You finally found an apartment that meets all of your needs, only to find that your rental application is denied. Do you have any appeal options? What else can you do to ensure you’re able to find housing? We’ll break down some reasons your rental application may have been denied, and offer solutions, so that you can get approved for the perfect apartment you’ve been searching for.
What to do if your rental application is denied
Finding out that your rental application has been denied can be very stressful. After spending the time to search for the ideal apartment, touring the unit, and filling out the application, the last thing you want to hear is that you haven’t been approved. But, there is action you can take to rectify the situation and account for any gaps in your application that may have caused the denial. Here are the steps you should take if your rental application is denied:
Inquire about the reasons for your application denial
Inquiring can help you decide whether your property rental application denial was fair, and whether you can appeal the decision. A rental application denial may have resulted from the applicant’s inability to provide proof of sufficient income for renting, little or bad credit, concerns raised from the background check, or poor prior references.
A property manager can deny your application for any of these reasons. However, an individual property manager cannot deny you for any reasons that violate federal fair housing laws (FHA), such as your race or gender. The property manager may inform you about the reasons for your application’s denial. If not, you can request the reason politely.
Submit additional information if necessary
If your application is missing important details, your application will likely not move forward. Common missing information may include references, employment information, credit report, and permission to complete a background check. If your application was missing information, provide the requested materials with a new application. Keep in mind that property managers may charge you a new fee for your resubmitted rental application.
Consider your appeal eligibility
If you believe that the property manager made a mistake when reviewing your application and the property is still available, you may be eligible to file an appeal. An appeal requests that the property manager go over your application again and reconsider you for the apartment. You can accomplish this task by using an appeal letter.
How to write an appeal letter
If you have additional information to provide or want the property manager to reconsider your application, you may submit an appeal letter. An appeal letter is a formal communication that asks the property manager to consider further essential details about your application. The best time to send an appeal letter is within a week from receiving the denial letter. Waiting too long to send the letter may lead the property manager to choose someone else, and the property may no longer be available for rent.
While you can send a virtual letter via email, a certified letter may be a better option so that you know that the property manager has received it. If you don’t receive a response within 48 hours, you can follow up by email or phone to ensure receipt of the letter.
What to include in an appeal letter
Review your denial letter for any additional information the property manager may need to decide whether to approve or deny your application. Consider how you can best address any of the concerns. For example, suppose the property manager lists a lack of employment history as a reason for denial. In that case, you might provide the individual with bank statements that demonstrate your ability to pay, even if your employment changes.
If a credit report provides the property manager with inaccurate information, file a dispute with the credit agencies and include documents showing that you followed through. Be sure also to include your name and phone number so that the property manager can contact you.
Do property managers have to accept an appeal?
A property manager does not have to accept your appeal. The individual can refuse your appeal as long as he or she denies your application without violating FHA regulations. It’s also important to note that no formal appeals process exists.
What are your options following another denial?
Filing an appeal doesn’t guarantee that the property manager will reverse a decision. However, it does allow you to address any concerns. Even if the appeal leads to another denial, you can use the information to improve your application on the next property you desire. Pay attention to the property manager’s concerns and determine how you can improve on them.
Common reasons for a rental application denial and how to overcome them
Explore some of the most common reasons that renters receive a denial and how you can improve on them when filing an appeal:
- Inadequate or inaccurate income: Property managers want to know that you can easily pay your rent each month. If they have the wrong income for you, you can submit updated pay stubs to demonstrate your most recent earnings. You can also show proof of savings accounts that can help you cover your rent. Another option is to ask if you can have a co-signer on your lease to ensure the cost of rent will be covered.
- Credit score: Many property managers use a credit score to measure a potential renter’s ability to pay rent. If one or two accounts lowered your credit score, submitting a letter explaining the situation may be worthwhile.
- Bad references: Property managers will often contact previous property managers to learn more about your rental history. Doing so only provides one side of the story, and you may provide your side in an appeal with a letter.
- Pets: Some property managers may not allow pets. If you have a pet that you plan to bring with you, you may be able to offer a higher deposit or a nonrefundable pet fee.
- Your roommate: If you’re applying for a rental with a roommate, your potential roommate’s credit history or references could have resulted in the denial. You may be able to find a new roommate and resubmit your application.
It’s essential to find out why your rental application received a denial. A denied rental application isn’t necessarily a final decision on renting an apartment. Even if your appeal is unsuccessful, you can use the information from an application denial to learn how to improve your next property rental application.
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