Nova Credit can help convert your Korean credit history to meet U.S. standards, or offering several months' rent in advance can also be a practical alternative (source: novacredit.com).

Ultimately, when looking for an apartment in Colorado Springs, it's helpful to use a score around 625 as a benchmark. If your score is lower, preparing one of the alternatives mentioned above can help you stay on track with your moving schedule. Managing your credit score should start several months before applying to see actual changes reflected, so if you have plans to move, it's advisable to check your report now. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it's recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.