Putting together a great rental application can feel like a long process, but it’s important to put in the time and effort to ensure you get approved for the apartment you want. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Why would a rental application be denied?”, we’ll explain the different things that can keep you from getting approved and show you how to avoid them.
6 legal reasons your apartment application could be denied
- Not following directions
- Bad credit history
- Insuficient references
- Pets
- Providing false information
- Insufficient income
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these:
1. Not following directions
If you don’t follow the directions a landlord gives on the rental advertisement, the landlord can (legally!) deny your application. This could be as simple as failing to provide a copy of a driver’s license when asked, or as egregious as knocking on the door to the apartment and disturbing the current renters when the landlord asked you to call to make an appointment first.
Your application is a landlord’s first introduction to you and your habits. If you don’t follow directions here, the landlord has every reason to think you won’t follow the rules in your lease. Take the time to read the directions carefully so you know you’re doing what’s asked of you. When you show respect for a landlord’s requests and rules, you’re setting the framework to win your landlord over from the start.
2. Bad credit history
Though it may seem unfair that a landlord will look at this one number and make a decision about you, it’s completely normal and legal for a landlord to deny your application based on a bad credit score. Your credit report is a big part of the renter screening process. Landlords use a credit score to assess financial responsibility. It’s a way for them to determine if they can trust that you’ll pay your rent on time.
Landlords will check your debt-to-income ratio as well as any outstanding bills. Though you know of any extenuating circumstances, a landlord may see that you didn’t pay your previous rent on time, which affects your credit score. They might figure you won’t pay rent for them either, so they can deny you based on your score.
Don’t worry too much if you have a low credit score, just start taking the steps to improve it. And, if you need to go for that dream apartment right away, ask the landlord if they’ll accept a higher security deposit or approve a co-signer. Those are two ways to get approved for an apartment if you have bad credit.
3. Insufficient references
Your rental references play a big part in whether or not your application is approved, too. The landlord will look at your references to confirm your employment and your rental background. It’s not uncommon for a potential landlord to go online to verify the company you’ve listed. They’ll also call the number you put down to make sure the information you gave them is valid. If a reference doesn’t work, it’s going to raise a red flag.
And it’s not just correct employment information that’s important here. Your future landlord also will check up with property managers and landlords from your past to make sure you were a good renter. They can ask if you paid rent on time. They can also check if you damaged any property, or simply if you created problems in general. If a past landlord shares information to give a future landlord pause, you could see your application for the new apartment denied.
4. Pets
Even if you do everything else right, you could get denied for an apartment because of your pets. Unfortunately for all those animal lovers out there, many rental properties don’t allow furry friends. If the property doesn’t allow pets and you have one, they can deny you for the apartment.
Think you can sneak that quiet dog in after the fact? Think again. If it’s eventually discovered that you have a pet and have broken the terms of your lease, you’ll risk eviction. We recommend only applying to rental properties that feature a pet-friendly policy to avoid this situation altogether. The one exception to this is if you have a legal service dog or emotional support animal. If you are renting with an ESA you’ll want to make sure you have the proper documentation and follow the correct procedure when filling out your apartment application.
5. False information
Whether it’s about references, pets, or criminal history, honesty really is the best policy for your apartment application. Landlords can check your income. They can call up your references. They have tools at their fingertips to verify employment, criminal records, and credit history. If you lie about any of these things, a landlord will not hesitate to deny your application.
Many lease agreements will even stipulate that a landlord can terminate the lease and evict you if they later find out you submitted false information in your application. If you’re concerned about your credit score, criminal history, or any other component of your application, just tell the truth to your landlord from the start. If you’re upfront at the start of the process, they’re more likely to work with you and allow for a co-signer or some other arrangement.
6. Insufficient income
Landlords often require tenants to have a minimum income to ensure that they can afford to pay rent. If your income doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, your rental application may get denied. In addition, landlords may also look at your debt-to-income ratio to evaluate your ability to pay rent and bills.
Invalid reasons landlords deny renters
There are some things for which a landlord can’t legally deny your application. A landlord cannot discriminate based on country of origin, religious affiliation, public assistance, familial status, or age. In fact, they can’t even ask you any questions that relate to those topics. Knowing reasons a landlord can (and can’t!) legally deny you for an apartment will take the guesswork out of putting together your application.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, landlords have the right to reject your rental application if you have a pet. However, they can’t reject your application based on breed or disability-related service animals.
No, landlords can’t reject your application based on your sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s illegal under fair housing laws to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
First, ask the landlord or property manager why your application was denied. They should be able to provide you with a reason, and if it’s a legal reason, there may not be much you can do. However, if you feel that the reason is not valid or discriminatory, you can take action. One option is to file a complaint with the appropriate agency in your state that handles fair housing. In the United States, this is typically the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They will investigate your complaint and determine if there is evidence of discrimination.
Final thoughts
Read the instructions on the rental application carefully, and stay truthful in the information you provide. Doing so will help get you well on your way to getting approved for your next place.
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