What You Need to Rent an Apartment

Is it time for you to move into a new apartment? Among the excitement of moving into a new place, it is important to remember the responsibilities you must uphold. There are documents you will need to show and things you will need to know before signing a lease. If you are moving to a new state or even another country, make sure you have these documents within reach.

Proof of Employment

Oftentimes, pay stubs or an offer of employment letter will be accepted as proof of employment. Some landlords may require tax records to prove your income over the years. If you are a contractor, you may need to show your contract with clients, statements from your business account or personal bank account, or your most recent tax returns. 

Recent Tax Return

Your most recent tax return will provide your landlord with information on your earnings over the past year. It may be used in place of employment records, or if you are unemployed, it will show how much you earn in a year as well as whether you will be able to afford rent, down payments, and security deposits. 

Photo Identification

Most rental agencies and landlords will request proof of identification to ensure that you are who you claim to be. A driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued photo documentation should suffice. 

Credit Check

Larger apartment complexes or rental agencies may perform a credit check, so you will need to provide your social security number. Before providing your social security number to anyone, make sure that the person you are giving it to works for a legitimate company. 

Banking Information

You may be required to share your banking information, but make sure not to provide your bank account number. Give your landlord printed copies so you can mark out your private information. Never provide them the originals; take photocopies with the personal information removed. 

Past Addresses

When applying for a rental, the application often requires references of past landlords and their contact details. If you have moved many times in the past, provide information from the most recent rentals.

Wilson Property Management

Make the most of your time as a tenant with Wilson Property Management. We seek to offer a hands-on management approach to our owners by protecting their investments and enhancing the value of their property. We strive for “property management, leasing, and sales with a personal touch.” Contact us today!