{"id":10398,"date":"2019-07-09T10:15:16","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T14:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=10398"},"modified":"2023-07-22T11:36:58","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T15:36:58","slug":"5-tips-to-make-your-rental-application-stand-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/5-tips-to-make-your-rental-application-stand-out\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Make Your Rental Application Stand Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s peak season for apartment hunting, and you’ve got your eye on a two-bedroom that overlooks the park, but… so do hundreds of others. Your best bet is to stand out from the crowd! In areas like New York City<\/a>, competition for a great apartment deal can be fierce. Going in with a strong and prepared rental application can be the difference between landing a set of keys to your dream place and settling for a five-floor walk-up<\/a> in a shady part of town. Here\u2019s a checklist of things to consider before touring those apartments.<\/p>\n

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1. Check Your Credit Score<\/h2>\n

Your credit score is one of the main pieces of information that landlords use to determine if you’re a good fit for their unit. Start evaluating your score early by requesting copies of your credit report from the three main credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Check this over carefully for any mistakes that might be lowering your score. If you find one, contact the creditor and the credit bureaus to have that error fixed.<\/p>\n

There are other things you can do to improve your score<\/a>. In addition to fixing mistakes, paying off any outstanding bills and credit card debt can help. Keeping a credit card account open but with a zero balance is okay, as it provides a longer history for your credit. And lastly, make sure to pay off your balance each month when you use a credit card.<\/p>\n

2. Get Application Documents Ready to Go<\/h2>\n

The early bird gets the worm; having all of your documents<\/a> ready can help put you first in line for your dream apartment. In addition to rental documents, you\u2019ll usually need proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID or driver’s license. You\u2019ll also need your social security card, and proof of current employment, such as recent pay stubs.<\/p>\n

Make sure to have your employment and rental history, with contact information, for your potential landlord to verify. Having this information prepared and handy means you can submit your application faster to get a jump on others that may not be as prepared.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n