When preparing the apartment application documents while moving to Madison, you might pause at the credit score requirement.

For those who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, obtaining a credit report is second nature, but for international students or immigrant families who have just arrived from Korea, the situation is different.

It can be frustrating to have a job and money in the bank but no credit history in the U.S.

Especially in Madison, which is a college town with UW-Madison, there are more people in this situation than you might think. There are international students, researchers, professors from abroad, and young professionals who have just started working. Therefore, not all apartments decide on tenancy solely based on credit scores.

Generally, many property management companies consider a credit score of around 620 to 650 as a baseline, and a score of 680 to 700 or higher is often seen as relatively good credit. However, there is no law or uniform standard stating that "Madison apartments require a score of at least 650." The criteria vary by apartment and management company.

So, if your score is borderline, it's better not to pay the application fee right away and to ask first.

"My credit score is around 620. What are your requirements?"

You can ask like this. If you have no credit history in the U.S., it's also better to mention that from the start.

Income is just as important as credit. Many landlords require a total income that is about 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1,580, based on the 3x rule, you would need a monthly income of $4,740, which translates to an annual income of about $57,000. Whether they consider combined income for couples varies by management company.

If the average rent for a one-bedroom in Madison is around $1,500, it's a good idea to calculate this income requirement along with your credit.

However, having a low credit score doesn't mean it's the end of the road.

Some places accept cosigners or guarantors, and they may require additional proof of income or assets from applicants with no U.S. credit history. If you have just arrived from abroad, having bank statements, employment contracts or offer letters, and pay stubs ready can be helpful. Some rental companies use screening services that utilize international credit information.

There are also things to be cautious about. Don't assume that statements like "If your credit is bad, you can pay three months' rent as a deposit" are general rules across the U.S. Wisconsin's rental agreements and deposits are subject to state laws, and policies vary by management company. Some places may accept several months' rent in advance, while others may not, so it's essential to check directly with the apartment you plan to rent.

If you have previous rental history in the U.S., that can be quite important. A record of paying rent on time and a good reference from a previous landlord can be beneficial. Conversely, records of eviction or unpaid rent can be a bigger issue than your credit score.

For students, the situation is a bit different. In the UW-Madison area, it's common for student tenants to be required to have a guarantor, often a parent or someone else. It's also a good idea to ask in advance how they recognize income documentation like enrollment verification, scholarships, stipends, or assistantships.

If you have children, make sure to check the schools before signing a lease. You might be excited to see a good GreatSchools rating on a real estate site, but when you enter the actual address, you could be assigned to a different school.

Especially in the summer, the move-in dates for new UW-Madison students coincide with those of regular families. If you find a place you like and then start preparing your documents, it might be too late.

If I were preparing, I would gather my ID, credit documents, recent pay stubs, employment verification or offer letter, bank statements, and previous rental history all at once.

Having a credit score of 700 is not a strict requirement for finding an apartment in Madison.

If your score is low, ultimately, what matters is how well you can demonstrate through other documents that "this person can reliably pay rent in the future."

Just because someone is new to the U.S. doesn't mean they are broke. They just lack a credit history.

Preparing documents that explain this difference is the most realistic way to secure your first rental in Madison.