How To Get The Rental Apartment You Want In A Competitive City
Posted on: 12 February 2018
When you live or want to live in a city that is highly desired, for example, New York or Los Angeles, it makes it difficult at times to find the right apartment for you. These are competitive cities with hundreds of applicants for a single apartment in some cases. How can you get the apartment that you want in one of these competitive cities? It takes a bit of effort, but the end result can be worth it.
Prepare for Viewings
When you have searched listings or gone through a realtor to find the apartments you want to look at, then it's time to prepare for the viewings of those apartments you want to see. This is your chance to learn whatever you want to know from the landlord and their chance to learn about you.
You should dress to impress and be prepared to show some documentation for the application process. For example, have a filled out application, your references in hand, and in some cases proof of your identity such as a birth certificate or driver's license. It is a good idea to have these with you if asked for them.
Check Your Credit Score
In a tough rental market, having a good credit score can make all the difference in the world. This is true of anyone of any age. If you have never had a credit card or gotten a loan and paid it back on time, then apply for a secured credit card and use it for a small amount and pay it back every month. This helps to give you a credit score and keep it high. If you have bad credit, you can clean it up by using the same method and paying your other bills, should you have them, on time every month.
Other Documents to Have
There are other documents you should have on hand when you go to look at an apartment. For example, you should have proof of employment or income, tax forms proving you can pay for the rent each month, W2 form or pay stub, and you should have a holding fee to place on the rental when you make out the application. You will need a blank check – if the building or landlord accepts them, to pay the application fee.
Only Renters View The Apartment
While you might want to bring friends or family along with you when you are apartment hunting, it's best to only bring those who are actually renting the property along. You can bring your kids if they are going to be living there, but keep control of them and don't let them run wild around the building. This is especially true if there are tenants already in the unit as it is someone else's home for the time being.
For more information on finding the right apartment for rent, contact your local real estate team.
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