rent qualifications, credit check

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because a collection agency keeps putting a ding, inquery each month on my credit report? It is an old 1994 bill my ex husband caused and will not pay, and I cannot afford to pay?

[randalljd]

They can yes; sue the credit agency if need be.

The unpaid credit bills were caused by my ex husband who will not pay and I cannot pay since 1994. They were old debt bought by a collection agency.
But on a joint account they dont care who caused th debt, both are equally responsible, or so the judge said. He is on social security and so am I.
I just want to move to a safer, smaller, nicer, cheaper apartmentthat includes heat.