Furnished Home & Apartment Rentals in Philadelphia, PA | HouseStay (2024)

FAQs

What credit score do you need to rent an apartment in PA? ›

In general, landlords are unlikely to approve you with poor credit history, but might consider you if you can demonstrate current financial stability. The bottom line is that the score you need varies by location, but you're likely to get approved in most places if your score is at least 650.

Both figures represent slight decreases compared to last month, but rents remain historically high as the city continues to grapple with an affordability crisis and a weak housing market. “The pandemic, everyone was kind of cooped up from 2020 basically through 2022.

You always have the right to negotiate with your landlord. You can ask the landlord to keep the rent at the same rate or ask for a smaller increase. Landlords generally do not want to have to find new tenants. However, if you cannot come to an agreement with your landlord, your options are to pay the increase or move.

What does a furnished apartment include? Most furnished apartments, regardless of the type, include basics such as a bed, couch, dining room table, refrigerator, and stove. If your apartment has an in-unit washer and dryer, you may also find a laundry basket and cleaning supplies like a vacuum, iron, and broom.

Yes, renting an apartment with a 500 or below credit score is possible. However, you might not get the apartment of your dreams until that score improves. Fortunately, you can still get a decent apartment if you provide strong proof of income, get a co-signer, or rent on a month-to-month basis.

Landlords generally prefer a minimum credit score of at least “good,” which is 670 to 739. A score at or above that range will make apartment applications easier. Still, even a “fair” (580 to 669) or “poor” (300 to 579) score won't necessarily put the kibosh on your rental hopes.

In short - The state of Pennsylvania does not provide a limit to rent increases.

Philly may be known for its high rates of home ownership, but it remains a destination for renters. Last month, the city ranked No. 7 out of the 150 largest U.S. cities in attracting interest from renters, according to the nationwide apartment search website RentCafe's analysis of its data.

Did Philadelphia ever have rent control? Though legislators haven't made rent control a priority in recent years, it's existed in Philadelphia before. Back in the 1950s, it was a popular federal policy. In the World War II era, there were federally mandated rent control laws that applied to Philly.

Is Philadelphia a landlord-friendly city? Philadelphia, while having specific regulations in place, provides a framework for landlords to operate. The city emphasizes compliance with housing regulations and provides guidelines to ensure a fair and safe environment for both landlords and tenants.

Is it smart to negotiate rent? ›

The pros and cons of negotiating rent

You save money that you could direct to other expenses each month. Your rent request, if not fully met, might at least encourage your landlord to offer some other concession, such as a waived pet fee, reduced parking cost, or property fixups, to keep you as a tenant.

Dear (Contact's name), I am contacting you to discuss lowering my monthly rent rate. I love living here, but lately, situations out of my control have impacted my monthly finances. A reduction in rent would go a long way to help me get back on track.

Most furnished apartments include a couch, coffee and end tables, a dining room table and chairs, beds, and basic kitchen appliances.

Choosing a furnished apartment not only simplifies the moving process but also enhances your overall living experience. The convenience, comfort, and cost-efficiency make it a smart and practical choice for those looking for a hassle-free lifestyle.

Credit score requirements for apartments vary by landlord, but most require at least a 670. Landlords can also view your credit report for any delinquencies or accounts in collections. If you have a low credit score, landlords may ask for upfront payments, guarantors, or references.

According to a report from Experian®, the average FICO credit score in America was 714 in 2022. So 600 falls below that national average. On the VantageScore range, the company says 600 scores are considered poor.

For instance, going from a poor credit score of around 500 to a fair credit score (in the 580-669 range) takes around 12 to 18 months of responsible credit use. Once you've made it to the good credit zone (670-739), don't expect your credit to continue rising as steadily.

As someone with a 650 credit score, you are firmly in the “fair” territory of credit. You can usually qualify for financial products like a mortgage or car loan, but you will likely pay higher interest rates than someone with a better credit score. The "good" credit range starts at 690.