Find a Cool Place? Make Sure the Landlord Picks You!

Working at HotPads has secured my place on my friends' speed-dials and, as leases come to an end and people begin searching for a new place, my phone rings considerably more frequently.  Whether they are looking for general advice, insider information, reviews of neighborhoods, or have specific questions about leases, I'm always happy to share what I know with them.  So, as I dole out advice to my close friends, I will also be sharing with the online community.  (More tips and resources are available from our Renters Guide)  First up, I will tackle how to ensure that you get the place you want. 

It's happened to everyone: you find the PERFECT place, apply for the apartment, and don't get the lease.  You must show the property manager that YOU are their ideal tenant. But how?

Treat An Open House Like an Interview (Because it is one)
How do you show up for a job interview? You dress respectably and appropriately, with hair combed, lookin' good. The same goes for when you go to an open house to meet the landlord and tour an apartment. You want to convey that you are a responsible, clean, neat, and respectable person that will treat the property correctly. As you know, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Better make it good.

Ask Relevant Questions
It is important that the landlord understands that you are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to renting homes. You don't have to ask thought-provoking, brain-teasing questions, just get the information that you know you need when you meet the landlord. Ask about utilities and trash pick-up, but don't ask about how ornery the neighbors are and whether they care whether you throw parties.

Appear Responsible and Self-Sufficient
It's the truth: when landlords are sorting through their potential tenants, they are looking for people who are responsible AND who will be able to take care of themselves. Sometimes, when applying for an apartment or rental home, it is beneficial to stress how independent you are... but don't lie! However, if you are very handy or know people who are, there is no harm in letting the property manager know that you will be able to take care of a lot of the problems that may arise with your house on your own.

Go After It
If you want it, get it! Once you realize that you want a place, immediately tell the landlord that you are interested and willing to sign a lease. There are many times when playing "hard to get" is just fine, but getting an apartment is very different from dating. Chances are that if you are competing with other people, the landlords aren't going to lower your rent, so trying to play one property's rent off another isn't going to be your best option.

Bring Everything You Need to Sign
Be prepared to sign a lease on the spot. This means bring EVERYTHING you need and have all of the information that is going to be required of you like:
For the application:

• Bring your driver's license
• Know your social security number
• Have proof of pay stubs
• Know your employer's address and phone number
• Have your current landlord's number
• Have secured references prior to giving them

To sign the lease:

• Transfer enough money into your account to cover the first month's rent +security deposit +credit check
• Bring at least 3 checks for the aforementioned expenses
• Have everyone who is going to be living in the house present to sign
• If you need a guaranteer for your rent, makke sure they are present as well
• If you have a guaranteer, they must have their drivers license and social security number

You can never be over-prepared when you go to look for a place, so be prepared, be respectful, and go get your place!

(If you have any specific questions or topics that you would like to be addressed, feel free to leave them in the comments or shoot me an email)