How to Apply for an Apartment

You’ve looked for an apartment online, toured properties and narrowed down your options to an apartment you love. Now, you’re ready to submit your application. Some apartments may have you fill out your application digitally (and you might have to do so if you’re applying from outside the area). Others may give you a physical form to fill out. Each application might require slightly different information. But don’t worry; we have your back. We’ll guide you through the rental application process in ten easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Enter your personal information

In this case, we’re referring to sharing your legal name, contact information like your phone number and email address, and information for your emergency contact (usually a relative or spouse). You’ll also probably have to submit a copy of your ID, proof of income, and personal references. Here’s a full list of what you’ll need to rent an apartment so that you can be prepared to move quickly and better your odds of getting approved.

When you set up a profile through Zillow Rentals, you’ll include some of that previously mentioned information, so you don’t have to do it a dozen times on a dozen websites.

Step 2: Disclose information about pets

When applying for a rental with your pet in tow, share their breed, weight, and age. When you apply for a rental through the Zillow Rentals app, landlords can look at your renter profile. And Zillow lets you add your pet’s information to that profile, so it's automatically provided when you apply to live somewhere. Having this upfront can help speed up the application process. 

Some apartments might ask you to fill out a separate pet application going into further detail about your dog, cat, bird, etc. This will likely require the above-mentioned information, plus documents like vaccination records. You might also need to get pet insurance, but that would be later in the rental process.

Attaching a resume for your furry friend could help you secure your preferred rental, whether you’re asked to provide one or not. Make sure your pet’s resume highlights their good behavior and any training. Adding a cute photo might help too. 

You could offer to introduce your pet to the landlord when you submit your application, that way you can demonstrate their good behavior. Or you could introduce them when you tour your potential rental.

Step 3: Clarify who will be living with you

Planning to live with a roommate? Disclose that when you’re applying. Ask your roommate to prepare all the same documents and information that you have, (or even better, send them this article) as you’ll both have to apply for your shared rental. And check in with each other to be sure there’s no bumps in the process.

Step 4: Share details of your previous rental history

Be prepared to provide contact information for your last two or three landlords, as well as the addresses of those rentals. This information helps assure your (potentially) new landlord that you’ve been a good tenant in the past, so you’ll probably be a good one in the future as well. If you have no prior rental history, it may help to have a co-signer on your lease to provide the landlord extra assurance that you’ll pay rent on time.

Also, why are you moving? That’s something you may need to share as well. You don’t have to go into great detail on your application. You could simply say you’re relocating to a new city, looking for a smaller or larger space, or a more affordable home.

Step 5: Provide employment and income history

Have at least your two most recent pay stubs at the ready. The property manager will want to make sure you can afford to pay your rent, and pay stubs show how much you get paid per period. They may also show your annual salary. If you need help locating this, your employer should know where you can find it. You could also ask your boss for a letter of employment. That’s another way to verify your income.

If you don’t make enough money to afford an apartment on your own, or your credit score isn’t as high as the property manager would like, you can ask someone you trust to co-sign your lease. Some apartments may even require you to have a co-signer if it’s your first time renting or you haven’t had any income for a couple of years. Learn more about how to get an apartment without a job.

Step 6: Expect a background check and a credit check

The landlord or property management company will run a background check (with your consent) to verify your identity, learn if you’ve ever been evicted, and make sure that you don’t have a problematic criminal record. Landlords are bound by fair housing guidelines to make any decisions based on the results of a background check.

A credit check is to make sure you’re trustworthy and will actually pay your rent on time. A credit score above 650 is generally considered decent, while a lower score may reveal you’ve had some trouble making consistent payments. You may get alerts from your bank or another financial institution when this happens. Don’t get spooked! It’s part of the process. 

Step 7: Pay the application fee

It’s possible that not every rental application will include a fee, but it is fairly common. And the more places you apply for, the more you could be paying. When you apply for rentals through Zillow, you can actually pay a one-time application fee ($35) and apply to as many participating places as you want for 30 days.

You should not be asked to put down a deposit at this point, since you don’t even know if you’ll be able to move in. So if you’re asked to do so, say no (and maybe don’t move there).

Step 8: Play the waiting game

Don’t expect to be approved for an apartment instantly. Background checks and paperwork can take time. You could be approved within the day, or after several days. Just be patient. And while you’re waiting, keep looking for other apartments so you have backup options — especially if you’re in a busy rental market. 

If you don’t hear back after a week, you might want to reach out and ask if they need any more information from you. When you apply through Zillow, you can actually keep track of your conversations with landlords and property managers, so it’s easier for you to reach out to them, and for them to reach out to you.

Step 9: Your application is approved or denied

Once you’re approved — or even before you apply — make sure you ask any questions you might have. Remember, this is the place you’ll be living in for some time, and you want to be sure it’s a good fit.

If you don’t love the answers you get, decide if you should move on to another place. An approved application is not binding; that’s what signing a lease is for.

You might be really excited about finding a great place to live, so you want to wrap things up and move in. Just don’t let that excitement keep you from reading your lease thoroughly and making sure there aren’t any red flags or potential surprises down the line, like parking fees, maintenance policies, or fees for breaking your lease. Remember, this is a legally binding contract. 

If you feel good about everything you’ve read and had all your questions answered, you can meet your landlord and take a tour. And if things are still looking good at that point, you can put pen to paper and make it official. 

If you’re moving a pet in with you, expect to sign a pet contract and pay any required fees or deposits. Those fees can come on a monthly basis or an annual one, and typically range from $50 going up to several hundred dollars.

Make sure you get a copy of your lease and any other contracts once all parties have signed, and keep them somewhere you’ll be able to remember, like a particular drawer at home, or in a specific email folder.

And you’re done! All that’s left is to move in and make the place feel like home.