For The Rental Application Process
Once you’ve found your next rental property, it’s time to fill out a rental application. But if you’re a first-time renter, then the application process can be a bit overwhelming. We make the rental process easy to understand and we will give you all the documents and resource links you need to apply for one of our properties.
Let’s start with the the lease application itself. If you are interested in our property, the next step is to download and fill out our rental application form.
If you have a co-signer or plan on having roommates, they will also need to do the same. Every person planning to move will need to fill out a separate lease application form and provide the supporting documents listed below.
Renters Application Steps
Follow these easy steps to apply for your new home — from filling out details to signing the lease — for a smooth and stress-free rental process.
STEP 1
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
It’s best to have all the necessary information easily available for the landlord to review. A great application can help you get approved, especially in a competitive market.
STEP 2
YOUR CREDIT SCORE REPORT
Your credit score report can be a critical factor in determining your eligibility. A credit score generally ranges from 300-850. The higher your number the better.
STEP 3
INCOME VERIFICATION
This can be a job letter, recent paystub, tax returns or any other forms of receipts from an employer or the government. If you have a question read our FAQ or Contact us.
Just a Step in Renting Your Dream Home
You can attach all your documents using a scanner or cell phone photo and send them to our email. Make sure the images are clear and complete to speed up your application review and approval process.
VALUABLE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RENTAL APPLICATION
- Great Cover Letter
Write a few paragraphs about who you are, what you do for a living and the reason for your move. If you’re applying as a group for a property you intend to share, briefly introduce each roommate. - Strong References
The importance of good references can’t be overstated. Real estate agents, property managers and landlords want to know you’ll be a reliable tenant, that you’ll pay your rent on time and that you’ll treat the property as if it were your own. - Pets
Do you have pets? If you’re renting with pets, mention their training and age. Put it in your cover letter, put it in your application and discuss it when you view the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I improve my credit score?
Your credit score is one of the main pieces of information that landlords use to determine if you’re the right fit for their property. Start evaluating your score early by requesting copies of your credit report. Check this over carefully for any mistakes that might be lowering your score. If you find one, contact the creditor and the credit bureaus to have that error fixed. I can take 30-60 days for the score to update once the issue is resolved.
You can also improve your score by paying off any outstanding bills and credit card debt. Don’t close any accounts with a zero balance as they can help provide a longer history for your credit.
What will I be signing?
This form is a residential tenancy agreement (standard lease). Landlords of most private residential rental units must use this form (standard lease) when they enter into a tenancy with a tenant. Until February 28, 2021, a landlord and tenant may use either the old or updated version of the standard lease for their tenancy agreement.
You can view the lease and more information here.
What will I be signing?
This form is a residential tenancy agreement (standard lease). Landlords of most private residential rental units must use this form (standard lease) when they enter into a tenancy with a tenant. Until February 28, 2021, a landlord and tenant may use either the old or updated version of the standard lease for their tenancy agreement.
You can view the lease and more information here.
What can a landlord ask an applicant?
On a lease application, landlords may request information related to:
- Names of proposed occupants.
- Proof of income.
- Proof of employment.
- Previous and current rental history.
- Banking information.
- Personal contact information (date of birth included)
- Personal references
- Information about any guarantors
- Pets.
Who pays for services and utilities?
The lease agreement will help you understand what services are included or not included in the total rent (lawful rent).
Typically you will find a property that is either all inclusive (includes electricity, heat, water) typically found for student housing or rent plus electricity, heat and water.
In some cases, a landlord and tenant can later agree to add other services in exchange for a rent increase. For example, a landlord and tenant may agree to a seasonal rent increase for additional services of air conditioning or a block heater plug-in, so the tenant can heat up their car engine on cold winter days.
What Is a Rent-Back Agreement?
For the buyer, offering a rent back agreement can have a couple of big bonuses. For one, if it’s a competitive market, an offer that’s flexible on move-out dates might very well have an edge. And the rent that the seller would pay the buyer could help recoup those hefty closing costs.
Once everyone agrees, the buyer will close on the house, at which point the buyer will officially take possession and pay any upfront costs like a normal closing. In addition, the seller will become the tenant and pay any security deposits or upfront rent and remain in the house.