How Do You Know If Your Rental Application Is Denied?

You’ll know your rental application is denied through direct communication from the landlord, extended silence beyond their stated timeline, or indirect signs like the property listing being updated or removed. 

According to a 2024 Zillow survey, 62% of recent renters submitted two or more applications. The waiting game after submitting a rental application can be nerve-wracking. While some landlords communicate decisions promptly, others leave applicants guessing through silence or vague responses. Understanding the difference between a delayed response and an actual rejection can save you time and help you move forward with your housing search more strategically.

Use this guide to help you recognize the clear signs of a rental application denial, understand your rights as a renter, and develop a plan for strengthening future applications. Keep in mind, if a landlord uses credit or background check information to deny your application, federal law  generally requires them to provide a written Adverse Action Notice – even if they don’t call or email you directly. 

5 signs you didn’t get the apartment

1. You haven’t heard anything after 48 hours

Landlords or property managers typically respond to rental applications within 1-3 business days. A competitive rental market may lead to quicker decisions, while some responses may take longer due to high application volume or vacation schedules. Complete silence beyond this typical response window could be a red flag, especially if they mentioned a specific timeline during your initial contact.

That said, silence isn’t always definitive. Some landlords get overwhelmed with applications, especially for desirable properties, and may simply be behind on responses. Others may prefer to wait until they’ve reviewed all applications before reaching out to anyone. The key is distinguishing between temporary delays and actual rejection.

2. The move-in date passes without a response

Sometimes, the sign of not getting the apartment is silence that extends past critical deadlines. If several weeks have come and gone without any communication from the landlord or property manager, this is likely an indication that your application wasn’t selected.

Landlords ideally finalize their tenant selection before the listed availability date to allow time for lease preparation and final paperwork. If you’re still waiting for a response after this date has passed, it’s possible they’ve already chosen another tenant. 

3. The listing status changes 

A sudden change in the listing status can reveal where you stand in the application process.

If the listing disappears: This usually means the unit has been rented to another applicant. Most landlords remove listings promptly once they’ve selected a tenant and completed the lease signing process.

If the listing stays active: They may still be reviewing applications. In some cases, delays happen because an applicant applied earlier and is still submitting supporting documents or moving through the background check process. 

4. You’re not asked for additional documents

During the application process, it’s common practice for landlords to screen tenants using a third-party background and credit check service to verify an applicant’s employment and income history, credit history, rental references, and more. The standard application process can involve multiple rounds: initial review, requests for supporting documents, if necessary, and final verification calls. If you don’t receive follow-up requests, and were told to expect a next step, it could signal you didn’t make the shortlist. This may mean:

• Your initial application didn’t meet their basic requirements
• They found a stronger candidate early in the process

5. You receive a formal denial notice

Not all denials are ambiguous. Sometimes, landlords communicate via email or phone that your application was not selected. While it can be frustrating in the moment, direct communication removes the guesswork and allows you to take meaningful next steps.

Getting a formal denial gives you something many hopeful renters don’t have: clarity. You know exactly where you stand and can begin your search for the next rental.

Common reasons rental applications are denied

Here are a few common reasons why rental applications are denied and what actions you can take to resolve the issue before applying to another rental. 

Low or unverifiable income

Landlords typically want your gross monthly income to be at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent. Self-employed applicants or gig workers may be required to share additional income  verification since their income could appear irregular.

Poor credit history

A rental application denied due to credit issues — such as unpaid debts, collections, or a low credit score — is a common outcome. An ideal credit score for renting an apartment is usually 600 or above but requirements vary.

Imperfect rental history or past evictions

Landlords may deny a rental application because of a lack of rental history, consistent late payments, lease violations, or past evictions. Landlords want to know they’re renting to a reliable tenant who will pay rent on-time and honor the lease agreement.

Criminal background issues

Some landlords review an applicant’s criminal history as part of the screening process. When doing so, they must follow federal, state, and local fair housing laws, and apply any policies consistently to all applicants. 

Pet policy violations

Applying with an unauthorized pet or to a  property with a “no pets” policy can result in instant apartment denial, even if you’re otherwise qualified. Keep in mind, under federal and many state fair housing laws, landlords generally cannot deny housing to an applicant because they have a qualifying service animal or, in some cases, an emotional support animal (ESA), even if the rental has a “no pets” policy. Specific documentation or verification rules may apply, and requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Incomplete application

Missing information or inaccurate information, such as mismatched employment details or missing identification, may lead to your rental application being denied. Make sure your rental application is free of errors before submitting.

What to do if your rental application is denied

If your rental application is denied, you may be able to get clarity as to why you were denied to help resolve any discrepancies before applying to another rental.

Get clarity on why you were denied

Contact the landlord or property manager within 48 hours of receiving a denial to ask why your application was denied. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires landlords to provide an adverse action notice when a rental application is rejected because of information from a credit report, background check, or tenant screening report.

Landlords may not be legally required to provide a detailed explanation if the decision was based solely on factors like insufficient self-reported income or too many applicants.

Federal fair housing laws prohibit rental denials based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. If you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year of the incident.

Review and correct any discrepancies

If a consumer report influenced the denial, you must receive an “adverse action notice” that includes:

• The general reason for the rejection
• The name and contact information of the company that prepared the report
• Your right to request a free copy of the report within 60 days
• Information about disputing inaccuracies in the report

Compare the screening report with your own records. For example, you can request a free copy of your credit report to check for discrepancies. If you find mistakes, contact the reporting agency immediately with documentation proving the error. Credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate and respond, so it’s important to act quickly. 

Consider alternatives

Consider adding a co-signer with strong financials or finding a rental managed by a private landlord. A co-signer may help strengthen your application by providing a secondary source of income and credit. Some private landlords may have more lenient income requirements compared to larger property management companies, making it easier to receive an application acceptance.