The phrase refers to housing options available in an individual’s vicinity that do not require a traditional credit history review as part of the application process. These options may include apartments, houses, or rooms for rent offered by landlords or property management companies with alternative screening processes. An example includes an apartment community that prioritizes income verification or references over credit scores during tenant selection.
This type of rental arrangement provides access to housing for individuals who may have limited or damaged credit histories. This is particularly relevant for students, recent immigrants, those recovering from financial hardship, or individuals who prefer not to have their credit information scrutinized. Historically, securing housing has been intrinsically linked to creditworthiness, creating barriers for segments of the population; the availability of these alternative options can increase housing accessibility and affordability.
