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Tips for Submitting an Application for an Apartment or Condo >
So, you’ve inspected the place – it meets all your criteria, it fits your budget – you want it! The only thing left is submitting an application – and this could be a competitive process. The keys to winning in this last phase are speed, presentation and the truth.
Speed: It’s best to fill out the application immediately or get it back to the landlord within a day. Also, be ready to write a cheque for a “rent deposit”. This deposit cannot be more than the rent for one rental period or one month’s rent, whichever is less. As well, the deposit can only be used as rent for the last period of the tenancy.
Presentation: In addition to the application itself, while rightfully or not, the landlord will judge you by their impression of you in person. They’ll be trying to answer the question “does this look like a person who I can trust to pay their rent every month and keep the unit in order”. Accordingly, it doesn’t hurt to dress nicely and be polite and on your best behaviour.
Truth: Simple – tell the truth in your application. If you lie – they’ll catch you. Landords do check references as well, so don’t make them up.
As for the application, you will commonly need to provide the following details on this form:
You could also be asked to provide information regarding personal finances, such as any loans you may have and the value of your savings. Watch out for irrelevant questions such as your race, sex, marital status or religious affiliation – this is not legal.
The key areas that might put landlords off are if you have spent a short time in your current apartment and/or a short time in your current job. If these affect you, make sure your references address these shortcomings. For young would-be tenants who may be leaving home for the first time and have just started their first job, character references from respected types (university professors, executives from work experience placements, etc.) will be helpful along with an offer to have your parents co-sign the lease.
The other big no-no is pets. To try to get round this, some devoted owners get references for their pets from current neighbours. A letter (including the neighbour's phone number) saying "Muffin is a good little dog, which doesn't bark, attack children or poo in the hallway" is worth having.
Note that it may take several weeks for your application to be processed. While waiting, make sure you contact the landlord at least once a week. This expression of eagerness could sway the decision in your favour.
Tips for Submitting an Application for an Apartment or Condo
Tips for Submitting an Application for an Apartment or Condo >
So, you’ve inspected the place – it meets all your criteria, it fits your budget – you want it! The only thing left is submitting an application – and this could be a competitive process. The keys to winning in this last phase are speed, presentation and the truth.
Speed: It’s best to fill out the application immediately or get it back to the landlord within a day. Also, be ready to write a cheque for a “rent deposit”. This deposit cannot be more than the rent for one rental period or one month’s rent, whichever is less. As well, the deposit can only be used as rent for the last period of the tenancy.
Presentation: In addition to the application itself, while rightfully or not, the landlord will judge you by their impression of you in person. They’ll be trying to answer the question “does this look like a person who I can trust to pay their rent every month and keep the unit in order”. Accordingly, it doesn’t hurt to dress nicely and be polite and on your best behaviour.
Truth: Simple – tell the truth in your application. If you lie – they’ll catch you. Landords do check references as well, so don’t make them up.
As for the application, you will commonly need to provide the following details on this form:
- Name
- Current address and phone number
- Occupation
- Employer
- Monthly income; and
- Two or more references.
You could also be asked to provide information regarding personal finances, such as any loans you may have and the value of your savings. Watch out for irrelevant questions such as your race, sex, marital status or religious affiliation – this is not legal.
The key areas that might put landlords off are if you have spent a short time in your current apartment and/or a short time in your current job. If these affect you, make sure your references address these shortcomings. For young would-be tenants who may be leaving home for the first time and have just started their first job, character references from respected types (university professors, executives from work experience placements, etc.) will be helpful along with an offer to have your parents co-sign the lease.
The other big no-no is pets. To try to get round this, some devoted owners get references for their pets from current neighbours. A letter (including the neighbour's phone number) saying "Muffin is a good little dog, which doesn't bark, attack children or poo in the hallway" is worth having.
Note that it may take several weeks for your application to be processed. While waiting, make sure you contact the landlord at least once a week. This expression of eagerness could sway the decision in your favour.