Requirements to Rent an Apartment

Most landlords want to know who they will be renting to. In order to get a good understanding of the character of a prospective tenant, they often require a background check. It is a good idea to have an explanation in writing for anything that the landlord is going to discover about you that is unfavorable. It is also required that the tenant be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Former Landlords

By checking into your past rental history, landlords can get a really good idea of the type of tenant that you have been. They can tell if you have been a tenant that causes problems and if you have been timely in paying your rent. These two things are very important to landlords. Having a letter of recommendation handy when you meet the landlord is a great way to gain the advantage.

Credit Check

A person's credit speaks volumes about the kind of person that they are. A credit check is usually one of the first things that a potential landlord will check out. People that have a decent credit score normally have the advantage when it comes to renting and even buying insurance with lower premiums. It is always a good idea to show up to the appointment with the landlord and to have a copy of your current credit score handy.

Employment Verification

Landlords do not want to rent to someone that does not have the ability to pay their rent. For this reason most landlords want to make sure that their prospective tenants have a job, that it is secure, and that the tenant has been there for at least one year.

References

Having all of your references in order is a great idea. The landlord is going to require them so have a few solid references handy with name, address, and phone numbers. This will indicate to the landlord that you are serious about renting.

Payment

The final requirement for a landlord is payment. You must make sure that you are ready to cut him a check, cashier's check, or money order. Knowing that you are prepared to provide payment may also work in your favor. Most landlords require a minimum of the first and last months' rent.