How to Rent an Apartment: What Do You Need?

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Once you’ve found the apartment of your dreams, the next step toward renting is getting your application information together. Here’s everything you need to apply for and get the apartment of your dreams!

1. Personal Contact Information

If you’re moving to an apartment nearby, offering up your contact information is simple. However, if you’re moving out of state or traveling, give your landlord more than one option. Provide your mobile number and an email address so you’re easy to reach.

Renters are usually required to provide their social security number when applying for an apartment. It’s also industry standard for the landlord to ask for a copy of your social security card to use during a standard background and credit check.

3. Vehicle Information

Some apartment complexes require vehicle information in order to use their parking lot. Keep the make and model of your car, year, and license plate number information handy. Your property manager may also ask for your auto insurance information.

4. Driver’s License Number or State ID

You’ll need a government-issued ID in order to rent an apartment. Bring along your driver’s license or passport to complete your application process.

5. Current and Previous Address/Rental Information

In order for landlords to complete a background check, they need your current address and information on previous rentals. If you have no rental history, give your last place of residence.

6. Current and Previous Employment Information

Your current and previous employment information is used to verify that you’re reliable and earning an income. It’s also used as part of your background check. Bring information about your occupation, company name, and phone number so your landlord may verify your employment.

7. Proof of Income

Proof of income is a key step in figuring out how to get an apartment. It shows that you have a reliable source of income to pay your rent. It’s wise to bring two to three pay stubs, tax returns, and two to three months’ worth of bank statements to include in your apartment application.

Your landlord may also require that your verifiable monthly income is at least 2.5x the monthly rent. And if you’re looking for a month-to-month rental where the rent payments are much higher, the income requirements may differ. Make sure to clarify all of the details.

Don’t worry if you don’t have pay stubs because you just got a new job. Instead, just provide an offer letter from your new employer.

If your income (or credit score) is not high enough to secure the apartment, consider asking a trusted person to be your cosigner. A cosigner or guarantor is someone who signs the lease with you and is legally required to pay your rent if you fail to do so. They are common if you have poor credit or unstable income.

8. Past Landlords and Personal References

Prospective landlords want references from previous landlords to verify your rental history and reliability as a prospective tenant. They might also call your previous landlord to ask about your reliability and ability to pay rent on time. If you don’t have previous landlords or rental history, bring along personal references from a boss or superior that speaks to your trustworthiness and reliability. Make the process easier with these rental reference letters as an example.

9. Emergency Contacts

Emergencies happen and it’s smart for your landlord to have one of your contacts on hand. Provide an emergency contact in case the landlord needs to reach you or a loved one. For example, if you suffer a medical emergency, the landlord needs to know who to notify.

10. Cash, Check or Credit Card

Landlords usually accept cash, check, or credit cards for your application fee. You can call ahead to ask which they prefer. However, if you do pay in cash, make sure to get a receipt.

The application fee may also cover the criminal history report, credit report, and rental history verification. These fees are sometimes separate, so make sure to ask.

Your fees also vary depending on how many people are applying and the geographic location. For example, apartment applications are usually more expensive in cities than in suburbs. If you’re on a budget, some move-in specials will waive the application fee to entice more renters to apply.

Source: www.apartmentlist.com