Looking to rent your next apartment home? There is nothing more important than getting approved quickly, especially when you are in a time crunch. Filling out an application improperly can result in delays and the potential of you losing out on your new home to another renter who has all of their ducks in a row.
But it's just more than the application. Apartments require certain information from you that is mandatory. Also, they are going to run a full background check. So read on to find out what they are looking for and more importantly, how you can get approved fast with minimal delays.
Reasons Why You Might Get Rejected
Let's start what many apartments require from you.
Income
A landlord usually will require income statements from you. If you don't have a job or a big savings account, then how can you expect to pay the rent. There is a formula that many landlords use that will let them know if you make enough to live in their rental. Be sure and ask them before you stop by for a tour. If you fail to make the income then your application will be denied. Many of the large apartment communities require 3.5 times the monthly rent in the form of income. So if the rental amount for a 1 bedroom is $1000, your income would need to be $3500 per month.
Pets
Many renters have pets. And while the vast majority of apartments allow 1 or 2 pets inside the home, some properties won't allow any. Chances are you won't be moving without your furry friends. So ask!
Many apartments won't allow aggressive breeds on the property. Don't try and sneak in an aggressive dog into the community. You will be violating your lease and you can be evicted.
Clean Background History
Properties can decide whether they want to accept renters with misdemeanors and felonies. Many of the larger communities won't allow anyone with a felony. And in many cases, misdemeanors are also frowned upon.
Be sure and let the apartment manager know upfront what type you have an how old it is. They prefer honesty and not only can save you money on application fees. They also might be able to put in a good world with corporate on your behalf.
You might also want to deal mainly with private houses and rentals in this scenario. In these cases, you can deal directly with the owner or landlord. Many simply won't care. They just want to make sure you pay your rent on time.
Poor Rental History
Nothing turns off landlords and property owners faster than poor rental history. There are 2 types that we will review.
Broken Lease:
A broken lease occurs when the renter simply leaves the rental without fulfilling the terms of the lease. When you break your lease the landlord can report you to the credit bureaus. The next time you apply and the community runs a background check, there will be a flag with a broken lease on the report.
Eviction: This is easily the worst of the two. An eviction occurs when the renter fails to pay his/her rent and won't leave the apartment. The owners of the property must file an eviction in the local courthouse. Rules will vary by state. A constable will then remove all of your belongings from the property including the tenant.
As you can imagine, the latter 2 make renting even a more difficult process.
About the Author: Andrew Reichek helps renters locate apartments homes at Rentkidz.com. If you're looking for the best rental deals in Dallas or Houston, his company can assist you.
If you liked this article, subscribe to Rentometer's email newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rental housing.