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If you’re trying to find a house or apartment to rent and haven’t had any luck, don’t worry—this article is here to point you in the right direction.
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Most landlords and property managers are looking for tenants who will pay rent on time, respect their property, and not cause any trouble. That’s why, when looking for a renter, many property owners examine particular criteria that will help them determine what kind of person their prospective tenant is.
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This kind of screening typically features mandatory checks, including credit checks, rental history assessments, income and employment assessments, and even criminal background checks. With that said, even after all that information, it can be difficult for landlords to determine who will be a good tenant. As a prospective renter, there are several things you can do to stand out and be considered for a home—keep reading to learn more!
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What Makes a Good Renter?
Put yourself in the position of a property manager. What kind of person would you want living on your property? Probably someone responsible, reliable, and with a stable income. Along with that, you will likely want to rent to a person that will respect your property and won’t cause issues with neighbors.
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Finding a person like that can be accomplished with the help of written applications, but final decisions regarding whether a renter is a good fit often depends on a conversation. That’s why making a good first impression on your prospective landlord is vital.
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Do your best to be communicative, polite, well-dressed, and well-mannered. Almost like a job interview, you’ll want to put your best foot forward to help property managers feel secure in your intentions, income, and reliability. Along with that, having a well-written renter application is a must, as that’s the first step towards getting noticed by a property owner.
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How to Write a Good Renter Application
Even though the contents of a renter application may vary depending on the apartment or house you’re applying for, there are still some general rules you should follow. Those include:
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Proving You Have Stable Income
Your landlord will want to have some reassurance that you can pay your rent each month. In many cases, you need to prove that you make three to four times the rent to qualify as a tenant.
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When providing proof of income, many landlords will want to see three or more recent payslips or bank statements showing that you have a consistent stream of revenue. Some property managers may also want to see tax records or W2s. Additionally, you may need to get proof from your employer regarding your position and your salary.
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Credit Card Check and Credit Score
When you apply to rent a home, you will almost always have to allow your property manager to check your credit score. That’s because your level of financial responsibility is thought to be a good indicator of whether you will be able to pay your rent on time.
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Background Check
As part of the application, you will often go through a background check. Similar to the credit check we already mentioned, this is used as a way to prove that you can be trusted and depended upon. In this case, any previous convictions or charges may hinder your application and lead to you not being able to rent the property.
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Rental History, Previous Feedback from Landlord, or Personal References
Make sure to prepare your rental history beforehand, as it will make the application easier. If you have any positive feedback, you should highlight it, as it can give you a bit of an advantage.
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On the other hand, if you don’t have any rental history, you can provide personal references, which can come from people like your employers, colleagues, college professors, etc. These references are used to give your prospective landlord a better idea of who you are as a person and what they can expect if you become their tenant.
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Remember to Prepare!
Preparing your application and being ready to answer all kinds of questions from a potential property manager are vital parts of the renting process. However, along with that, working with a reliable partner like Windermere is one of the best ways to ensure you rent a home you truly love.
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The property managers at Windermere can help you find your perfect rental and guide you through the application process so you can get settled down that much sooner!
