10 Tips to Make Your Rental Application Stand Out
The rental market throughout the US is currently rated as “very competitive,” with a 75.8 on the Rental Competitive Index (RCI). This is due to high renewal rates and fewer people purchasing properties than in recent years. While great rental units are available for tenants looking to lease an apartment or home, filling out an application after application can become tedious (and discouraging). But don’t worry; there are things you can do to increase your odds and make your rental application stand out. We’ve compiled ten helpful tips to help get your application noticed by prospective landlords or property managers.
10 Rental Application Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved
Even in competitive markets, there are several ways to take a proactive approach and increase your likelihood of being chosen as a potential tenant. The key is to be thorough, diligent, and patient throughout the process. Remember, renters will look at more than what’s written on your application, and putting in some extra effort can’t hurt. Here are ten tips to help strengthen your application and land the home of your dreams.
1. Check Your Credit Score
One of the most important aspects of getting your rental application ready for landlords and property managers is ensuring your credit score is as good as possible. Creditworthiness is a big determining factor in securing tenancy, so it’s worth spending some time on this step before buying your dream rental home.
Start by requesting a free copy of your credit report from one of the many sites online. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are all great sites for this. Check the report for any potential inaccuracies and dispute any errors you find.
Next, try to reduce your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of credit you’re using compared to your limit) by paying down outstanding credit card balances. Aim to keep utilization below 30% for a positive impact. Continue to strengthen your payment history by making on-time payments for any bills, loans, and credit cards, and avoid opening new accounts during this period. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, and don’t close old accounts, even if you’re not actively using them. While it can take some time, credit scores typically update once per month, so a bit of initial work can go a long way.
2. Make Sure Your Rental Application is 100% Complete
When you have enough creditworthiness to apply as a renter for your prospective properties, it’s time to fill out the application. Although this seems obvious, omitting certain information or forgetting to fill in certain parts can make property management companies or independent landlords toss your application in favor of another. Some of the standard items that all rental applications will require include the following:
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID number
- Social Security Number
- Rental history (for the last two to three years)
- Information of current and previous landlords
- Reason for leaving previous properties
- Bank statements (typically need proof of funds for security deposit and first month’s rent)
- Credit report
- Credit history authorization (for landlords to make a credit check)
- Background check authorization
- Proof of employment
- Proof of income
- References (personal and professional are okay)
- Completed application form
- Vehicle information (if in an apartment that offers parking)
- List of pets (if applicable)
Remember, do your due diligence to ensure that the property is legitimate and that the listing is not an attempt to obtain your personal information. You can read more about how to avoid rental scams online here.
3. Write a Cover Letter
While a cover letter isn’t necessarily a requirement when you apply for a property, it can be tremendously helpful in standing out. A cover letter allows you to explain who you are, why you’re leaving your current place, and why you’re interested in the available property. It gives landlords a better sense of who you are beyond the paperwork.
When writing a cover letter, highlight your strengths as a tenant, such as being reliable, responsible, and financially stable. You can also address concerns like a lower credit score or lack of rental history by providing context and demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the property. It doesn’t have to be long, but a little effort goes a long way when looking for a rental property.
4. Clean Up Your Social Media Pages
All landlords and property management companies prefer responsible tenants, so your social media profiles shouldn’t be filled with excessive partying or any red flags. While not all landlords will look at your social media, some may conduct a casual search to understand your character better. Take a moment to audit your accounts and remove or adjust privacy settings for any content that could create the wrong impression. Presenting yourself as reliable and responsible can help reinforce your suitability as a tenant.
5. Choose Rental Properties Within Your Budget
It can be tempting to apply for that dream rental property, but choosing homes or apartments that realistically fit your budget will improve your chances of approval. Landlords often assess your income against rent costs, typically requiring your income to be 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. If you apply for a unit outside your budget, your application may be denied in favor of someone with a more affordable rent-to-income ratio.
Before applying, calculate your monthly expenses and income to determine how much rent you can comfortably afford. Applying for properties within this range will show landlords you’re financially responsible and capable of paying rent on time.
6. Ask Previous Landlords for Recommendations
Strong references can also give your application a competitive edge. If you’ve had positive rental relationships with previous landlords, ask them for a letter of recommendation highlighting your reliability, on-time rent payments, and care for the property. A glowing reference can help landlords feel confident in choosing you over other applicants.
7. Be Honest Throughout the Application Process
Honesty is another crucial factor when filling out your rental application. Landlords and property managers value transparency, and any inaccuracies or omissions can lead to immediate disqualification. If you have a lower credit score, gaps in rental history, or any past issues, address them directly and provide context where possible. For example, if you had a temporary financial setback but have since recovered, explain the situation and how you’ve improved. Being upfront builds trust and shows integrity.
8. Create a Good First Impression
First impressions matter, regardless of whether you’re meeting in person or talking on the phone. If you’re going to see a property, dress neatly and try to present yourself professionally. We also recommend arriving a few minutes early to show punctuality and expressing a genuine interest in the property (if you genuinely like it and want to move forward). While it has nothing to do with your renting history, good first impressions can help increase your odds of approval.
9. Maintain Professional, Prompt Communication
Landlords may require additional information or have some follow-up questions regarding your application, so make sure that you always prioritize professional and prompt communication. If you’re in a particularly competitive market, try to make yourself available at times convenient for your prospective landlord to help increase your odds of being chosen. Otherwise, respond promptly to emails, phone calls, or requests for additional information to show landlords you’re serious about the property.
10. Follow Up
After submitting your rental application, don’t be afraid to follow up with a polite email or phone call. This shows enthusiasm and interest in the property and keeps you fresh in the landlord’s mind. Just be careful not to overdo it—a single, courteous follow-up a few days after submitting your application will do the job. Remember, too many calls or emails may come off as pesky or overly needy and aren’t likely to help your case.
Looking to Simplify the Rental Process?
Partner with the real estate professionals at First Star Realty to gain access to properties in a competitive rental market. Whether you’re looking for a short- or long-term rental, our team can help. We also have a team of property managers who care for our rentals, so you can rest assured you’re working with a legitimate partner. So, contact First Star Realty if you’re ready to find your new rental, put your property online, or even buy or sell a home. Our highly seasoned real estate team is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service to our clients. Call us at 479-267-1600 to get started, or fill out a contact form today.
