There are very few experiences as nerve-wracking as submitting an application form, especially when it’s for your next potential home.
Seeff provide the following insights into the application rental application process and gives tips on how to secure your next home.
1. Make sure to fill in all fields in the application form before submitting
Skipping a section in application form (unless you have been told explicitly to do so) is the very definition of starting on the wrong foot. Incomplete rental applications may not be processed so it is worth double-checking you have filled in all relevant sections within the form before submitting.
2. Make sure you have attached all supporting documents
Read through the list of required documents carefully, make a list of all the required documentation and tick off each document as you work your way down the list. This is the best way to keep track of the paperwork you have on hand and what you are missing. Make sure to go through the list of required documentation again to make sure you are submitting all the required information.
3. Make sure your information is up to date on your social media
Just as new employers research potential employees online, realtors are also turning to social media to vet applicants. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else, but make sure that your details are in line with what you say in your application.
4. Be forthcoming with financial information
You may be asked for a payslip or three months bank statements, so make sure to have these on hand. The quicker you provide this information, the faster the process will be completed. If you are blacklisted, have previously defaulted on rent or are in debt review make sure to disclose this information as this is better than it coming out during the vetting process.
5. Follow up on your application
If you don’t get a response within a week or you find out your application has been denied, take it as a learning curve. Ask the realtor for feedback so that you can use it to do better next time.
Property owners and managers aren’t out to get you. It is important to keep this in mind when putting together your application.