Assemble documents ahead of time
1) Credit report
Some landlords charge a fee to run your credit (here’s what they’re looking for), so have copies of your free credit report from NerdWallet ready to go.
2) Proof of income
Recent pay stubs, bank account statements or tax returns can help prove you make enough money to afford the rent.
3) Employment history
Landlords like stable job histories, so offer a copy of your resume or a link to your LinkedIn profile.
4) Landlord references & rental history
Save your current landlord’s contact info and a couple of your previous addresses in your phone so you’ll have them handy.
5) Personal & professional references
Ask people you trust to vouch for what a good tenant you’d be, and let your boss know you’re apartment-hunting (in case a landlord calls).
Calculate how much money you'll need
Understand how landlords compare your profile to other applicants
Learn more about finding a great apartment
What Landlords Really Look For in a Credit Check
For many landlords, a credit check is a top factor used when deciding whether to accept a tenant’s lease application.
Your First Apartment: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Spot
What you need to do to snag your dream space and avoid those nightmare apartment scenarios.
7 Tips for Getting an Apartment Without Credit
If you don’t have a credit history yet, here are ways to work around it and get approved for your first apartment.
