Before you rent an apartment, the landlord can check your credit history. You may also be asked to pay a holding deposit.No, you don't have to provide your credit scores or reports. You fill in the application and they will get your report directly from the reporting agencies. I live ina guesthouse he checked my references and work and wanted paycheck stubs. I filled out an application but no credit report was pulled. Using credit to set homeowners, renters, condo and mobile home insurance prices is not allowed in California, Maryland and Massachusetts. Checking credit is a pillar of the screening process, and for good reason. A landlord who never gets a credit report or checks references on an applicant must refund the entire screening fee. How Landlords Can Use the Screening Fee.