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How Credit Affects Housing in the United States

This resource serves as a beginner’s guide to understanding how an individual’s credit score affects applying for, obtaining, and maintaining stable housing. It then explores best practices to establish and continue building good credit.

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Securing affordable housing — either to rent or to buy — often involves many steps and eligibility considerations. One important requirement and eligibility factor that plays a major role in the housing market is a person’s individual credit score.

This guide is designed to assist those who may not have existing credit and/or a credit history, such as but not limited to, immigrants, refugees and other newcomers. The guide could also be applicable to recent high school graduates and/or college students who may qualify as ORR-eligible populations.

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Learn more about legal requirements and find answers to commonly asked questions about partnering with refugee resettlement agencies to provide housing to newcomers.

Tenant Toolkit

This comprehensive tool for newcomer applicants and renters contains vital information and resources on searching for housing, what to expect during the application process, key things to understand in a lease, what rights a tenant has under the Fair Housing Act, and more.

Budgeting and Financial Literacy for Renters Toolkit

The ability to create and follow a budget is one of the most important aspects of maintaining housing stability. A renter or homeowner should understand clearly what costs are associated with their housing, as well as what income is available to cover those costs.

Monthly Bills Planner (Prioritizing Housing)
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