You found your dream apartment. You put in the time online to find your perfect rental fit, you toured your potential new home, you sent in your application, but you were rejected. There is a variety of reasons your rental application may have been rejected. If you don’t earn at least three times the monthly rent, your application may be denied. Another common reason for a rental application rejection is a less than stellar rental history. Landlords and property managers want to know that a potential tenant is going to take care of their rental and won’t default on rent payments.
There are also smaller reasons that could lead to your application being denied. An incomplete application or information that doesn’t match up with an income or background check may put a landlord off your application. Depending on the reason for your rental rejection, you can try to appeal the decision with an appeal letter.
When You Might Want to Appeal
If you suspect your application was denied for any of these reasons, or if you feel like you have additional information that could help your chances, you might consider writing an appeal letter. Maybe you’re a student without landlord references or a solid rental history. Providing additional background in your letter might shift things in your favor. It’s worth noting that a landlord or property management company doesn’t have to reconsider even if you send an appeal letter.
Having an eviction on your record can seriously hurt your chances of landing your next apartment, but if you think providing additional details or background information will help your case, it might be worth it to appeal. It’s also possible your application was denied because it lacked crucial information. Beefing up your personal information is a good way to give the reviewer a more complete picture of your history and potential as a renter. You can list additional sources of income, add more personal or landlord references, or any other relevant information that would paint a better picture of you as a renter.
What to Include in Your Appeal Letter
Appeal letters can vary slightly in form and tone depending on the reasons for the appeal, but there are a few bits of information you’ll want to include no matter the situation, as well as some things to avoid. First, make sure you include your name, the address of the property in question, and the specific reasoning for your appeal. This is a given for writing an appeal letter, but you want to make sure the letter finds the landlord or property management company, who they’re dealing with, and why. You’re already going through the trouble to write an appeal, so make sure your bases are covered.
Second, maintain a neutral tone throughout your letter. Don’t complain or threaten the landlord. Depending on your reason for writing an appeal, you might find it easy to get fired up or passionate. Don’t get too personal or aggressive, it will hurt your chances of appealing to the landlord.
Finally, avoid providing too much personal detail in your appeal. This can be difficult depending on the situation. For instance, if you’re simply providing additional information that was left off your application and was the reason behind your rejection, then it may be easier to maintain a professional tone. If you’re providing background for an eviction on your record or a similar situation, it’s important to remain neutral. A letter that reads as desperate may be viewed negatively by a landlord or property management company.
How to Structure an Appeal Letter
Address the letter
Write your name on the first line and your desired return address two lines below that. On the next line, date the letter, and on the next three lines write the name of the landlord or property manager and the address of the property in question.
First paragraph
The first paragraph is where you should thank the landlord for reviewing your application and state that you are requesting to be reconsidered.
Second paragraph
This is where you should explicitly state the reason for your appeal. Add additional information or reasoning as to why you think you should be considered. This is arguably the most important paragraph of the letter as it’s where you’re making your case. Remember to remain professional.
Third paragraph
This is your closing paragraph. Use it to restate your reason for the appeal and to thank the landlord or property manager for reviewing your first application and reading the appeal. This is also where you should indicate if you have attached extra documentation to aid in your appeal, such as proof of income.
Signature
Use a neutral closing such as “Sincerely,” or “Best,” and sign your name.
Finding your dream rental can be tough. If you think your rental application was denied based on a lack of information or a lack of detail concerning your rental history, it may be worth it to write an appeal letter. Remember, the landlord doesn’t have to reconsider you, but there are cases in which an appeal letter can swing things in your favor. Stay professional and keep your letter concise and you never know, that dream apartment might just be yours.
