If you’ve been hunting for an apartment and are ready to move in, you’ll need to produce certain documents before signing the lease. Remember, simply filling out a form with a list of previous apartments and your information isn’t sufficient for the landlord to establish whether you’re a dependable renter.
Consequently, he or she will request more items that reveal the kind of renter you are. Remember, being prepared with the appropriate paperwork frequently makes the difference between getting the apartment and losing it to a competitor. Fortunately, this checklist will ensure you come prepared for your apartment search.
Employment Proof
Most prospective landlords will accept an employment offer letter or pay stubs as proof of employment. Some will even need tax records to reveal the amount of income you’ve made over the previous years.
If you’re a contractor, you’ll have to find another way of proving that you can meet the rental payments. This might imply offering business account statements or providing recent tax returns.
Driver’s License
Providing your driver’s license enables a proprietor to do numerous things. To begin with, he or she can validate your identity with it. The property owner can also run a credit check on it. Prospective landlords want to establish whether you can be trusted to make timely rental payments.
Your license can also help in conducting a background check. Beware that some landlords will check to establish whether you have a criminal history.
In the event that you lack a driver’s license, you’ll need to provide another form of photo identification, for instance, a military ID or passport, but other documents could be necessary to conduct a credit check.
Rental History
While you might not use your recommendation letters, you’ll have to present your rental history. This list comprises the units you’ve occupied throughout your life as a renter, including the property manager’s phone number, their addresses, the amount you paid, and the duration in which you lived there.
Consider documenting this information and keep it for your records. That way, you won’t have a difficult time trying to find phone numbers and recall addresses each time you apply for a new unit.
Social Security Number
You should have this information memorized before hunting for a rental. Don’t save this number online, on your phone, or in writing because you could end up being a victim of identity theft. Be very cautious when providing this information.
Numerous property owners will inform you the number is essential for a rental application, but the law doesn’t require it.
After all, the driver’s license number is adequate for somebody to run a credit or background check on you. If you’re doubtful about a property manager or prospective landlord, don’t provide the information.
Personal References
While it’s less common, a number of landlords will request you to offer phone numbers and names of personal references along with other documentation.
If this is the case, select a trustworthy person to provide a good reference, such as a close colleague or friend. The condition to this kind of reference check is frequently that it shouldn’t be a relative.
Final Thoughts
The necessary documentation for a rental application can differ from city to city. It can vary depending on whether you’re renting from an individual owner or a unit owned by a real estate company. Regardless of the situation, you’ll have to show some of these documents.
For more information on how to prepare your renter’s pack, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.