Things you need to know, these tips might help you find a place to rent if you have a bad credit rating - Firstly obtain a copy of your credit report so that you know exactly what your credit situation is. Then you need to write a letter to explain the negatives outlined in the credit report. A landlord may be more willing to rent to you if you can explain your situation in detail - bad credit has many causes. You can offer a larger deposit if you have one available, this will alter the risk profile of the transaction. You can offer over and above the rent they are asking, again money talks. Try to find a person to co-sign your rental or lease agreement. Provide references who can and will vouch for your credibility. If you can make an offer to a landlord to inspect the property you are currently renting and always present yourself in the best possible manner. Dress well and speak well and if you have a willing employer get them to vouch for you, a good stable job is going to help you ini search for a willing landlord in this situation. It's not impossible to find a retal with a bad credit record it's just harder so you may need to think outside the square more - think of the people you know who might know a friend of a friend who has a rental property - search the net and scour the papers as you may have to look harder and longer.