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It takes a lot of paperwork to get accepted for your first apartment.

Thankfully, most apartment applications are completed online, particularly since the coronavirus outbreak began. However, landlords and property management agencies will still need your personal information to run a full credit and background check on you.

Although each state, city, and apartment complex has its own set of criteria, most rental applications ask for identical information from each applicant or resident to verify your identification and capacity to pay rent. Personal contact information, social security number, current, and prior addresses, employment information and proof of income, emergency contacts, and vehicle information will all be included (when applicable).

Even though it is just essential information, rental applications might be lengthy. If everything checks out — you have a clean criminal record, a decent rental history (no evictions). You've demonstrated you can afford your new property (either via income or with the aid of a guarantor), you'll have a new home on the other side.

There are several strategies to boost your credit score and impress a potential landlord. Of course, there are no certainties, but following these four easy guidelines will help you increase your chances of securing an apartment.

It's best to start as soon as possible. It would help if you began preparing at least three months before you want to apply for a new position, but six months or more will offer you the most prominent edge. Even if you don't know where you want to live for months, completing these steps now makes you feel more confident about your application when you locate a home.

 

Check your credit report

Nothing beats knowing exactly what your potential landlord would see when they conduct a credit check when you submit a rental application. And, because you'll need to move quickly when applying for an apartment, be prepared and confident by familiarizing yourself with your credit report in advance.

It's critical to study your report once you've downloaded it thoroughly. You should always keep a track of any bad marks you weren't aware of and then take the time to dispute any inaccuracies and, if required, correct your score.

Sign up for a credit monitoring service once you've reviewed your credit report. This service will scan your credit accounts for activity and assist you in tracking your payment progress and any changes to your accounts.

Manage your finances

When you apply for an apartment in East York, you'll need to produce evidence of income, which usually involves a pay stub and tax records.

You should, however, be ready to submit statements for both your checking and savings accounts. It's not always necessary, but showing proof of funds for your security deposit and incidentals like facility fees, parking fees, and maintenance costs (depending on your landlord/management company) never hurts.

Make Credit inquiries

Avoid applying for new credit cards, vehicle loans, or other types of credit products soon before you apply for an apartment if at all possible.

When a lender does a credit check on you, your credit history is subjected to a rigorous inquiry. Hard inquiries show up on the lender's credit record and might result in a short drop in your credit score.

While the drop is generally slight, it might raise warning signals for future landlords at five points or so. Even though queries stay on your credit record for two years, their negative influence fades with time.

Building Savings

Prepare for the increasing expense of living before you move into a new apartment.

Take advantage of the fact that you may live rent-free with a family member while working from home by "practicing" paying your rent in the months leading up to your relocation. Transfer enough money into a savings account each month to meet your future apartment's rent. After six months, you'll have a good emergency fund and the budgeting muscle to know that you can cover your future expenses.

Stable Income Proof

The first step in ensuring that your rental application is granted is to demonstrate that your income is consistent. It'll also be the first item the landlord or property management looks at to see your capability to pay rent on time. As proof of income, use pay stubs from the past three months and, if feasible, tax documents from the prior tax year. Also, try to stay within your budget while renting. The landlord may reject your application if your financial numbers reveal that you will have to pay a lot more than 30 % of gross income to pay the rent.

Ask for References

You won't have references from prior landlords as a first-time apartment tenant. Still, there are other methods to demonstrate your responsibility and professionalism. The most straightforward approach to do so is to request a reference letter from your current employer. Another option is to contact prior employers, coworkers, or even professors and coaches for a character reference. Referrals from relatives and friends, on the other hand, should be avoided. Most landlords would view them as biased. They can also imply that you are attempting to offer too many references.

This is how you can make sure that your application gets approved and you get your dream apartment. We might have that perfect location for you at Family Properties.