Article Navigation
Recent Articles
- Think Big Ease and Efficiency for Your Upcoming Move
- What to Look For on an Apartment Community’s Facebook Page
- Think Big about Your Dream Apartment
- What Kind of Apartment Space Best Suits You?
- Take Steps to Stay Organized in Your Apartment
- What You Should Know about Renter’s Insurance
- Which Packing Details Will a Professional Mover Handle for You?
- What Is Your Perfect Apartment Pet?
- Dealing with Weather Conditions When You Move
- Find Helpful Tax Write-offs for Your New Home
The Apartment Application Process
Once you’ve found an apartment, you’ll probably have to fill out an application. This may be a minor bureaucratic hurdle, or it may cause you some sleepless nights, depending on your situation. Here are some tips about the apartment application process so you won’t be surprised.
Common application features
Many apartment communities use a common apartment application or a similar application format. If you want a preview of what you’ll have to fill out, try searching online for “apartment application” for your state. You will find many sample apartment applications like this one from the Texas Apartment Association.
The main purpose of an apartment application is to help the landlord or management company determine how much of a risk you are — in essence, they want to be reassured you’ll be in a position to pay your rent every month. Therefore an apartment application will ask not just for basic information about you, but about your employment history, your other possible debts, and your previous residences.
Some forms will ask for contact information for previous landlords. Almost certainly you’ll have to provide a Social Security number: this will allow the landlord to run a credit check (get your credit rating from one or more of the three credit-reporting agencies) and a background check to see if you have any prior arrests. Note that not every apartment community will do the same number of checks.
Application fees
An apartment application will almost certainly come with a non-refundable fee, often between $20 and $50, depending on the community. This covers the cost of any credit or background checks and processing of your application.
Positional problems
Could your application mean that you don’t get the apartment? (Read: What Could Keep You From Getting That Apartment?) The biggest potential red flags will be a criminal record or a history of problems with a previous landlord. If you were evicted, or your landlord had to take you to court for excess damages, the new community may reject you outright or may require a larger security deposit. As for criminal convictions, traffic convictions and misdemeanors shouldn’t prevent you from being approved; a felony conviction might.
Although fair-housing laws prevent managers from refusing to rent to you on the basis of race, gender, family makeup, or disability (Read: Know Renters’ Rights Before You Sign the Lease), they do not outlaw discrimination on the basis of criminal convictions. Your best bet, whether your main obstacle is a conviction, a past dispute with a landlord, or a poor credit history, is to disclose it outright — attach new sheets to the original application, if you have to — and use the apartment application to explain what happened and why you would still be a good tenant.
4 Responses to “The Apartment Application Process”
Leave a Reply
Most Popular
Not every landlord or management company requires an apartment walkthrough when you move into a new apartment unit, but it’s generally in your best interest to do so. Request one before you move in, if it’s not initiated for you, and check to see that all is well in your new home. If the owner is ...
You’ve found the apartment you want; now it’s time to sign the lease. One factor to consider is whether you will need a co-signer to qualify for that lease. Here are some suggestions to help you determine whether sealing the deal on your apartment choice will require some outside help. What is a co-signer? A ...
Being ready with all the information you need to fill out an apartment application makes the application process go so much smoother. Gather up the following information and paperwork so you can prove to apartment communities that you’ll be a stable and reliable renter. Rental history If you’ve rented apartments in the past, be prepared ...
Signing a lease for a new apartment can be very exciting — and a little intimidating. You’ll be better equipped to read the lease and catch anything that doesn’t make sense if you know what to expect. Here are some tips on what can be found in a typical apartment lease. Who signs the lease? Every ...
When renting an apartment, fees and deposits an ever-present part of the process. But what can you expect in terms of getting them back or avoiding them in the first place? We’ve listed some of the fees and deposits you can expect to help you know what to plan for and how to protect yourself. ...
When you’re considering renting an apartment, you’ll want to know what to expect from a prospective apartment community. That’s why asking the right questions of an apartment community manager is so important. Ask these questions during your apartment search to ensure that you have a clear picture of what it will be like to live in your ...
If you want to make sure you’re getting the best apartment for your money, you will need to focus on several details. Here are some important apartment features to consider when you are looking for your new apartment. Layout When checking out an apartment, don’t just look at the square footage in each individual room. ...
Like a home mortgage, monthly rent is a serious financial commitment. Before you get in over your head, know what you can afford. Follow these simple steps to calculate how much rent you can afford before you sign the lease. What’s coming in What you make each month will be the biggest factor in what ...
When it comes to monthly expenses, there are some costs you don’t think can get lower, like a utility bill. But with some awareness, a bit of effort and a few phone calls, you might be surprised at how much you can knock down utility costs that once seemed set in stone. Shop for the ...
Wondering how to find the best apartment for you? While the idea of the “best” apartment certainly varies from person to person, these tips should help you find the apartment that suits you to a “T.” Know thyself Before you can figure out how to find the best apartment, you’ve got to know yourself — your home ...
Readers Poll
Do you plan to move yourself or hire a moving company to assist you?
- Move myself by renting a truck (64%, 18 Votes)
- Move myself without renting a truck (21%, 6 Votes)
- Hire a moving company to help (15%, 4 Votes)
Total Voters: 28
Loading ...
I am trying to find an affordable apartment in a good neighborhood, 1 or 2 bedroom with one bath and kitchen and closet.
Hi, Celia. We recommend ApartmentGuide.com to help you find the right apartment for your needs.
Thanks for your comment!
I know that this post is old, but it is still as informative as ever! Great tips on apartment applications.
Check out my blog dedicated (well, sort of) to online apartment applications.
http://apartmentcommonapplication.com/
Oops! Heh, here it is!