When applying for a place to rent, it can feel like you're just one stack of paper lost in the shuffle. This is pretty discouraging, when you're trying to find a good place to live. So what can you do to stand out from all those other faceless names on a property manager's list & get your application approved? As property managers ourselves, we're going to give you the inside scoop with helpful tips to do just that! 

Tips to make your rental application stand out

Use your real name & a professional email on your accounts

Using an unprofessional email or nickname on sites like Zillow, Rentals.com, and Trulia is going to have a negative impact on your application. This is actually one of the more common mistakes we see as property managers & it's a sure-fire way to leave a bad first impression. The very same people going through your request see this information could cause them not to take you seriously. So don't use a nickname, slang, or anything of the like in your email address or username. Instead, take the time to create a new, professional email (it is free & easy to do, after all) & make sure your accounts are set up with your real name so people know how to address you. 

Do your research before moving in

Especially if you're moving to an area you're not familiar with, don't rely on photos alone to tell you what you need to know about the property. Avoid any surprises by doing some digging on the area before you apply, let alone move in. For example:

1. Call the local dispatcher to ask about crime rates in the area
2. Drive by the apartment at different times of day to see what traffic is like
3. Download apps such as Nextdoor insight on what neighbors are like
4. Look on google maps for nearby restaurants, shops, local transit, grocery stores & parks
5. Verify the distance for your work commute

Knowing all of these things beforehand will save you from wasting your time & the property manager's time. Having confidence in the location will only make you feel better about your decision & that confidence will show in your meeting with the new landlord!

Know your credit score

Not having a good idea of your credit score is the easiest way to apply for a property you don't qualify for. It's best to avoid confusion & get this key information beforehand. There's a lot of misconception when it comes to discovering your credit score, (for instance, did you know that checking your credit doesn't have to lower your score?... We have an article covering that here). For your sake, knowing your score, or at least having a general idea, will help you to know whether or not you qualify for a property. 

Get a list of references or cosigners 

Maybe you don't have sparkling credit or maybe you've never rented before, but even if that isn't the case, you should have at least 3 references & a cosigner lined up. Scrambling to find someone when you're submitting an application is frustrating! Instead have a few people in mind, so that if the new property manager needs to contact a reference you don't experience that headache. Most importantly, let references & cosigners know you're using them on an application ahead of time. It will save everyone a ton of confusion & keep you from potential embarrassment. 

Know what you can afford (realistically)

 Have you ever moved in somewhere & realized the rent is just too darn high? No one wants to be house poor! A general rule of thumb is to limit your search to places where your monthly or yearly income is at least 3x the rent amount.

For example you make 30,000 per year, which is 2,500 per month. If that were the case, you could afford around 833 per month maximum.

The formula breaks down to (your yearly income / 12) / 3 = monthly rent you can afford

The 12 in the formula represents the number of months in a year, and the 3 represents 3 months of income.

While this ratio can vary from place to place, setting a healthy expectation for yourself will save you some heartbreak. Rather than getting inverted in places you cannot realistically afford, do the math & your pockets will thank you later. 

Don't wait until the last minute

While it is very practical for you to have a place lined up before it's too late, it also looks better to the person reviewing your application. Why? Well, if someone hasn't planned ahead & needs a place to move within the week - it can come across as a red flag. The landlord might be thinking you're in a desperate position because you're trying to avoid something, like a bill, a lawsuit, or maybe you're being evicted. Instead, try to think ahead & start looking as soon as you know you will be moving, even if it's a few months out. Having flexibility & displaying forethought will instill confidence in your application. 

Have a deposit ready!

Typically, deposits are approximately the same as the first month's rent & paid at the same time as your first month's rent. Some companies will require an additional deposit for unique circumstances, like having a pet or other certain out-of-the-ordinary lease terms. Make sure you not only know how much the deposits are, but what payment methods are accepted & when deposits are due. Lastly, it's good to ask if deposits are refundable. It's common for tenants to make a wrong assumption about whether they will receive their deposit back, so make sure you are clear upfront! Which lead us to our last & most important tip...

Make a list of all your questions 

The number one thing that will cause a rift between a new property manager/landlord & their tenant begins when something is not made clear before they move in. Clearing up any confusion before you sign a lease is vital to ensuring you have a good relationship. Still, you don't want to bombard someone with too many questions on the first call, especially if the answers are already available. So first, find a good time to ask your questions, then do your research & lastly, make a well-thought-out list you can ask someone when it is appropriate. This will prove extremely valuable & will help everyone get on the same page.

Here are some questions you may want to ask: 

1. What utilities am I responsible for paying? 
2. What other fees are due outside of rent (Lawn Care, HOA fees, Parking, etc.)?
3. Where can I find information on cable & internet providers? 
4. What types of rental assistance do you accept? 
5. Do you allow pets?

Some property management companies will have FAQs on their website, just like we do!

Looking for a place to rent? 

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You can view them here - we update them every day!

Want to learn more about managing your personal or professional real estate? Our team specializes in helping people make smart real estate investments. From renting an apartment, buying or selling a home, purchasing a rental property, or managing one, we've got you covered! 

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