Tips to Strengthen Your Rental Application for Subsidized Housing

If you are hunting for an apartment and have identified the perfect one for you, do not forget that another person might be interested in the same property. Rental competition is common with desirable properties. The onus is on you to strengthen your application, make it stand out, and maximize your chances of getting the apartment.

Below are some tips to help you with your rental application.

Fill out Application to get on Waitlist

• Contact properties to see how long waitlist is
• Pick up or request to mail application
• Schedule a tour
• Once we receive application we will get applicant on waitlist.

Include All Required Documentation

A typical subsidized rental application involves tons of documents. The documents might seem too many, but they are all necessary. The documents include:

• Identification documents, such as a driver's license
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• Financial documents, such as bank statements and paystubs
• Rental history

This information is used to determine rent and security deposit amounts. Rent is based on income and is roughly 30% of the adjusted gross income.

Ensure you have all these documents ready. That way, the property manager will have all the information they need from you and evaluate your application appropriately.

Screening checks

Your prospective landlord needs to know that you are a good tenant. The only way they can know this is by looking at your rental history , credit history, and criminal history.

• Former landlords or property managers
• Conduct credit and criminal checks

Multiple references are better than one. The references can help you prove to your prospective landlord that you always pay your rent on time, you respect rental agreements, and you are a good neighbor. Any landlord would want to deal with such a tenant.

Make a Memorable First Impression

Use the opportunity to make a great first impression. Some helpful tips include:

• Arrive in time
• Thank the person for their time
• Ask relevant questions to show your interest
• Dress nicely

Carry all the necessary documents when you go for the viewing.

Be Open

Lastly, all your dealings with the landlord should be based on honesty and openness. You want to prove to the landlord that you are an open book. You can show openness by:

• Answering all the landlord's questions
• Providing all the necessary documents
• Being willing to discuss issues that might weaken your rental application

Most landlords understand that not all tenants have impeccable rental histories. You might have to explain any red flags and not try to hide them.

You need to find the right apartment first before you can submit your rental application. Robert Cottingham Company offers a variety of rental properties for seniors and people living with disabilities. Contact us with your apartment needs so that we can find the right home for you. We look forward to meeting with you, answering any questions you have, and helping you with your property rental needs.