Finding housing is a stressful process, and renting has its own set of challenges. You have to search for properties that meet your needs, go through the application process, and hope that you get approved and accepted.
The rental application process can feel daunting. Every property owner and property management company has a slightly different system, and the specifics of the application can vary a lot in the details. Some have refundable fees, while others require a nonrefundable application fee. And you may not even get chosen to rent.
Those fees can start to add up quickly. So you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.
What can you do to increase your chances of approval? Let’s talk about some tips to get your rental application approved!
Fill out the whole application
Yes, really. There are so often missing details in rental applications–things you meant to go back and fill in later, or just missed altogether.
Double-check (in fact, triple-check!) every line of the application before submitting. This will save time, since the property manager won’t have to chase you down to fill in the missing information. But it will also ensure your application isn’t dismissed entirely, and that you don’t miss your chance because someone else completed their application first!
There is so much advice out there recommending that you lie, omit details, or create a fake paper trail to get approved to rent. But the truth is, these methods won’t do you much good anymore!
Fake application information no longer works the way it used to. In the past, these tactics would get past most application processes. But now, property managers use robust tools to fact-check applications.
Instead, be up front about your situation. In some cases, there may be some wiggle room on the rental criteria. But if there isn’t, you’ve spared yourself (and the property manager) a lot of wasted time and energy. You may even find that the property manager has recommendations of where to apply for a better shot at getting approved.
Limit your pets
Here at Emmantee, we love our animals. Seriously, we’re big advocates for fostering and adopting, and we have a beautiful assortment of pets in our family!
But the unfortunate truth is that when you’re renting, each new pet further limits your rental choices. Most property owners have some limitations on the number and types of animals you can have while renting from them. Many don’t allow any pets at all.
So before you adopt a new fur baby, think about how that will impact your ability to find housing.
Stick to domestic pets like dogs, cats, fish, or maybe a bunny that can be kept in a small cage. Be sure each pet is spayed or neutered if appropriate, and keep updated medical records on hand.
Pay your bills on time
Make sure all of your monthly bills are paid on time!
These days, most property owners and managers will check your credit score, and may even check your payment history.
So make sure you set yourself up for success by paying all of your bills, including rent, on time each month! Be especially diligent about money owed to a previous landlord or property management company.
Keep your criminal record clean
While you can never be denied housing solely because you have a criminal record, a criminal record could still play a role in your application denial.
If you have been convicted of a crime that makes you demonstrably a danger to your neighbors, for instance, you may not be approved to rent.
Only criminal conduct that shows the applicant to be a demonstrable risk to the safety of people or property can be used as the basis for a denial. Property managers and property owners should never deny an application solely on the basis of a criminal record that does not indicate demonstrable risk.
Be organized and responsive
The early bird gets the worm, and the applicant who responds quickly may get the rental!
Make sure you have all of your documentation in order ahead of time and know where to find it on the spot. And, of course, respond to communications from property managers as soon as possible. This will ensure lost paperwork and slow responses don’t keep you from getting approved.
Don’t smoke (or vape)
Smoking indoors while renting is a total no-go, for obvious reasons. But some property owners won’t want you smoking on the property at all.
More and more landlords are beginning to deny tenants who vape, too. You may not realize, but vaping can leave an oily, slightly sticky residue on walls and ceilings, as well as in ventilation systems.
If you currently vape or smoke and are planning to move into a new rental soon, consider quitting to increase your odds of getting approved on your rental application!
Provide strong references
A good reference can go a long way toward getting you approved for a rental home!
The best reference you can provide is a reference from a previous landlord or property manager. They can speak directly to your qualities as a renter!
A few other reference options for rental applications include:
- Employers
- Colleagues
- Past Roommates
- Neighbors
Good Luck!
I hope these tips help you to get approved to rent your next home! If you are interested in renting here in the greater Charleston, SC market, reach out at [email protected]. Good luck!