Renting a new apartment can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the rental application process. Whether you're a first-time renter, student renter, or someone transitioning between apartments, navigating this process smoothly is crucial.
This guide will walk you through every step, helping you better understand what to expect, what documents you need, and how to avoid common apartment rental mistakes.
The first step in the rental application process is to get prepared. Preparation involves understanding your financial situation, gathering necessary documents, and making sure you meet the landlord’s criteria.
Before you can even begin to look for an apartment for rent near you, you need to determine what you want and what you need for your rental. Create an apartment checklist, listing your must-have features and what could be chalked up to a ‘nice-to-have’ but not necessary amenity.
For example:
Your apartment checklist will be unique to you and your family's needs, so take your time and determine what is a need and what is just a want. This will help you determine your rental budget.
For more about preparing your first-apartment checklist, read our guide: Apartment Hunting 101: A Comprehensive Checklist for First-Timers.
Before diving into the rental application process, you’ll need to find an apartment that you’re excited about viewing and inspecting. You can do this right on Bwalk.com, enter your city and explore the map or list view of apartments with rental availability.
If you decide to use another website for your rental search, such as Rentfaster.ca, Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook, or Craigslist, you must be vigilant about rental scams. There are all sorts of rental scams out there, so follow our guide to ensure you don’t fall victim: Guarding Your Home Search: Tips to Dodge Rental Scams.
One of the first steps in preparing to apply for a rental is knowing your budget. A common guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. To do this:
The rental company or landlord will often check your credit score to assess your financial responsibility. A credit score above 650 is generally considered good, but every REIT, property manager, or landlord might have different criteria. If your credit score is lower, you can:
Most rental applications require similar documents. Here’s a checklist of the essentials:
Having these documents ready will speed up the process and help you stand out in competitive markets.
Now that you’ve done your prep work, it’s time to submit your rental application. Here’s how to make sure your application shines.
Rental applications typically ask for basic information like your contact details, employment information, income, and rental history. Many rental application forms will also ask for your preferred move-in date, the number of people moving in, if you have any pets, etc.
Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays in the process.
References are often used by management companies and landlords to verify your reliability. It is best to choose professional or personal references who can speak to your character and financial responsibility. It’s always a good idea to let your references know in advance that they might receive a call.
Some landlords or property managers may ask for a short cover letter to learn more about you. If you’re submitting one, be polite and professional, highlighting why you’re a great fit for the apartment. Keep it brief but informative, focusing on stable employment, strong rental history, and any other points that set you apart.
Knowing what landlords prioritize can help you present yourself in the best light.
Financial Stability: Landlords want to know that you can consistently pay rent. Proof of steady employment or a stable source of income is key. Most landlords and property managers prefer that your rent doesn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income.
Rental History and References: If you have a positive rental history, highlight it! Past landlords who can vouch for you as a responsible tenant are incredibly valuable. Even if you’re a first-time renter, you can offer strong professional references to compensate.
Behavioural Patterns: Landlords also look for red flags such as frequent job changes, missed payments, or poor communication skills. Make sure your past reflects reliability and consistency.
If you’re applying in a busy rental market, standing out is crucial. Here are a few tips to improve your chances.
Once your application is submitted, there’s typically a waiting period as the landlord or property manager reviews your information. During this time, they may:
Following up on your rental application: If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s okay to follow up. A polite email or phone call asking about the status of your application shows that you’re interested without being too pushy.
To ensure a smooth application process, avoid these common pitfalls:
The rental application process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. By understanding what rental managers and landlords are looking for and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of securing the perfect rental home.
Remember to stay organized, act quickly, and put your best foot forward in every part of the process. Review Bwalk.com to explore our apartments for rent and book your viewing directly on our site!