The time between dropping off your rental application and waiting for approval can seem like an eternity. Most people get an answer in one to three days, but it takes time to be patient. The fact is that the sooner you know, the better. Keep in mind that finding the right renter is the landlord’s goal too, and a fast answer benefits you both.
The good news is that you can do more than you may realize to speed the process along. Here are three steps you can take to get your application approved as quickly as possible.
Know All the Application Requirements
The biggest holdup with most applications is that they need to be completed or have more accurate information. Taking the time to ensure you have everything the landlord is looking for will help the process. The information they want may include financial documents, such as bank statements, W-2 forms, or a letter of employment. These things are relatively easy to get, but having them in hand is helpful before you finish your application.
Each landlord has their own expectations for what you should submit with a rental application. To ensure that your paperwork is fully in order, check with the landlord to clarify what they want. Having everything in place when you turn in the application helps the process run more smoothly and makes you look responsible.
It’s also important that all the information you submit is accurate. Double-check details like phone numbers and email addresses. It’s frustrating to be unable to process an application because of simple errors.
Polish Up Your Financial Situation
A financial background check is one of the standard parts of a rental application. If problems come up on this report, any work you can do ahead of time to improve the picture will be worth the effort.
Get a copy of your credit report and dispute any errors you find (it happens more often than you’d expect). Try to pay off any outstanding debts. If necessary, collect any information you can to explain issues that may come up on a credit check. If you think your credit report will be a big problem, see if you can line up a cosigner to back you up.
It is still possible to rent a property even if your financial history could be better. But anything you can do to make it easier for the landlord to say yes will help both of you get the results you want.
Always Be Easy to Reach
Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are, problems come up. These issues are usually small and can be resolved if the landlord can check with you to clarify the facts. But if they can’t get ahold of you quickly, it can tip your application over into the “not worth the effort” category.
Keep in mind that the rental market can be very competitive. Refrain from letting another applicant get ahead of you simply because they answered their phone before you did.
Understanding the Apartment Approval Process
Naturally, you’d love to get a quick call back after applying. However, you need to complete essential steps before an application can be approved or denied.
First, the landlord or property manager has to pull your credit report, which usually takes just a few minutes. The time-consuming part of the process comes next. The landlord has to verify the rest of the details in the application: employment and rental history and background checks.
These inquiries can take days, depending on how much information they have to work with and how responsive people are to their questions. If everything goes well, you can expect to hear back within three to five business days.
Image Source: fizkes/Shutterstock
How to Get Approved for an Apartment Fast
Streamlining the process as much as possible can help you hear back sooner. It can also make your application stand out if you make the property manager’s job easier. Here are some tips that hopefully help you get to “yes” sooner.
Be Thorough When Preparing Your Documents
The more thorough, legible, and accurate your documents are, the easier it will be for the property manager to find the information they need. Ensure you’re providing all the details they ask for and that the phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses are accurate.
Effectively Prove Your Income Level & Credit History
You will declare your income on your application, but providing suitable proof of how much you earn is much more convincing. Include recent copies of your pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s. If you can include a letter from your employer with your employment details, that’s even better.
If there are any negative surprises in your credit history, or you still need to build one, explain the circumstances. Keep it straightforward and factual.
Benefits of Renting with Anderson Communities
If you’re looking for a home to rent, we invite you to take a look at the rentals we have available. At Anderson Communities, we try hard to work with our residents to help them find their dream homes in the perfect community for them. We respect our residents, and we never charge any hidden fees. We also help renters build their credit by reporting on-time payments to credit reporting agencies.
How to Get Approved for Your Next Apartment in Kentucky
Applying for an apartment can be a nerve-wracking process. If you’ve got your heart set on your next home, waiting to hear if your application is approved can seem like forever. The good news is that most applicants will hear back in just a few days. Even better, there are things you can do to improve your chances and reduce the wait time.
At Anderson Communities, we are passionate about working with potential residents to help them find a home. We have many rental properties available, and we promise you will not be surprised by any hidden fees in the process. We’ve been through the application process with many hopeful residents, and we love to see people settle into homes they love. Here are some insider tips to help you land the apartment of your dreams.
For more information, we invite you to contact us today. Let’s work together to help you find the perfect rental for you.
Featured Image Source: kurhan/Shutterstock
