We answer your questions about rental applications! Be prepared for your next apartment hunt.
So you’ve found your dream apartment – congratulations! Before you can move in, you have to submit a rental application. This lets your landlord or property manager know you are interested in moving in, not merely looking at apartments. This process can often be quick but depends on specific factors such as the apartment community policies and the number of people moving into an apartment. If you’re intimidated by rental applications, The Apartments of Wildewood is here to help you learn the basics. These Frequently Asked Questions address the primary concerns you might have.
What Is On a Rental Application?
Rental applications can vary between property management companies; however, there are a few sections you can expect to find. Preparing information regarding these topics before your apartment search can make the process much smoother.
- Personal Information: This can cover your name, age, and other people or pets living with you. You may be asked to provide your social security number or government ID that can verify your identity or be used to run a background check. You will also provide a phone number and email so the property manager can contact you.
- Financial Information: This section covers your income and proof of employment so the property manager can reasonably expect you to pay rent every month. If you have income from other sources, such as Social Security or disability payments, you must provide proof of that. This section will also ask for your permission to run a credit check.
- Rental History: This section covers your residence history. You may include your previous landlords’ contact information and how long you lived there. You may be asked whether you have ever been evicted from a property or violated a lease.
How Do You Fill Out Rental Applications?
There is a lot of information to cover in your rental applications. This is why preparation is key. First, read over the application to determine what documents and pieces of information you need to provide. Track down old paperwork regarding previous residences so you have that contact information and history, and download your most recent pay stub. You should also be prepared to pay an application fee. Once you have everything prepared, it’s mostly a matter of filling in the blanks!
What If You Have No Rental History?
Sometimes, people are worried about rental applications because they don’t have a rental history to include in that section. That’s okay! If you are renting for the first time, after previously living with family, in a dormitory, or another country, you can still fill out this section. Include your current address on the form and a letter or email explaining your situation. You may ask the property manager whether you can provide personal references, or you may find a co-signer to support your application.
How To Fill Out an Application with a Co-Signer
If your income doesn’t meet your landlord’s requirements, or you don’t have a credit history yet, you may be able to apply with a co-signer. A co-signer is a third party whose income or credit history meets the property’s requirements. This person won’t be living with you, but they are on your lease, making them equally responsible and liable for paying the rent. Co-signers typically have to complete their own paperwork to submit with your application.
What If You’re Living with Parents?
If you live with your parents, you can use your current address on your application and list the parents as landlords. Explain the situation on the application, and make sure everything else is filled out correctly and thoroughly. You may be asked for additional references if you lack a rental history. The policies vary, but generally, this will not get your application thrown out – everyone has to start somewhere!
At the Apartments of Wildewood, renting is always easy. Contact us today to learn more about our community and what placements may be available.
Apartments Of Wildewood Have A Friendly Community That’s Waiting To Welcome You!
At The Apartments of Wildewood, located in beautiful St. Mary’s Maryland, we offer homes with access to pools, an on-site gym, and maintenance whenever you need it – and have access to all the information you need to affordably rent an apartment in St. Mary’s. To set up an appointment to check out an apartment or townhouse rental from The Apartments of Wildewood, call us at 301.737.0737 or visit the website at www.apartmentsofwildewood.com.