Apartment Application Process
Whether it’s your first apartment, your fifth, or you’re downsizing after decades of homeownership, you’ll need to complete a rent application. Property managers need to know that you have the financial resources to pay your rent each month as well as proof that you’ll be a responsible tenant. The key is to be calm and prepared at each step of the process and realize that it may take some time for the property management company to run a credit check, verify information, and possibly contact your references.
Property managers want to make sure you’re a good fit for the apartment community and vice versa for you. The process usually starts by applying online, then you’ll be contacted to let you know if you’ve been approved or denied. While that may sound intimidating, especially if it’s your first apartment or you have bad credit, there are several steps you can take to stack the odds in your favor to get your application approved. From there, you can go on a tour of the property, and if all goes well, you’ll be signing a lease and making plans to move in.
Navigating the Apartment Application Process
Include a cover letter
This would be helpful if you’re a first-time renter or have poor/nonexistent credit. If you can submit attachments with your online application, compose a short note explaining why you chose that particular property and why you would be a great tenant. If credit is an issue, you can state that you’ve had a job for x-years/months and that you are working hard to rebuild your credit.
Gather all required documentation
You will need your driver’s license, Social Security number, pay stubs, banking information, employment history, rental history (if you have one), and references.
Take steps to improve your credit
Pay down as many credit card bills as you can, which will boost your credit score. The property manager will go over your credit report and look for late payments and other delinquencies, as well as bankruptcy filings, so get things cleaned up as tightly as possible.
References
This extends to previous property managers, jobs, and banking history. See if you can track down your previous property managers and ask them to serve as references for you. Also, you can pull your employment history from your resume’ and provide names/contact info for the HR departments at those companies. Your bank can verify your account, how long you’ve held it, and how often deposits are made.
Granted, all of this may seem like a hassle or a tremendous amount of work, but remember, you’re looking for a place to live. It deserves as much or even more effort as seeking a new job. By going the extra mile, you will show your prospective property manager that you are a serious, responsible tenant whom they will be happy to welcome into their apartment community.
Apply for a VC Community Apartment
If you are ready to take the next step and apply for a new apartment, schedule a tour of a Vision Community. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.