subject: Filling Out Applications For Rentals [print this page] People wanting to get approved for rentals usually start out at the application process. If you have found a place that you are interested in, whether it is a home, apartment, or condo, you need to get approval from the owner. There are several bits of information that will need to be provided before you get the okay but as long as things go well, you should not have to do this each and every year or every single time your lease is up. The process is simple and if you gather everything you need in advance, it can make things go much smoother.
The Application
Applications for rentals are often very similar. An owner wants to know a little more about the individuals moving into his or her property. The goal is to make sure the renter can pay each month and that the place will be reasonably taken care of. The application is a good place to start as it gives background information about the applicant as well as certain financial information.
With identity theft and similar concerns, you might hesitate to give our your social security number. However this is needed to check your credit history, one of the most important factors when choosing someone to live in rentals. The landlord wants to make sure you can pay and this is the easiest way to go about discovering financial information. You will also need to give the person permission to run the check. Your driver's license will also be necessary to help the person run a full background check on you.
If at anytime these things seem invasive, remember that you are being entrusted with someone's property and the goal is to find the right person to live there temporarily. The application usually includes some other information including your current employer, any past landlords and other references. You can provide the names of a few people that will vouch for you.
Other Documentation
Paystubs are often asked for in order to apply for rentals. The goal is to make sure that the applicant will be able to pay the lease each month. Sometimes utility bills from the previous or current address are requested. The person just wants to make sure that you are who you say you are. It may also be necessary to provide another form of photo identification.
Each of these requests is completely legitimate and in no way sets you apart from others that are applying for rentals. However, if at any point, you feel uncomfortable divulging the information, you can back out of the process. At this point, you probably have not put down any money and so you lose nothing if you walk away.
