With so many steps in the process from the initial search through your move-in date, the journey can at time become quite confusing and overwhelming on your search for the perfect new apartment or rental home.
When it comes time to go into a leasing office and sign the lease for your new place, things can get a little complicated, so being prepared can be extremely helpful. There are a number of items and information that you will need to bring with you and provide when you walk into that leasing office to apply to lease an apartment. These items go beyond the obvious items that you'd think and having them handy will make you one step closer to leasing that perfect apartment.
Before heading to the leasing office be sure to be prepared with the following:
1) Identification
You will certainly need to bring with you an official form of state/government issued ID like your drivers license, state ID, military ID, passport, or permanent resident card. The office staff will need this to verify you are who you are and perform a background check (if required) Please note they may keep a copy on file for their records included with your lease as well. Important note that in the US this also will include your Social Security number in almost all cases, so make sure you are prepared for that.
2) Proof of income
In almost all leasing situations you will likely be required to bring some type of Proof of Income. A usual request is to have the most recent 3-5 paystubs including the newest one available as a proof of income, though with a new job you may be required to bring a letter on company letter head stating your salary. This is a formality to assure them that you will have the source of income to pay your rent. Another form of proof of income that might be requested along with or in lieu of paystubs could include bank statements. In some rare cases where proof of income is unavailable, renters may be required to pay larger deposits or several months of rent up front. If you find yourself in that situation, ask the leasing team if that might be an option for you.
3) Rental History
Leasing a new place very often requires you to share a history of your past rental experiences if this is not your first place. This can include Names, dates, and addresses of your rental history over the past 2-5 year period, so may sure you bring all of that information. Also - be aware that the leasing staff may reach out to your previous rental managers as references. If you are renting without a rental history or a proof of income, you may be required have a co-signer on your lease who does have a rental history.
4) Make, model, and year of vehicle
If you have a vehicle that you will be parking on the premises you will likely need to provide the details for that vehicle on the lease as well as the details for any other vehicles for roommates. This often includes the Make, Model, Year and Color of the vehicles.
5) Pet information
Are you a pet parent and will be bringing your pet to your new place? If so, that will very likely need to be included on the lease so when it comes time to sign. You'll want to make sure you are prepared with the information about your pet as well as bring with you the necessary fees and/or pet deposits that may be required at the time of lease signing.
6) Emergency contact person information
Your lease and the leasing staff will need to have an emergency contact on file for you in the unusual case that there is some type of emergency and your are unable to be contacted. This will also be someone for the leasing team to reach out to in the event that you have some type of emergency on premises yourself and need assistance. It's also a good idea to make sure to let your emergency contact know that you are putting them down
7) Payment for the application fee, deposit, and other fees
Before heading into the office to sign your lease, make sure you ask and area aware of what the total amount due at the time of signing is for application fees, deposits, and other fees. You should also be clear on what method of payments are an option at lease signing, so that the process is quick and as painless as possible.
9) Special or other items
Please note that the community might have other requirements that need to be met or brought for the leasing process. Be sure to also ask what will be needed ahead of time.
If you have gotten to this point, try not to be too overwhelmed. You're almost there and you will be moving into your new place in no time! Happy renting!
