Rental Tips: The rental application

When you fill out a rental application you will want to have some basic information and documentation ready to make the process go smoothly:

Name address and phone numbers of current and past employers.
A stub or deposit slip from a recent pay check.
Name address and phone numbers of current and past landlords.
Signed letters of reference or a current bill from utility companies.
The contact information of people who can be used as references.
Two forms of picture ID.
Social security number.
Drivers license number.
Credit account numbers (for credit checks).
Cash or local checks to pay for application and processing fees.

Most landlords will perform a screening process on any potential tenants, which usually consists of calling references and running credit checks. There is often a fee associated with the screening process, but it cannot exceed $30, and the landlord must provide an itemized receipt.

A typical application process includes a credit check by the landlord. You can bring a copy of your credit report if you want, but most landlords will insist upon running their own. If you have poor credit you still stand a chance of getting an apartment, but you will need to prove to the landlord that you are capable of making payments and have resolved whatever debt you had accumulated. Letters of reference from current landlords and utility companies can serve well to prove to a prospective landlord that you are capable of making the monthly payments.

If a landlord runs a credit report on you he is legally bound to give you a copy of it if you request it. It is good to obtain a current copy of your credit report for your own records. Also, if you know what your credit report says, you may be able to explain any problems when you fill out the rental application. For example, if you know that your credit report says that you never paid a bill, you can provide a copy of the canceled check to show the landlord that you did pay it.

Sometimes the rental unit is not available immediately, but the landlord will still agree to rent it. In cases like this the landlord will usually ask for a holding deposit. A holding deposit is a deposit, usually less than one months rent, that is put down to guarantee that the tenant is guaranteed the apartment as soon as the current tenants move out. Some or all of the holding deposit may be put towards the first months rent when you move in. Different landlords will have different procedures and penalties for withdrawing after you have paid the deposit, and they may be entitled to some or all of it if you decide to back out of that rental agreement. If you submit a holding deposit with the rental application but the landlord rejects you as a tenant, then the landlord is required to return the entire deposit to you.

Keep in mind that the holding deposit only guarantees that the apartment will not be rented out to anyone else until your application is rejected or terminated for any reason. You will still be responsible for taking care of the first months rent and any move-in fees before the apartment is actually yours.

Credit checks

Now that you've gotten the apartment it's time to move in. Keep in mind any restrictions or procedures for moving in that the landlord laid down during the signup process.

There are many moving companies available in the San Francisco area, and all of them have different rates and options. Check you local phone listing for more information.

Once you complete the move it's time to establish your accounts with the utility companies. Most communities units already have placeholder accounts set up with the utility companies, so contact your landlord to see which companis they deal with. Normally phone internet and cable services are left to the discretion of the renter.

Also, you will want to submit a Change of Address form to the post office so that any mail that is mistakenly delivered to your old address can be sent to your new one automatically. Change of address forms are available at any post office and many office supply stores. You will also want to notify your employer, school, bank, and/or physician of the address change, and also any establishment at which you hold any sort of membership. If you remember to change over your contact information as soon as you move there will be far less confusion later.

← Inspecting before you rent | Credit checks →

	21,541	Total listings
	7,040	Posted or relisted today
	8,585	Rentals Just in
	13,283	Rentals with photos
	5,845	Multiple photos and virtual tours
	10,954	Pet friendly rentals
	2,172	Open House listings