We’re Here to Help You Lease an Apartment  

Do you know what Apartment Landlords have to do before they can approve you for an apartment lease?

You should be aware of some of these requirements because you might have to provide the Apartment leasing agent with some information before they can approve your lease. So lets get started.

Your Credit Report

The one item that every landlord is going to look at is your credit report. Second is your background check. Not everyone can order a background check but you pretty much know your history. You can however check you credit report for free and I don't mean on of those websites you see on TV. Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law annualcreditreport.com. Other websites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program. In some cases, the “free” product comes with strings attached. For example, some sites sign you up for a supposedly “free” service that converts to one you have to pay for after a trial period. If you don’t cancel during the trial period, you may be unwittingly agreeing to let the company start charging fees to your credit card.

Rental Rates

Did you know that the rental rates a Landlord offers on a new apartment can change daily? Yes, the Landlord can offer one price one day with some type of move-in special and the next day it can be completely different. Even more confusing is that the rental rate on a small one-bedroom can sometimes be higher than on a much larger two-bedroom apartment.

So what does this mean for Residents out looking to lease an apartment? Ask about all specials on all units because you might just find that sometimes you can lease a much larger apartment at a much lower price. What do I mean by lower? We're talking about saving a hundred dollars or more for a larger unit. No need for us to explain the reason for this madness that Apartment Landlords have, just remember to always ask about all specials for all sizes of apartment homes. Simply put, ask!

Income Requirements

Many Apartment complexes require that your gross monthly income is two (2) times your rental amount. For example, if your monthly rent is going to be $800.00, you would be required to present the complex with a paystub showing that your monthly gross income is at least $1,600 per month. Some Apartments might require a higher income to qualify, up to three (3) times the rental rate. Just as with the rental rates, ask the Apartment complex leasing agent while viewing the complex what their requirement are.

Application and Administration Fees

Many Apartment complexes require an application and administration fee. This fee is to pay for the processing of your application including the credit report and background check they will run using your social security number. In most cases the higher your credit score the lower the fees. Many complexes have move-in specials that include a flat $99.00 move-in. This does not include the security deposit, which can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a full month’s rent. Again, you need to ask.

Pets and Their Limits

Many Apartment complexes have weight limits on pets. When you are searching for an Apartment complex within our system, you can use the pet search option to search for apartments that allow certain size pets. In addition to the weight limits, many Apartment complex require a dog interview. Seriously, a dog interview could be required to observe the dog and how it behaves. Breed restrictions may also be enforced.

Look and Lease

As with anyone trying to sell something, the Apartment complex leasing agent doesn't want you to leave without filling out an application and leasing a unit. One offer many Apartment complexes use is the Look and Lease. This is a special offer that the Apartment complex will offer if you lease a unit within a set period of time after your first visit. In most cases it is within 24 hours of your first visit.

Felony / Misdemeanors

Apartment complexes are going to run a background check on you, so be honest. If you have something in your past that involves a felony or misdemeanor, you should let them know. There is no need to waste your money just to have your application rejected because you did not disclose this information. Every Apartment complex is different, so it is best to simply ask. Even if the offense was ten years ago, it still matters. If it isn't in your background check, it will most likely be overlooked. However, it's better not to surprise your Apartment complex leasing agent.

Broken Leases

When a lease is broken many Apartment complexes turn this information in to the credit agencies. If in the past you have had a reason to break a lease, let the Apartment complex leasing agent know. Don’t wait for it to come out on your credit report. Again, there is no need to waste your money on the application fees if you know there might be a problem. Apartment Landlords have the option to make exceptions and these exceptions are more likely to be given when you are upfront and honest with the leasing agent.

We hope the above information proves helpful in saving you time and money in your Apartment search. We cannot emphasize enough that if you’re not sure, ask-- even if you are sure, ask. It is much better to be safe than sorry. We hope you find this service a pleasure to use and enjoy your search for your new home.