How does a low credit score affect an individual?

A low credit score is an important indicator of an individual's creditworthiness and financial reliability. When it comes to renting an apartment, landlords often use credit scores to assess the risk of potential tenants. A low credit score can signal to landlords that an individual may have a history of late payments or financial mismanagement, which makes them more hesitant to approve a rental application.

In many cases, landlords might require a credit check as part of the application process, and if an applicant has a low score, it may raise red flags leading to the denial of the lease. Landlords prefer tenants with higher credit scores as they are perceived to be more responsible in managing their financial commitments.

Thus, a low credit score may significantly hinder an individual's ability to rent an apartment, making it the correct answer.