Landlords increasingly pull credit reports and, in some jurisdictions, credit scores as part of a rental application.
What they look for - Payment history and any collections related to housing (evictions, prior landlords) - Utility collections - Overall creditworthiness signal
If your credit is thin or bruised - Offer a larger security deposit - Provide a cosigner - Bring documentation (paystubs, references, savings) - Explain proactively
Rental history that pays on time can itself be reported through third-party services and eventually help your file.