One of the key steps to renting an apartment is gathering the necessary documents to complete your application. We’ll provide you with the documents you’ll need, how to obtain them, and what each one is used for.
1. proof of income
- What it is: Proof of income demonstrates your ability to afford rent payments. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, or a verification from your employer. If you are self-employed, use your bank statements to show regular deposits, or provide tax returns.
- How to get it: Obtain recent pay stubs from your employer, download bank statements from your online banking account, or request an employment verification letter from your HR department.
2. Photo identification
- What it is: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, which confirms your identity.
- How to get it: If you don’t already have a valid photo ID, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply for a driver’s license or state ID card. Alternatively, renew your passport if it has expired.
3. Rental verification form
- What it is: Your rental history provides information about your previous rental experiences, including past landlords, rental addresses, and payment history.
- How to get it: Contact previous landlords to request a rental history letter or rental verification form. If you’ve rented through a property management company, they should be able to provide this information immediately upon request.
4. credit report
- What it is: A credit report provides a snapshot of your credit history, including your credit score, credit accounts, and payment history.
- How to get it: Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the report for accuracy and address any errors or discrepancies.
ready to apply
Gathering the necessary documents is a critical step in the apartment application process. Remember to do this in advance – especially if the rental market is highly competitive. You want to get your application in first!