- Personal identification
- Proof of income
- Rental history
- Credit history
- Background check
- References
- Application fees
- Pet information
- Additional documents
- How to improve your chances of approval
- FAQ
1. Personal Identification
First and foremost, your prospective landlord will want to verify your identity. You will need a photo ID of some sort as part of a list of items that can prove your identity during the rental application process. Bring your driver's license number or other identification with you when you tour apartments or when you go to fill out an apartment rental application.
Some landlords are stricter than others about needing this documentation to rent an apartment. If you don't have a driver's license, a state ID, passport or green card can show you are who you say you are and can legally live there.
You will want to have documents such as:
- A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for credit and background checks
- Your car registration and information
2. Proof of Income
Landlords ask to see your pay stubs to confirm your employment status and proof of monthly income through recent pay stubs. (Remember, the landlord's first concern is whether you'll pay rent.)
If you don't earn enough money, letting you move in is a terrible financial decision on their part: Landlords typically only accept tenants for whom the rental price is 30% or less of their income, even if you've paid rent higher than that in the past.
You may have heard this 30 percent rule before, as in, you don't want to spend more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent. It's not a hard and fast rule — developed way before crushing student loan debt or past medical bills came into the picture for many people. Do the math before you start your search and determine what is going to work for your budget to not affect your good credit, or find a co-signer for your lease agreement.
Most of the time, landlords will ask for your two most recent pay stubs to confirm employment history in the rental application process. If you have direct deposit, you can likely still find your pay stub online or ask your boss for a copy of proof of income. If you do get a physical stub with your paycheck, only provide a copy, not the original.
With so many gig workers and independent contractors, a lot of people don't have a steady paycheck. If this is you, be prepared with client contracts, 1099s, tax returns to show you can pay rent on time at your new apartment with your monthly income.
Your current employment information is also useful to potential landlords for non-financial reasons. If you’ve been at the same job for several years, make sure to include your employment history with your application. More than just the salary, this shows financial stability. Landlords love to see financial stability in a potential tenant.
You need to be able to provide them with the following documents:
- Recent pay stubs or proof of employment
- Bank statements showing regular income deposits
- Letter of employment from your employer stating your position, salary, and length of employment
3. Rental History
Demonstrating a positive rental history can significantly strengthen your application. You'll need to provide your rental history, listing all apartments you've lived in and previous landlords. This should include addresses, the phone number of the property manager, how long you lived there, how much you paid, and why you left.
If you've rented in several locations, it might be a good idea to go ahead and create a file of this information for yourself, so that you can take it with you when you apply.
Gather the following documents:
- Contact information for previous landlords or property managers.
- Rental references or recommendation letters from previous landlords.
- Proof of rent payments or rental agreements from previous residences.
- TIP: If you are renting after owning a home or have never rented before, offer to provide your potential landlord with character or employment references.
4. Credit History
Landlords often conduct credit checks to assess your financial responsibility. As long as you've been paying your bills on time and keeping your debt low, your credit check will be in good shape.
Don't fret, though, there are ways to rent an apartment even if your credit is less than impeccable . If this is your very first apartment and you're new to the credit game, or you know our credit is low, you might bring a co-signer application with you and personal references. This lets a prospective landlord know that if you need help, you have a safety net to cover the rent.
Ensure you have:
- Authorization to run a credit check.
- A copy of your credit report, if available.
- Explanations for any negative marks or discrepancies on your credit report.
- TIP: If you have poor or no credit history, you may want to add a co-signer to your application. This should be someone with a good credit rating. By co-signing with you, the individual is stating that they will be responsible for covering the rent if you are unable to do so.
5. Background Check Information
Landlords conduct background checks on potential tenants to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and stability of their rental properties. These checks provide valuable insight into an applicant's rental history, creditworthiness, criminal record, and overall reliability as a tenant. Landlords and property managers have seen their share of scammers and criminals through the application process. They need to protect their property and the other tenants and are only doing their due diligence by checking you out.
Prepare the following:
- Authorization to run a background check.
- Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable.
- Explanation of any relevant circumstances surrounding past convictions.
6. References
Providing reliable references can help validate your character and suitability as a tenant. Most applications have a section for references other than previous landlords. You should have a mental list of both professional and personal references, in case the landlord wants both. Just make sure to ask the people you plan to use as references, including your co-signer and emergency contact, for their permission since they'll be receiving a phone call.
These references can come from businesses where you've worked, non-profits where you've volunteered, even your church. Choose established and responsible adults as your references.
You should include:
- Personal references who can vouch for your character and reliability.
- Professional references from employers or colleagues.
- Contact information for references, including their name, phone number, and email address.
7. Application Fees
Many landlords require application fees to cover the costs of processing your application. Rental application fees typically run from $35 to $75 per person and they go to a credit and background check. This is where it's important to see if you have bad credit or good credit before reaching the property owner. You may need to have a co-signer ready to go.
There may also be a separate processing fee during the application process. Check with the leasing office beforehand to see if any fees are refundable if you don't get the apartment.
Be prepared to pay:
- Application fees, which typically range from $25 to $50 per applicant.
- Payment method, such as cash, check, or online payment.
8. Pet Information (if applicable)
If you're looking at apartments that allow pets, the property manager or landlord may ask for information about them on the rental application. The lease agreement and related application fees will likely outline rules regarding the number and type of pets allowed, their weight and size.
Be prepared to show that your pet is a good animal citizen through a pet resume and that it would fit into the apartment community's restrictions. Bring along references as well as proof of vaccinations. The complex may even do a pet screening so you can get the landlord's permission.
This may include:
- Pet breed, size, and weight.
- Vaccination records and proof of licensing.
- Pet references or recommendation letters from previous landlords.
9. Additional Documents
Depending on the landlord or property management company, you may be asked to provide additional documentation. This could include:
- Proof of renters insurance.
- Documentation of additional sources of income, such as alimony or child support.
- Any other documentation requested by the landlord or property manager.
10. Completed Rental Application Form
Finally, ensure you complete the rental application form accurately and thoroughly. Provide all requested information and double-check for any errors or omissions before submitting.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved
If you’re applying for an apartment that will be competitive, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting approved for that dream rental:
- Be prepared with all needed documents and information when you go to tour the apartment. Make sure you have collected everything you need before touring the apartment so you can get an application submitted ASAP to the landlord or property manager. This demonstrates that you are serious about renting the apartment and have all of your ducks in a row.
- Know your credit score in advance and be prepared with a co-signer if you need one. If your credit score is under 700 or you don’t have one yet, secure your co-signer before filling out the application. Be ready to explain any major issues on your credit report and have the social security number, phone number, address and full-name of your guarantor when you fill out the application. Less back and forth between you and the landlord means your application will be processed quicker.
- Be honest. If you have any major red flags on your rental application (bad credit, eviction record, arrest record, etc) be upfront with the landlord about your past. This builds trust with the landlord and shows integrity and responsibility. These are qualities that your landlord is looking for in potential tenants and may positively impact their perception of you.
- Call ahead and have your application payment ready in the requested manner. Calling ahead about the application fee is a smart idea. It shows that you are serious about renting the unit and ensures that you can pay the application fee on the spot. Make sure to ask how they prefer to be paid and be ready with the amount requested in the preferred method of payment.
- Make a pet resume if you are renting with a dog or cat. This shows the landlord that you take accountability for your pet and are likely to be a responsible renter.
Navigating the apartment rental application process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By gathering the essential items outlined in this checklist, you'll be well-equipped to present yourself as a qualified and reliable tenant. Remember to communicate openly with the landlord or property manager, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about any aspect of the application process. With the right documentation and a positive attitude, you'll be one step closer to securing your dream apartment.
FAQ:
When do I need to submit a rental application?
You typically need to submit a rental application once you've found an apartment you're interested in renting. It's best to submit it as soon as possible to secure your spot in the applicant pool and increase your chances of getting the apartment.
Who will be reviewing my rental application?
Your rental application will likely be reviewed by the landlord or property manager, who will assess your eligibility as a tenant based on factors such as credit history, rental history, income verification, and background check results.
Why do I have to pay an application fee?
Application fees are often used to cover the costs associated with processing your rental application, including background checks, credit checks, and administrative expenses. While it may seem like an added expense, it's a standard practice in the rental industry.
What is a good credit score?
A good credit score for renting an apartment is typically considered to be 700 or higher. However, requirements may vary depending on the landlord or property management company.
What is a landlord looking for in a rental application?
Landlords prefer responsible tenants who have a stable income, good rental history, and a clean background check. They want to ensure that tenants will pay rent on time, take care of the property, and adhere to the terms of the lease agreement.
How can I tell if I am a good candidate for an apartment rental?
To determine if you're a good candidate for an apartment rental, assess your financial stability, rental history, and creditworthiness. Make sure you meet the landlord's requirements and have all necessary documentation prepared.
How long does the rental application process take?
The rental application process can vary in duration, but it typically takes anywhere from a few days to a week for the landlord to review applications, conduct screenings, and make a decision.
What if I don’t get the apartment I applied for?
If you don't get the apartment you applied for, you can continue searching for other rental options. It's essential to have backup choices in case your first choice doesn't work out.
How many apartment rentals should I apply to?
It's a good idea to apply to multiple rentals to increase your chances of finding the right fit. However, be mindful of application fees and only apply to properties you're genuinely interested in.
How can I keep my identity safe during the apartment rental application process?
To keep your identity safe during the rental application process, only provide personal information to reputable landlords or property management companies. Avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured channels or with unknown parties.
I need a co-signer. How do I include that in my rental application?
If you need a co-signer for your rental application, include their information on the application form and provide any required documentation, such as proof of income or credit history.
What if my previous landlord isn’t responding to my request for a referral?
If your previous landlord isn't responding to your request for a referral, try reaching out through different channels or providing alternative contact information. You can also offer to provide other forms of documentation to demonstrate your rental history.
Will offering to pay more than the advertised rent help my rental application?
Offering to pay more than the advertised rent may help your rental application, especially if there's high demand for the property. However, it's ultimately up to the landlord's discretion whether to accept your offer.
Can I ask for a discounted rent after I apply for a rental?
It's generally not advisable to ask for discounted rent after you've already applied for a rental. Landlords typically set rent prices based on market rates and their own financial considerations.
