Try offering references, getting a roommate, paying a larger deposit or working with an individual landlord. I'm a recent law school graduate and am working as an attorney.Credit checks: Landlords in Pennsylvania may conduct credit checks on potential tenants, but they must obtain written consent from the tenant before doing so. As a Pennsylvania landlord, you simply must run a background check on every applicant. Require all interested parties to fill out a detailed rental application. Can you rent an apartment if your credit isn't great? Yes, it's possible, but here are some suggestions for improving your overall rental application. Rental applications will typically require you to share your Social Security number. A TransUnion provider for comprehensive credit reports and instant nationwide background checks. Find OffCampus housing near Philly OffCampus Housing Website.