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What Do You Need When Renting an Apartment

Posted in Planning the Move on November 3, 2022

Are you in the process of moving cross-country to a new city? If so, you may be wondering what items you’ll need to have on hand when renting an apartment. While the specifics will vary depending on your situation, there are some general things that everyone should keep in mind.

There are a few things you’ll need to take care of before you rent a space for yourself, so here’s what you need to become a tenant. First, you’ll need to find a place that’s available and within your budget. Once you’ve found a suitable apartment, you’ll need to sign a lease and pay any required deposits or fees. Finally, you’ll need to arrange for utilities and other services to be set up in your new home. Only then can you contact cross-country movers, invest in cross-country moving services, and move to the city you’ve picked to live in.

When Renting an Apartment, You Need to Fill Out the Rental Application

So, where do you start when you plan to move to another state alone and rent a space? You will need to organize important documents first, and then you’ll need to fill out a rental application. This is a document that provides the landlord with information about you, including your employment history, rental history, and credit history. The landlord will use this information to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the apartment.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask the landlord before you fill it out. Planning a move to another city is never simple, and you want to make sure that you understand everything that’s being asked of you. Once you’ve filled out the application, the landlord will review it and let you know if you’ve been approved for the apartment. If you have, you’re one step closer to having a new place to call home.

How Long Will It Take for Them to Approve You?

What’s the process for applying for apartments? Well, once you submit an application for an apartment, you normally have to wait 24 to 72 hours for clearance. The following is a list of some of the data needed while making an apartment application:

  • Name,
  • The number for social security (for background checks),
  • ID proof,
  • Existing address,
  • Call-in number,
  • Email address,
  • Income documentation,
  • Earlier addresses,
  • Emergency numbers,
  • Pets (if applicable),
  • References.

Don’t Forget to Pay the Application Fee

Application fees are important for landlords to consider when renting out their apartments. This is because the fee helps to offset the cost of processing an application, which can be significant. Additionally, application fees help to ensure that only serious applicants are considering the apartment.

By requiring a fee, landlords can weed out those who may not be able to afford the rent or who are not committed to renting the apartment. Finally, application fees can provide a financial cushion if an applicant is approved but then decides not to move in. In this case, the fee can be used to help cover the costs of advertising and showing the unit to new applicants.

While some landlords may view application fees as a way to make extra money, it is important to remember that they serve an important purpose. For this reason, landlords should carefully consider whether or not to require an application fee before renting out their units.

If you need some help determining how much rent you can afford, watch the following video.

Be Prepared for Background and Credit Check

As a renter, you should be prepared for a background and credit check before signing a lease. Most landlords will require some form of screening to verify that you are a responsible person who will pay rent when it’s due and take care of the property.

A background check may include running a criminal history report, which can reveal any past convictions or arrests. A credit check will show your rental history, as well as any outstanding debts or collections. Landlords use this information to gauge your financial responsibility and whether or not you are likely to pay rent on time.

If you have any concerns about your background or credit history, be sure to discuss them with your potential landlord before signing a lease. They may be willing to work with you if they feel confident that you will be a good tenant.

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Ensure You Have Some Rental References

Overall, having rental references is a good idea for anyone who is looking to rent an apartment. They can help you in getting approved for an apartment, save money on your security deposit, and resolve any problems that come up. Having them can help you in a few different ways.

First, if you have good rental references, it will show the landlord that you are a trustworthy individual. This can help you in getting approved for an apartment, especially if other applicants do not have rental references. Second, having rental references can also help you get a lower security deposit or even no security deposit at all. Landlords often charge higher security deposits for tenants without rental references, so having them can save you some money.

Finally, rental references can be helpful if you ever have any problems with your apartment or your landlord. If you have a good relationship with your previous landlords, they may be more likely to help you resolve any issues that come up.

Personal Reference Is Always a Good Thing

If you have any personal references to provide, it can always be a good thing and can work to your advantage. They can help vouch for your character and attest to your trustworthiness as a tenant. You can obtain such references from friends, family members, or even previous landlords. Having a few solid recommendations and references can make all the difference in getting approved for an apartment rental.

Formal man with paper documents
References and recommendations are not mandatory, but can still help you when applying

Have Proof of Income Ready

When you are looking for a new apartment, you will most likely be asked to provide proof of income. This is to show the landlord that you will be able to make rent payments on time, and it helps them decide whether or not you are a good fit for their property.

There are a few different ways that you can go about providing proof of income when renting an apartment. The most common way is to simply provide your employer with a letter stating your salary and position. You can also provide your tax returns from the past year or two or any other documentation that shows your earnings.

If you are self-employed, you may have to get a bit creative with your proof of income. You can provide bank statements or invoices from clients to show your earnings. You may also need to provide a letter from your accountant detailing your income and expenses. Perhaps you’re relocating without a job, or you are about to get one before you move. But no matter your situation or how you choose to provide proof of income, make sure that it is accurate and up-to-date. This will help you avoid any issues down the road and make sure that you can get into the apartment that you want.

Prepare a Security Deposit

When you are looking for an apartment to rent, one of the fees that you will likely have to pay is a security deposit. This deposit is designed to protect the landlord in case of any damage that may occur to the property during your tenancy, so set aside a sufficient amount because this budget shouldn’t be among the things you forget to do. In order to ensure that you get your full security deposit back when you move out, it is important to take some steps to prepare the apartment before you move in.

Do a Walkthrough

One of the most important long-distance moving tips before you rent is to do a walk-through of the apartment with the landlord or property manager. This will allow you to point out any existing damage so that it can be noted on your lease agreement.

Take Photos

A good relocation hack is to take photos of the condition of the apartment, both when you move in and when you move out. This will provide documentation in case there is any dispute over the condition of the property.

Do a Thorough Cleaning

Clean the apartment thoroughly before you move in, and make sure to leave it clean when you move out. Landlords may charge for professional cleaning if they feel it is necessary.

Repair and Spruce Up

Repair any damage that you cause during your tenancy, no matter how small. It is better to fix things as they happen rather than wait until the end of your lease. By following these relocation tips, you can help ensure that you get your security deposit back when you move out of your apartment.

Before You Make the Final Decision, You Should Talk to Your Landlord

Before you start looking for an apartment, it’s a good idea to make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your search and find a place that’s just right for you. So, you shouldn’t only prepare questions to ask long-distance movers but also prepare a list to inquire your potential landlord about. Some things you may want to consider include:

  • Location: Do you want to be in the heart of the city or a little bit out of the way? If you plan on moving across the country to New York City alone, it might be desirable to be Downtown.
  • Size: How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? It’s good to know whether you’ll need to leave some stuff in storage service.
  • Budget: How much can you afford to spend on rent and utilities? Perhaps you haven’t been able to get a job in a new city
  • Amenities: What kind of amenities are you looking for in an apartment complex?
  • Pet-friendly: Does the apartment complex allow pets?

Additionally, ask about rules and regulations concerning guests and whether there is a designated parking space so you know whether you should relocate your vehicle using a car shipping service.

girl talking on the phone looking anxious
Be certain to ask all the right questions

When All Is Done, You Should Sign the Lease

Once you’ve found an apartment that meets your needs, it’s time to sign a lease. This document is a legally binding agreement between you and the landlord, so it’s important to read through it carefully and make sure you understand everything. The lease will outline the terms of your rental agreement, including the amount of rent you’re responsible for when it’s due and any penalties for late payments. It will also specify whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished and which utilities are included in your rent.

If you have any questions about the lease, be sure to ask the landlord before signing it. Once you’ve both agreed to the terms, make sure to get a copy of the lease for your records. Now that you’ve signed a lease, it’s time to pay any required deposits or fees. These may include a security deposit, the first and last month’s rent, and a pet deposit (if applicable). Once all of these payments have been made, you’ll be ready to move into your new apartment.

Finally, you’ll need to arrange for utilities and other services to be set up in your new home. This may include setting up electricity, water, gas, cable, and/or internet service. Once everything is up and running, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new apartment and start making it your own.

Writing on a paper
When you've agreed and double-checked everything, it's time to sign the lease

When All Is Done, You Can Start Enjoying Your Independence

In the end, there are many benefits to gaining independence when you rent an apartment. For starters, one of the first things to do after relocating is to get used to the fact that you will be able to live on your own and make your own decisions. Relocating to a new city alone is a great chance for many things, and you will also be able to budget and save money more effectively.

Finally, living on your own means, you will likely have more privacy and freedom when you rent an apartment. All of these factors can contribute to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of independence. And it’s finally your time to apply all those small apartment ideas you’ve seen on Pinterest.

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

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