Applying To Rent
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Picking Up Application

      Once you find a place where you want to live, you will usually be required to fill out a rental application.  In most cases, you will be charged an application fee to cover the cost of running credit checks, verifying rental histories, etc.  This fee is non-refundable, but you should clarify this if not covered in any written handout.
      You also may be asked to pay an application deposit.  This deposit is applied toward your security deposit if your application is approved.  If it is not, the deposit is refundable in most cases.  However, depending on the application you fill out, the deposit may not refunded if you are accepted, but decide not to move in, you fail to tell the truth on your application, or for certain other reasons.  Be sure that you determine the rules ahead of time.  If possible try to get the rules in writing.
      If an owner acts in bad faith and does not return an application deposit, the owner may be liable for a substantial fine and reasonable attorney's fees in many states.
      If specific information related to your particular situation - e.g., the pet policy - is not available in any written document provided with the application forms, ask questions with a witness present.  If the landlord will provide them, obtain blank copies of the lease agreement and other executable documents when picking up the application form.  Although some landlords may be unwilling to provide them because they are too cheap to make extra copies, a knowledgeable landlord should be happy to do so because you'll be prepared for a quick signing session.

Filling  Out The Application

      It is important to fill out a rental application both completely and accurately.  Do not leave blanks unless the information requested is not applicable to you, in which case you should enter NA.  If you don't have information with you that is requested by the application form, it is usually best to delay submitting the form until you can obtain it.
      Although you may want to put certain things in the best light, you must still be truthful.  Remember that this is the Internet age and landlords have easy access to a tremendous amount of information about you.  If something bad might show up on a credit report, appear in a criminal records check, or be found in one of the tenant history databases now available, it is best to include it on your application.  If there isn't a specific blank, use a remarks or comments area.  If neither of these are available on the application, attach a separate sheet.
      Disclosed "bad" information will usually be considered less important than undisclosed "bad" information uncovered by the landlord.  For example, a disclosed previous bankruptcy will likely not prevent approval of an application, but when the landlord finds a non-disclosed one (almost a certainty), he may feel that you were being dishonest and an eliminate your application from consideration.
      Similarly, disclosure of a relatively minor criminal record, particularly in the distant past, will not likely eliminate your application from consideration, whereas, discovery by the landlord more likely will.
      Be sure to mention factors that might have been the cause of your current or recent past financial situation.  For example, divorces and heath matters are often understood by the landlord and may not prevent consideration of your application based on other factors, particularly if you can show evidence of the problems and convince the landlord that you are working your way out of the situation.
      If the form doesn't provide adequate space to answer a question or to provide important special explanations, don't hesitate to attach additional sheets.
      The one thing that will be hard for a landlord to ignore is a history of being a "bad" tenant.  An applicant with a good rental history in spite of other financial problems may still be acceptable.  An applicant with a record of non-payment or regular late payment of rents, or with a history of Court filings related to rental or eviction may have a serious problem no matter what his other financial history is.
      Accordingly, tenants must make payment of rent a priority above almost every other obligation in order to be sure that they will be able to keep a roof over their heads.
      Finally, if you think that you might be unacceptable or only marginally acceptable due to your current or past financial circumstances, find a close friend or relative who is willing to be a Guarantor of your rental agreement.  In order to ensure that you remain under consideration in spite of your condition, volunteer to do so up-front.

The Interview

      You may have actually had your interview when you picked up the application form, so the following applies to all contacts with the landlord prior to signing the lease.  First impressions really do count. Before a property owner turns over the keys of a very valuable investment to a total stranger, they will need to feel secure and comfortable with you. Do you blame them? A dirty, rusty car packed with junk and trash will indicate to the landlord the care you will take with your housing, his valuable property.  Dress, hair, tattoos, body piercing and dangling things tells a tale about you as well. 
      You may feel that you have the legal right to look like whatever you wish, but, if you want a place to live, you must also consider how you appear to the landlord.
      Now let's talk. Will you appear open, honest and self confident?  Be prepared for likely questions about past landlord relationships, employment, income and your intended occupancy.