With rent prices soaring across the country, it can be hard to find something that fits your renting needs but also stays within budget. Once you do, you’re usually competing with plenty of other candidates in the rental application process. So, you’re probably thinking, “how do I put myself ahead of the pack?” We’ve compiled some tips to make sure you stand out in the rental application process.
It’s like a job interview
Think back to the last time you were looking for a new job. Remember all the work you put into your resume beforehand? Remember the research you did on the company and all the insightful questions you prepared? Well, everything the job search taught you will also come in handy when trying to lock down your new place. Make sure you’re prepared well before seeing the apartment and you’ll feel less anxious going into the tour, just like a job interview.
Create a rental resume
If you’re in a particularly competitive market, like San Francisco or New York, creating a rental resume or rental application cover letter will make it easier for landlords to weed through the pile of rental applications and bring yours to the front. Since a rental resume isn’t usually a requirement, coming prepared with one will make a good first impression and show the landlord you’re serious about locking down the apartment.
Your resume or cover letter can contain a number of things, including:
- Educational background
- How many people would live in your household
- Any pets you’d bring with you (and an accompanying pet resume)
- Employment history (or a separate proof of income letter)
- Prior rental history (a rental
- Why you’re interested in the apartment
- Reasons for leaving your previous apartment(s)
Overall, your rental resume should give your potential landlord an idea of who you are, so be sure to stress the qualities that make you an ideal renter and explain anything they might consider a red flag.
Letters of reference
You might also want to include letters of reference with your rental resume. These referral letters should be written by previous landlords, if possible. If this is your first time renting, you can also ask co-workers, employers, college resident advisors, coaches, or mentors to write them. Whoever you choose, that person should be able to vouch for your character and explain why you would make a great tenant.
Be presentable
Before you meet your prospective landlord, it’s important to consider how you’re presenting yourself. Coming dressed in gym clothes or loungewear might give the impression that you don’t care whether or not you get the apartment. Instead, choose an outfit you would wear to work or to an interview. Dressing well shows that you’re taking the application process seriously and that it’s a reason to look presentable.
See the apartment in person
If it’s safe to do so, make an appointment to visit the apartment in person or attend an open house. Ask in advance if you can have the application so you can fill it out before your arrival. Once you arrive, introduce yourself to the landlord or leasing agent. Be sure to respect their space and time, and avoid interrupting them if they’re already talking to someone else. Wait your turn, and then present your resume, reference letters, and application. Ask thoughtful questions and let them know you’re interested in the place. Get their phone number or email address, if possible, and follow up with an email/phone call to remind them who you are, how interested you are, and how they can reach you.
Be honest if you’re moving with a pet
If you’re applying to an apartment and aren’t sure about the pet policy, be upfront about your pets. If it turns out that the apartment is pet-friendly, your landlord will appreciate that you were honest from the beginning. Finding out you lied about having pets might be all your potential landlord needs to drop you to the bottom of the pile.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get that rental resume polished up, check out apartments for rent on Zumper, and get ready to stand out among the competition.
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