Before you begin your search for a rental home, you’ll want to have all of your application information ready to go. Check below for what to bring with you, so that your perfect rental home doesn’t go to someone who was better prepared.
Identification
First, you will need to show some ID to apply for your rental home. Bring your drivers license, passport or any other valid government issued photo identification. You should also know your social security number or bring your social security card when applying for a rental home.
Rental history
Your rental history is the story of all the places you’ve lived and how you were as a tenant. Keep a list of names, numbers and addresses of previous landlords, as well as the dates that you lived there.
If you are a new renter, don’t panic. Use personal references instead, or consider having a parent co-sign the lease. Responsible people (employers, community and church leaders) who can vouch for you are an added value to any renter’s profile, so even if you’ve a long history of renting, keep a few personal references in your file.
Credit history
How much you make and how well you deal with financial responsibility are important aspects of your profile for landlords to know. Bring all of your employment information (contact info and dates) along with a current paystub and/or bank statement, just in case. Most times, landlords will pull your credit information, along with any record of bankruptcy, eviction or criminal history in a background search, but you’ll want to provide as much information as possible on your application.
Checkbook
If you find the place that you know you want, you’ll need to be prepared to pay the application fee and maybe a deposit immediately, so make sure your checkbook or cash accompanies you on your rental house hunt.
Don’t be caught by surprise! Begin your search for a rental house with the understanding that you may find just what you want sooner than you imagined. When you hunt with all of your personal, professional and financial information ready for a landlord to see, you’ll always be prepared to say, “I’ll take it!”