Bad credit- but I can pay 12 months rent up front? Will they rent to me?

I have terrible credit (long story about deadbeat ex not supprting our child, etc) but am due to get a really big tax refund (over $6,000) and a student loan refund (over $6,000 as well) in January/February. Will an apartment overlook my bad credit if I can pay 12 months upfront? The rent would be between $500-$650/month.