Key Takeaways
Start here
What Landlords Look For in an Applicant
Next
The Rental Application Process
Then
Understanding Your Lease
Finally
Move-In Costs and What to Expect
What Landlords Look For in an Applicant
Before you tour a single apartment, it helps to understand how landlords evaluate applicants. Most use a combination of four factors: credit history, income, rental history, and references.
Security deposit
A sum of money paid upfront to your landlord before move-in, held to cover unpaid rent or damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear. It's typically returned after you move out, minus any lawful deductions.
Co-signer
A person — often a parent or trusted adult — who signs the lease alongside you and agrees to be legally responsible for rent if you fail to pay. Lenders and landlords may require one if your credit or income is insufficient.
Lease
A legally binding written agreement between you and your landlord that sets the rent amount, lease term, rules, and both parties' responsibilities. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce.
Credit check
A review of your credit report that landlords run to assess how reliably you've paid debts in the past. It typically results in a 'hard inquiry' that can slightly and temporarily lower your credit score.
Wear and tear
The gradual, expected deterioration of an apartment through normal, everyday use — such as minor wall scuffs or carpet aging. Landlords cannot legally deduct the cost of normal wear and tear from your security deposit.
Pet addendum
A supplemental section of a lease that outlines the specific rules, fees, and restrictions related to keeping a pet in the rental unit. It may include a pet deposit, monthly pet rent, and breed or size restrictions.
Credit history signals how reliably you've handled debt. A score in the mid-600s is often the floor for consideration, though this varies widely. If your credit is thin — common for first-time renters — a co-signer (someone who agrees to be legally responsible if you can't pay) or a larger deposit may bridge the gap.
Income verification is equally important. The standard rule of thumb is that your gross monthly income should equal at least three times the rent. Landlords may ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or an offer letter from an employer.
Rental history — previous landlord references and a clean eviction record — carries significant weight. If you're renting for the first time, a letter from a former employer or professor attesting to your reliability can substitute.
The Rental Application Process
Once you've identified a unit worth pursuing, expect to submit a formal application. Most landlords charge an application fee — typically $25 to $100 — to cover the cost of running a credit and background check. This fee is almost always non-refundable, so apply selectively.
The application itself will ask for your Social Security number (for the credit check), current and previous addresses, employment details, and personal references. Answer every field honestly — landlords verify this information, and inconsistencies can disqualify you.
Apply Strategically to Save Money
Application fees add up quickly if you apply to multiple units at once. Research each property thoroughly — read reviews, visit in person, and verify the landlord is legitimate — before paying any fee. Applying to one strong candidate at a time is often more cost-effective than scattering applications broadly.
Before a showing, review our questions to ask a landlord to gather the details you need to decide whether the unit is worth an application fee.
If approved, you'll usually have 24 to 48 hours to accept the offer and pay a holding deposit. Acting promptly matters in competitive rental markets.
Understanding Your Lease
A lease is a legally binding contract — not a formality. Read it completely before signing, and don't assume verbal promises override what's written. Key clauses to review include:
- Lease term and renewal: Is it a fixed term (typically 12 months) or month-to-month? What notice is required to move out?
- Rent increases: For fixed-term leases, rent is locked in. After renewal, how much notice must the landlord give before raising rent?
- Maintenance responsibilities: Who handles minor repairs? What's the process for reporting urgent issues?
- Guest and subletting policies: Some leases restrict long-term guests or prohibit subletting entirely.
- Early termination clause: Understand the financial penalty before you're in a situation where you need it.
If you have pets, pay close attention to pet addendums. Our guide on renting with pets covers deposits, breed restrictions, and how to negotiate favorable terms.
Tenant rights vary by state. Local tenant rights organizations and legal aid societies offer free guidance if a lease clause seems unusual or unfair.
Move-In Costs and What to Expect
The sticker shock of a first apartment often comes not from monthly rent but from the upfront costs due before you get your keys. Budget for all of the following:
- Security deposit
- Usually equal to one month's rent, though some states permit up to two months. This is held to cover unpaid rent or damage and must be returned (minus lawful deductions) within the timeframe your state law specifies.
- First and last month's rent
- Many landlords require both upfront, meaning you may owe two to three months' rent on day one.
- Application fee
- Non-refundable; factor it into your apartment-hunting budget.
- Utility setup and deposits
- Electric, gas, and internet providers may require deposits if you have no credit history with them.
For a full breakdown of ongoing costs renters frequently underestimate — including renters insurance and shared amenity fees — see our look at the true cost of renting.
On move-in day, complete a detailed walk-through with your landlord or property manager. Document everything — photograph walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures — and submit your checklist in writing. This record is your best protection when it's time to collect your deposit back. Once you're settled, our room-by-room refresh checklist can help you personalize your space without risking your deposit.