How To Rent An Apartment: Application Process
On your path toward adulthood, you will face numerous challenges. One of them might be apartment rentals - definitely not the easiest one. The choice to leave your parents’ home and rent a flat may be tough, but it is definitely worth the risk, especially when you know what to be ready for and what to expect. But where to look for such information? How to successfully perform the procedure so that not to lose your money in vain, not become bogged down or tricked?
Do not worry about renting an apartment. Even though it is quite a challenge, it is not something to be afraid of for first-timers. Careful preparation works miracles, and all your daunting steps, eventually justify the risk.
First and foremost, if you are interested in renting an apartment, you should prepare a formal application. And if you do it for the first time, better to look for guidance and recommendations. There are different details to take into consideration depending on the kind of rental property in the USA. We have collected several helpful tips to clarify the renting process.
First Step: Apartment Application
To rent an apartment, you will need to fill in an application form. It is a questionnaire that is checked by homeowners to find a potential tenant. You can also attach additional documents to it so that a landlord can have more information about your request. Sometimes, it is needed to pay a fee of $30-$50 for your application to be checked by site administration. Keep in mind that you do not receive a refund in case your plans change.
It is possible to apply in two ways. You can either visit the apartment rental website and find the application there or find the leasing office and take the necessary application form. If the apartment you are interested in is still available, you can fill out the application and send it to administration right away for processing. Be aware that it is highly recommended to do it as soon as possible because comfortable flats are very quickly to be taken by somebody else.
Needed Information To Apply For Renting
There is a strong need to collect all the necessary information in one place. Remember, if your rental history is not sufficient, try to include every possible fact to ensure that you are a reliable tenant. Here is all the information you need to include in your application form.
Needless to say, you need to provide a landlord with either your email address or a phone number. Come up with another method of communication if you find it more comfortable. Regular communication in the modern world is rather a necessity, especially if you want to rent an apartment.
Secondly, be sure to provide your social security number. Be ready to have a copy of this document as a lot of landlords ask for it. Do not worry, and it is a standard procedure. Giving your vehicle information is also something to be ready for when you search for renting a parking spot. It includes a model of your car, a year, and a number plate. In addition, be ready to give your state ID or a driving license number.
It may already sound too much, but also you need to include your physical address or rental information. Moreover, it is not something weird if your landlord asks for a reference from your previous apartment owners. Every landlord wants to make sure that you are a reliable tenant and what is even more important is that you can pay rent in time. For this purpose, you also need to provide your employment information and proof of income; submit your specialization, company name, and a number. That is necessary for your landlord to connect your place of employment for confirmation.
In addition, it would be advisable to include any available references from previous landlords. If you do not have any, please just note your past landlords so that your current landlord will be able to have validation of your financial capacities. This is a very natural thing to do for all potential landlords. In the case of references, you may be asked to give some proof from your boss that you are trustworthy, or it may be a personal reference, disclosing your character, lifestyle, and habits. Last but not least, choose your emergency contacts wisely to ensure stable communication in case of various accidents.
Application Process
We have already discussed the information you need to submit in your application form. Now let us clarify the procedure.
First and foremost, you are requested to fill up the application form, including the information above. Then, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable tuition fee to have your application processed by the management. The next step is crucial as you need to give your proof of income. You may be asked to confirm your financial capacity, specifically that your monthly income is at least three times bigger than your monthly rent. After this, you have to approve your credit check and background checks. Your potential landlords need to be aware of your financial and criminal records. Finally, once you are approved for the preferable apartment, you pay a security deposit and wait as long as needed. Usually, it takes from 24 to 72 hours for the application to be approved by the administration.
Conclusion
To cut it short, the renting process has several steps that you must stick to carefully. Be sure to include all the necessary personal information to show a potential landlord that you are a trustworthy person capable of paying monthly rent in time. Do not forget to pay a tuition fee and wait for your application to be approved. With all the knowledge about renting, you will soon have a place to recharge your batteries. Perhaps, after some time, you will call this place your home.
