Being a first-time renter is a huge step toward maturity. After all, you’ll be on your own and you’ll need to learn personal responsibility very fast.
You’ll need to learn how to run a household, manage your time prudently, and pay bills in a timely manner. Bear in mind that you’ll also need to produce some documents before signing a lease.
If you’ve just located your ideal rental and are in the process of moving in, here’s a list of things you’ll need to qualify.
Evidence of Employment
Most prospective landlords will accept an employment offer letter or pay stubs as evidence of employment. Some will even need tax records to show the amount of income you’ve made over the past few years.
If you’re a contractor, then you’ll have to find another way of proving that you can pay the rent. This might imply giving statements from your personal or business account.
If you have other income sources that will help you meet the rent, for instance settlement payments or child support, it will be beneficial to provide information concerning these as well.
Rental History
Previous rental information shows your prospective landlord that you’ve had a good history with your former landlords. It can also reveal whether you’ve faced evictions or other negative rental matters.
You’ll have to list the address, phone number, and name of your former landlord and your former rental address. You’ll also need to reveal the length of stay at the address, the rent you paid, and your reason (s) for leaving.
If you’re a first-time renter, it may be possible to replace personal for rental references. This may comprise information for your teacher, parents, or somebody else that can back up your ability to maintain your apartment effectively and pay rent.
Credit Check
Bigger rental complexes or agencies will most likely perform a credit check, so you’ll require your social security number. Just ensure that you’re revealing it to somebody who works for a legitimate company. Don’t give it to a landlord or individuals who demand the information.
It’s important you run your credit report before allowing anybody else to see it. This way, you can rectify any mistakes or explain any issues.
Photo Identification
Most prospective rental agencies or land lords will demand proof of identification to ensure you are who you say you are. Typically, a passport or driver’s license will suffice-anything with a photo and that’s been issued by the government irrespective of the country you’re from.
Reference Letters
In the event that you lack sufficient proof to back-up your application, it’s a good idea to gather reference letters from previous landlords or present employers.
This is particularly true if you’re a pet owner. A new landlord wants to ensure you are a responsible pet owner and you can prove this through a current landlord or a reference letter or by direct contact.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning to rent for the first time or simply require a quick refresher, you can save yourself energy and time by recognizing the things you need for rental application.
For more information on how to qualify for a rental application, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.