The Rental Application Process: What to Expect When Applying
You've found the perfect apartment. You’re ready to move in. All that needs to be done is to fill up the form, get the formalities out of the way, and sooner rather than later, you’ll get the key to your new home. Before you arrive at that point, you’ll need to go through the application process. The process isn’t difficult, but it can be tiresome. Here’s what you can expect, so you can quickly complete the process.
Where Do You Fill Out the Form?
There are landlords or property managers that now ask tenant applicants to use tenant screening systems. These systems provide an online tenant screening application form. That’s the one you’ll fill up. Make sure you go over everything, so you won’t miss a section. Also, don’t lie on your form. Be honest and accurate. If there are any inconsistencies in your data, that could give the landlord a reason to reject your application.
How Much is the Application Fee?
When you fill up the rental application form, you’ll have to cough up funds to cover the processing fee. Some systems charge you about $25, while others might reach $100, depending on the system used and the property of the location. Still, the most common range is between $35 to $75.
Why is There a Processing Fee?
That’s because tenant screening solutions perform background, credit, and eviction checks. They provide the landlord or property owner with those reports. The information on those reports helps tenants decide whether they’ll accept your application or not. If they see that you have a criminal history or current debt, those are usually red flags. You’ll need to be ready to talk about them because the landlord or property manager will ask you about them. Trying to sweep those things under the rug will only get you a rejection.
What are the Requirements?
Before you start filling up the rental application form, make sure you prepare the requirements. You should have a photo ID ready to go along with your basic information. This will include your name, address, phone number. Information about your previous address, references from family and friends, as well as from your landlord, will help. Also, your income and bank statement should show that your finances are enough to handle the monthly rent.
What Will They Look for?
The most important thing to landlords or property managers is that you have a stable job or income source, so you won’t have any difficulties paying the rent. However, there are also other factors. For instance, your reasons for leaving your previous home. Most landlords want to avoid drama. If your reasons involve having fought with the former landlords at your place, that will backfire on you. Also, if you have any pets, that could be a problem. Not all landlords welcome pets to their properties. You’ll want to show that you have a well-behaved pet, one that won’t damage the unit or put the other tenants in danger. Lastly, your lifestyle. Are you a smoker? That could damage the unit if you smoke excessively.
