Finding Rental Housing Like a Pro

Finding a living space that is right for you is important. This is your home. The place where you relax, play, plan and create the life you want. Treating your rental search like a job search can help make sure that you find that perfect place and are accepted as a renter. Getting the job you want requires dedication. The same goes for housing. The following recommendations will help you find a great place and then show landlords you are the best applicant for the ‘position.’

Start early

Just like a job search, when you are thinking about moving, get prepared. Start by setting aside money in case your new home requires deposits and fees. For example, many landlords require the first month’s rent and a security deposit before you even set foot in the door.

Pro tip: Start saving as soon as you begin thinking about moving. Don’t wait until you give your current landlord notice – that’s generally not enough time.

Know what you want

During a job search, going for what you want and committing to getting it will advance your career. Choose the top two or three things you want in your home (such as location, price range, size, etc.). Also think about two or three things you don’t really want or need. Be flexible with the rest of the criteria. This will open your options and give you the ability to decide on the spot with confidence.

Ask yourself these questions when determining what is important in your next rental:

• What is your budget?
• How many bedrooms do you want?
• How many bathrooms do you want?
• Where do you want to be located?
• Do you need pet-friendly housing?
• How far is it to work? How will this affect your commute?
• What extras do you want? (parking, laundry, playground, dog park, rec center, etc.)
• What services are available nearby? (grocery, hospital, day care, schools, etc.)
• How close is public transportation and how convenient is it to use?

Pro tip: Make a list and bring it with you when looking at different places. Make notes while viewing or immediately afterwards so you won’t forget anything.

Network

This is another strategy taken from the pages of your employee-training manual. Everybody has a network – and you can use yours for more than just job searches. Let your family, friends and co-workers know that you are looking for a place. Share your requirement list with them (i.e., number of bedrooms, area of town, important extras, etc.)

If you need more ideas, try these tips:

• Use social media to tell people that you are looking for a new place.
• Drive or walk through your selected areas looking for available apartments.
• If you live near a college or university, check their bulletin boards. Most have bulletin boards open to the public in commons or student union buildings.
• Pick up specialized rental papers. Many are available free on racks at grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants.

Pro tip: Try using web resources to find available rentals: There are hundreds of useful sites that can help you with questions from finding a flat to learning about renter’s rights.

Check your credit

Most landlords and property managers require a credit check before they’ll rent to you. It’s good to know what your credit rating is. If it’s less than stellar, do what you can to improve it. Get a copy of your credit report and check it out for any discrepancies or mistakes that could affect your chances of getting an apartment. It may also provide resources and suggestions for how to raise your score. You can get a report from one of the credit unions, however there may be a small fee.

• Equifax.com Opens in a new window or (800) 685-1111
• TransUnion.com Opens in a new window or (800) 888-4213
• Experian.com Opens in a new window or (800) 397-3742

Write a rental resume

You almost always need a resume to apply for a job. A rental resume can help bump you to the top of applicant list. Include things you would include in a standard resume: contact information, current job, previous rental history, qualifications and references. It may repeat some information contained in the application. That’s ok. You’ll look responsible and organized to the property manager.

Pro tip: If you have pets, add them to the resume as well. Include the number of pets, breed or type and sizes.

Be persistent

When you’re applying for work, being the first one on the doorstep shows initiative and enthusiasm. In competitive housing markets, often the first qualified applicant to show up will get the home. To get what you want, commit to your search.

Pro tip: Check listings first thing every morning. Make your calls or send messages right away.

Arrive prepared

You would never go to an interview without a copy of your resume. Similarly, don’t go to an apartment viewing without your vital documents. This way, you can fill out an application on the spot when you find a place you like. These include:

• Your rental resume
• Personal references
• State-issued I.D. such as a driver’s license
• Job information (tax document and W4’s)
• A payment method (such as a debit or credit card or a check)
• Your credit report
• A notepad to keep notes in

Pro tip: Contact your references before using them to get their permission and ensure the information is current.

Make a good first impression

The final step is to make a good impression. Just like a job interview, a first impression can make a big difference. Aim to dress appropriately and look presentable when you meet a landlord for the first time.

Pro tip: If you have an appointment, make it a point to be on time or arrive a few minutes early.

Beware of online rental housing scams

Keep in mind that the rental listing you are interested in could be a scam. Often scammers will advertise rentals online that do not exist or are not available. Here are some signs you may be dealing with a rental housing scam.

• The price of the rental property is much lower than similar rental properties.
• You are asked to wire money to pay for a security deposit, application fee, or first month’s rent.
• You are asked for a security deposit or first month’s rent before you have met or signed a rental agreement.
• The landlord/property manager is out of the country.

If you find yourself the target of a rental scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can get more information on their website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov Opens in a new window.

Finding a good apartment can be a real job – so treat it like one. Many job search strategies apply to looking for an apartment; both take dedication, organization and enthusiasm to get what you want. If you are professional in your search, you will show that you are the best candidate of all.

Sources:

Apartment Guide. The Apartment Application Process, Step by Step. Opens in a new window January 31, 2024.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Rental Listing Scams Opens in a new window. Accessed June 28, 2024.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC). What To Do if You Were Scammed Opens in a new window. Accessed June 28, 2024.

Homelight.com. How to Find Rental Homes: 10 Things you need to know Opens in a new window. Accessed June 28, 2024.

Last updated: June 28, 2024

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