Applying for your new home is exciting, but you may wonder how long your apartment application takes to be approved. Typically, getting your application approved takes 1 to 3 business days. Still, the best way to speed up this process is to be prepared so you can quickly and efficiently submit your rental application with all the necessary supporting documentation.
Submitting Your Rental Application
After you pick an apartment you like, you can request an application. If you have been looking for an apartment online, there may be an "Apply Now" link on Apartments.com. If there isn't an online application, you can contact the landlord, leasing agent, or leasing office to see if you can receive a paper application.
To fill out an application, you will need to include the following:
- Current Address
- Contact Information
- Driver's License Number
- Social Security Number
- Co-applicants, minors, or guarantors expected to live at the property
- Previous Addresses
- Proof of Employment
- Personal References
- Vehicle Information
- Pet Information
After you have filled out the application, you will typically have to pay an application and/or admin fee. Make sure you follow all instructions and submit everything that is required.
Tips To Help You Get Your Apartment Application Approved Quickly
To help you get your apartment approved as soon as possible, follow these tips:
Have your documents ready
Before you even begin your application, you must collect all your documents, which may include the following:
- Paystubs, employment verification letters, or W2s
- Letters of recommendation from employers and previous landlords
If you have pets, you may have to provide additional documentation, such as health and vaccination records, as well as a note from your vet telling them what breed your pet is and how much they weigh since some apartments have breed and weight restrictions.
Prepare for the background check
A landlord will use a background check to see your credit, past evictions, and criminal report. If you have any blips on your record, explaining the issue to your landlord in person or in a letter is best before they find it on their own.
Provide proof of income
Your new landlord must know you have the finances to pay monthly rent. Most apartments require a renter to make three times the cost of monthly rent to qualify as a tenant. If you are having issues finding an apartment where you meet the income requirements, you may need a cosigner or guarantor.
Determine if you need a cosigner or guarantor
If you have bad credit, lack a credit history, or don't make enough money, you may need to provide a guarantor or cosigner. A guarantor or cosigner can be a family member, a friend or even a third-party service who can vouch for you financially and make payments on rent if you fall behind. But be sure to choose if you would like a guarantor or cosigner because a guarantor isn't entitled to occupy an apartment, while a cosigner can live in your apartment and be a roommate if you choose.
Provide the proper references
Your landlord may ask you to provide a reference with your rental application. The letter can be from your employer or previous landlord. Your employer can speak to your work ethic, while your previous landlord can speak about you paying rent on time, maintaining the property and upholding the lease. You can provide references from friends and family. But the landlord may see these references as biased, so provide a reference who can speak to your work ethic and responsibility.
Follow Up
After you have completed and submitted your application with all the proper documents, you can usually expect to hear back within 1 to 3 business days, depending on if you submitted your application online, in person, or through the mail. To better understand how long you will have to wait, ask when you submit your application. If the landlord or leasing office has any additional questions about your application or needs to confirm any details, they will contact you. If you haven't heard back in three business days, follow up to get an estimated wait time and ensure they have no additional questions.
FAQs
What can cause delays in an apartment application approval?
- Incomplete Application – An incomplete application is the biggest cause of delay for a rental application. Be sure to provide all the details and submit all necessary documentation.
- Gaps in your financial history – If you have any gaps in your financial history, such as a low credit history, then explain this to your landlord to provide any information and clarity. Again, you may need a cosigner or guarantor if you have gaps in your financial history to show the landlord you are a trustworthy potential tenant.
- A high volume of applications – During the summer or back to school season there can be an influx of applications. Therefore, you could be waiting a few weeks instead of a few days.
What happens when I am approved or denied?
No matter your landlord's decision, they will call or email you to inform you. If you get approved, congrats! Your landlord should inform you of your next steps, such as paying the security deposit and signing the lease.
If your application was denied, you should receive a call or an email informing you why your application was denied.
Can I reapply for the apartment application if I am denied?
Depending on your situation, you can reapply if your rental application is denied. You can use a cosigner or guarantor if you were rejected because of low income or low credit.
But if you were denied due to your rental history, such as having past evictions, you might want to consider alternatives, such as renting from a private landlord who will be more willing to work with you.
Waiting to get approved for an apartment can be anxiety-inducing, but understanding the steps involved and submitting all your documents can help expedite the process. While the process may take some time, patience, and cooperation, the accomplishment of being approved for your new apartment will outweigh the process.
