A basic review of what information is generally required on an application and what it is used for.
Contact Information: This is used in order to reach you with any questions regarding the application, updates on the unit and to inform you of a final decision
Names of all residents: Many units do not allow subleting and therefore they must know who is supposed to be living in the unit. This also allows for legal obligation for all parties age 18 and older so as to avoid legal problems among roommates.
Social Security number: This is used to run a credit report. Do not borrow someone else's number, or provide an invalid number. Some landlords will be checking scores while other look at the accounts themselves. When looking at the actual accounts, generally they are only interested in anything that is reported delinquent and how much remains on it. Make sure to ask the landlord what they are looking for in the credit report so you know if you'll qualify before they run it. Though not usually the case, some may allow you bring in a recent copy, thereby reducing the number of times your report is run.
Rental History: This is used to verify your history as a tenant. Owners or property managers will generally contact previous landlords to check the following:
- valid residency
- paid rent on time
- gave notice when you left
- had an eviction
- had complaints or problems
Employment History: This is used to verify that you have a job and are able to maintain a job, thereby assuring that you will be able to pay rent.
Paycheck Stubs: This is used to calculate if you, as a household, make enough money to pay rent. Generally speaking, landlords are looking for tenants who make 3 times the rent per month. This is an average that has been ascertained that most people can afford to spend 1/3 of their income on rent and still be able to pay their other bills.
