When the landlords advertise room for rent on Cirtru, they look forward to reviewing only those rental applications that would really stand out especially in big cities like New York, San Francisco. The process of filling in a rental application is akin to a job interview. It is time-consuming and requires a great deal of effort, research, and preparation. But it can move to the top of the pile if it has an edge over others.
Use this guide to stand out while filling your rental application:
1. Put together a rental resume
If you’re renting a room in the USA, it’s advisable to have a rental resume that landlords can see the merit in and shortlist because the real estate markets in these cities are very competitive. A rental resume isn’t a mandate of the rental application process, which is why having it automatically makes you a potential candidate. While creating a rental resume, make sure to include the following things:
- Your educational background
- The number of people to live in your room
- Whether you have any pets (and their resume)
- Your employment history
- Prior rental history
- Why you’re interested in the apartment
- Reasons for leaving your previous apartment(s)
It’s a good idea to highlight on your resume what qualities make you a perfect tenant for the rental. Be honest enough to share details about something that landlords view as an issue.
2. Check your credit score
Your credit score is a critical factor in determining your eligibility to get a room for rent. To evaluate your credit score, ask for copies of your credit report from the three main credit bureaus, namely, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look over your scores and check for discrepancies that may be contributing to a lower score. You can contact the credit bureaus and get the error rectified. For a better credit record to your name, pay off your credit card debts and pending bills. Finally, ensure that you pay off the balance monthly as and when you use a credit card. Renting a room involves monthly payments, and your creditworthiness is symbolic of your ability to pay them, so you should do everything possible to prove it.
3. Furnish letters of reference
Rental applications, for the most part, require three references. These letters should come from people who know you, like past or current landlords or even employers who can vouch for your character and behavior. People outside of your immediate or extended family who can share character references are also welcome. Such people can mention what makes you an ideal fit for the rental in their letters. Finally, share the addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of your references so that the landlord can connect with them without hassles.
4. Be presentable
Before you’re due to meet your landlord, make sure you carefully consider your look and appearance because they matter when it comes to forming an impression. If you attend the interview in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt or even gym wear, it isn’t going to convey your intent of renting the room. When you attend an interview or go to work, you usually dress in formals because the situation demands it. Similarly, dress up in the same way so that the landlord gets a means-business kind of vibe from you and realizes just how seriously you want the room for rent.
5. Check out the rental in person
Put on your formal attire and set up an appointment to visit the property where you intend to rent a room. See if you can make a request to get the application form before your visit so that you can take the filled-out form with you when you visit the place. After reaching the place, introduce yourself to the landlord or leasing agent, and wait for your turn to interact with them if they’re occupied with other potential tenants. Present your application, resume, and reference letters. Make sure that you put together a list of questions to ask your landlord.
Before leaving the place, get their email address or phone number, drop them an email, or get on a quick call to let them know who you are and how they can get in touch with you should you stand a chance of getting the room for rent.
6. Be open if you’re going to move in with a pet
If you have pets, this is a crucial factor you need to consider when looking for a room for rent. If you like a rental but aren’t aware of the pet policy of the place, reach out to the landlord and share your situation. In case the rental is pet-friendly, you’re going to have to pay some money as a pet deposit. This is different from the security deposit. You may also have to share copies of your pet’s medical history, along with documents that contain information about the pet’s vaccine record and breed. What’s equally imperative is to get a pet breed that’s allowed on the premises; else, you’re likely to get into conflicts about this with your landlord. It’s a known fact that not all rentals allow pets.
However, there may be an instance where a landlord may permit pets within the rental, but eventually, select a tenant who doesn’t have a pet. It may be a good idea to get in a successful landlord’s good books by offering to pay a higher deposit or monthly rent amount in such cases.
Conclusion
So, do you think the tips shared here are doable? Are you geared up to implement them and rent a room at the earliest? Great, get going! It may also please you to know that if you’re looking to rent a room, Cirtru, one of the safest and most dependable rooms and roommate finders, can also help you find one before you even know it!
