When submitting a rental application, the landlord is going to ask for lots of information. They like to see all of the questions filled out and all of the supporting documents submitted. Being prepared by having that information ahead of time will make filling out the application easier and give you an edge to being accepted over another candidate. Here is what a typical landlord is looking for from a rental applicant:
Documents to provide, usually by email:
- Rental application: usually provided by landlord or agent. Necessary for each person over 18
- Background check: credit check, eviction check, criminal check. Usually performed by landlord for a fee paid by applicant. Tenant will need to sign authorization form and provide social security number
- Proof of income: 4 most recent paystubs
- Identity: photograph of driver’s license
Information asked on the rental application you should prepare in advance include:
- Desired move in date
- Social security #
- Current landlord’s contact information
- Previous landlord’s contact information
- Current employment information
- Gross monthly salary
- Dates employed
- Employer (company name)
- Supervisor contact info
- Previous employment information
- Gross monthly salary
- Dates employed
- Employer (company name)
- Supervisor contact info
- 2 personal reverences contact info and their relationship to you
- Banking information, including bank name, bank account number and type of account
- Vehicle information including make, model, year, color and license plate number
Documents that you need to submit, such as pay stubs and driver’s license, can easily be provided electronically using your phone as a scanner. For iPhone users, the Notes App has a built-in scan function. Another free scanning app is “Scannable” by Evernote. Android users can scan documents directly from the Evernote app which can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store. Other free scanning apps are also available.
Being ready with your documents and information will speed up the time it takes to submit your rental application and can increase your chance of getting approved for your favorite apartment.