Renters Tips: Stand Out in the Rental Application Process (2024)

Many rental markets nationwide are very competitive, especially in some larger cities. You might learn that there are tons of people who are interested in the same apartment as you. Or, maybe one specific rental is perfect for you, and you must land it.

Tenants are not always aware of how to impress a landlord while filling out their application forms. In reality, searching for an apartment is like looking for a job. The candidates do thorough research, prepare for an interview, try to present themselves in the best light and negotiate the price. Such an approach can help you build a good career and rent an awesome apartment!

Rental Application Tips

Fill out an application form as if it were your CV. It will be your killer “rental resume,” so do your best to include the most relevant information. Here are the necessary contents of a rental application checklist:

• Your current job position
• Your salary
• Rental history
• Contacts of your current employer
• Contacts of your former landlord
• Letters of reference
• Pets (if any)
• Reasons to leave the current property
• Move-in date
• Credit report
• Background report
• Renters insurance(if any)
• Roommates (if any)
• Cover letter

Candidates often fill out a classical rental application sample in PDF by hand. To minimize the effort and facilitate the process, tenants can apply online on Rentberry! No more papers — type all of your data and provide your landlord with a substantial and compelling application. Your credit report and background check will be included there automatically, too.

More like this: How Can You Negotiate Your Rent? Tips for Getting the Best Deal

Creating a rental resume requires a lot of preparation. To make a good impression on your landlord, you should describe yourself as the best tenant in a cover letter. Drop a few lines about your lifestyle and say what kind of person you are. If your background is not impeccable, briefly explain why you had issues in the past and what you did to fix them.

Remember, landlords are more likely to approve a rental application with references. Ask your former landlord and current employer to recommend you as a responsible tenant and a good employee with a stable income. If you have just graduated from college, ask your housing coordinator to write a letter of reference. If you have no rental history at all, contact your employer or professor to get some personal characteristics.

Pro Tip: Want to stand out? A video may make your application look more creative and interesting to a landlord.

But What if You Have a Poor Credit?

There are several ways to rent with a low credit score. If you cannot boast a good credit report, find a financial guarantor with a great one. This person will be your co-signer, responsible for paying rent if you don’t do it on time. They will equally participate in the rental application process and prepare the same documents for signing an agreement, so it’s better to collect them beforehand.

Want to Increase the Odds of Renting Your Dream Home?

Rentberry allows tenants to increase their chances of renting their dream home by submitting a custom offer or increasing a security deposit. Money talks, so adding some dollars to the monthly rent can positively affect the landlord’s decision.

If you have a pooch or a kitty, but the property is not pet-friendly, you can try providing a higher rent and security deposit so that the landlord will choose you over the candidates without pets. Don’t forget to include pet references in your rental resume! To find out more, read our tips on renting with pets.

Research the building and dress up!

Did your rental application with references work? Congrats! But before you sign a rental agreement, check out the neighborhood and the building. Don’t forget to dress up for the appointment. Looks matter, just like at a job interview, so try to be presentable and reasonable!

FAQ

1. What documents do I typically need when applying for a rental?

Most landlords require a completed rental application, proof of income (pay stubs, employment verification), government-issued ID, and references from previous landlords or personal contacts.

2. How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a rental?

Maintain a good credit score, provide accurate and complete application information, have stable employment, and communicate well with the landlord. References from previous landlords can also boost your application.

3. What should I include in my rental history to enhance my application?

Provide references from previous landlords who can vouch for your reliability as a tenant. Include any positive rental experiences and information about your rental history, such as on-time payments and lease renewals.

4. Are personal references beneficial in a rental application?

Yes, personal references can help provide a well-rounded view of your character. Include references who can speak to your responsibility, reliability, and compatibility as a neighbor or tenant.

5. Is offering a higher security deposit or paying several months’ rent in advance helpful?

Offering a higher security deposit or prepaying rent can demonstrate your commitment and financial stability to the landlord. However, be sure to clarify the terms and conditions to ensure your rights are protected.

Follow these tips and enjoy an easy rental application process on Rentberry. Rent your dream home quickly!

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Last updated on August 5, 2024