back to the journalAugust 24, 2026

What is a credit restart?

by Apt Planning Co

and why it might be the move if you have a rental collection, bad credit or eviction.

If you've been getting denied for apartments because of your credit, you've probably been told to pay it off, find a landlord that works with you, find a private landlord, look for second-chance housing, or even just wait until it falls off your report.

But that's not good advice when you actually need to move ASAP.

A credit restart is your second chance.

What Is a Credit Restart?

A credit restart is essentially a new credit profile. It gives you a fresh credit file separate from your personal credit profile so you can get approved without all the baggage from your past. Those evictions, rental collections, and charge-offs that keep haunting your applications? They don't show up on this profile.

How It Works

The process is simple — only two steps:

  1. Your new profile is generated 
  2. It is then trimerged to your name.

So while the credit restart itself only takes about three days, the full process can take up to 30 days before you're ready to apply.

Who Needs It?

A credit restart is for you if:

  • You keep getting denied for apartments because of your credit
  • You have evictions, rental collections, or charge-offs on your report
  • You've tried paying things off and it still wasn't enough
  • You need to move soon and don't have 7 years to wait for things to fall off

How Long Does It Take?

The restart itself takes about 3 days. Adding trade lines so you have an actual credit score takes up to 30 days. Plan for roughly a month from start to when you can start applying with your new profile.

What It Does NOT Do

This is important — a credit restart is a tool, not a free pass. You do NOT use this to:

  • Buy a house
  • Get a job
  • Get a government loan
  • File taxes

This is only to help you get ahead in three areas: housing, cars, and credit. That's it.

If you've been trying to get approved and nothing's working, a credit restart might be exactly what you need. It's a second chance.

Think a credit restart might be what you need? Book a call or fill out a free intake form for more information.