top of page

How To Be Approved For An Apartment

city skyline

Getting the apartment that you want is about understanding the rental process and more importantly, the type of renter you are. When you are prepared to meet the requirements issued by your landlord and you know which types of apartments will best suit your pocket and lifestyle, you can improve the chance of an application approval. 

Get Approved for the Right Apartment

Whether you have your sights set on views from a top floor apartment or you’re a first-time renter, the following steps can help you get approved for an apartment. 

What Type of Renter are You?

When you start your search for apartments, the first thing you should consider is the type of renter you are. Renters fall into different categories based on their rental history, affordability, and credit. 
If you are taking on your first lease and your earnings cover the rental, you may be surprised if your application is denied. This could be owed to a lack of rental or credit history. This simply means that the landlord cannot determine your reliability as a tenant. By providing supportive documents and character testimonials, you can avoid this challenge in future apartment applications. 
When you understand the category of renter you fall under, you can apply for apartments compatible with your needs. You can also provide your prospective landlord with the information they need to make a confident tenant selection. 

There are 3 Categories of Renters

The First Time Renter

  • No Rental History 

  • Potentially Little to No Credit History

 

The Second-Chance Renter 

  • Negative Rental History

  • Poor Credit 

  • Insufficient Employment History

 

The Good Renter

  • Positive Rental History

  • Sufficient Credit History

  • Longevity with Employer

How to Get Approved for an Apartment as a First Time Renter

For the first time renter, your landlord wants to know that you will be a reliable tenant who will pay the monthly rent and stick to the lease period. Because you lack a rental history or may not have built sufficient credit, it becomes difficult to determine your responsibility as a lessee.

Get a Co-Signer

To get approved for an apartment to rent, you can get a co-signer on board who has a good credit history. This provides the landlord peace of mind that for whatever reason you cannot cover the rent, your co-signer will be available to do so. 

Show You are a Responsible and Honest Person

Along with vouching for your credit, you need to show a potential landlord that you can be relied upon to adhere to the terms and the duration of your lease. 
Along with your rental application, add a few testimonials from your employer or colleagues concerning your dependable character. Keep it simple and to the point.

For the Second Chance Renter

Perhaps you have a bad credit history, you have suffered a foreclosure, or a prior eviction and you find that your apartment applications are unsuccessful. Fortunately, you can get approved for an apartment and it starts here! 
Apartments Near Me specializes in second chance rental apartments. We understand that life happens leaving you in a difficult circumstance. The good news is that you can still receive approval for an apartment despite your credit history or background. 
You can also check out our pages on How to pass background check and poor credit application approval

Settle Outstanding Balances

Prior to applying for an apartment, try to settle any outstanding balances or past due payments. You can also provide your future landlord with proof of your payments to settle these accounts.

Rental History

If you have been previously evicted, access your rental history record. An eviction will remain on your record for 7 years. If the 7 year period has not expired, explain to your new landlord the circumstances surrounding the eviction. Better yet, if you have a previous positive rental history include this to prove you can be a reliable tenant. 

Bad Credit

If you have negative or low credit, try to show a zero balance for utility companies. This is one of the most important factors when being considered for second-chance programs.

Family

Tips to Get Approved for an Apartment

Every landlord or property manager issues a set of requirements for rental applicants. The application includes minimum earnings, proof of employment, credit history, and standard issue rental questions. When you understand how to be approved for an apartment, you can provide your landlord with the right information and apply for apartments that best suit your rental interests. 
Remember, always consider apartments to rent that you can afford. Living within your means can prevent a negative credit rating due to lack of payment and the risk of eviction. 

Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Persons

If you are an independent contractor or self-employed, be sure to bring at least the last two years tax returns to show proof and credibility of income.

Proof of Income

Ideally, you should earn 3 times the rental. This provides the landlord with confidence you can afford the rent, deposit, utilities, and your general living expenses. 
You must provide proof of income including updated pay slips for your rental to be considered. 

Proof of Employment

Issue landlords or property managers with proof of job stability.

Application for Pets

If you have pets or wish to introduce a pet to your apartment in the future, always check with your landlord concerning pet approval. 
Information concerning their habits and an image of your pet can help your approval.

Getting Approved for an Apartment is Only an Application Away

You can get approved for an apartment when you meet the lease application requirements and assure your future landlord that you can exercise responsible, honest tenancy. 
For second chance renters, feel free to contact us to learn more about our apartment rental requirements and how you can apply for a second chance apartment. 
If you don’t get approved right away, don’t give up! Follow our steps to get approved for an apartment and always remain transparent. 
Affordability, honesty, and supporting documents are necessary to have your rental application viewed in a positive light. 

​Learn more about:

How to pass a background check

How to find the right apartment

Application Evaluation

Poor credit and application approval

First time renter

Have questions? just check out our Housing application FAQ page

Disclaimer: This is being provided as a general service for the public and not specifically relevant to the properties associated with this website. This is only for common knowledge and ApartmentsNearMe.biz does not assume any responsibility.

bottom of page