Rental Application Documents & Requirements

When you apply for a rental with us, we’ll ask for certain documents to verify your identity, income, and rental history. This article walks you through what to gather before you start the application.

Coming prepared saves you time and reduces the chance of delays or denials due to missing information. Think of this as your checklist for a smooth application process.

1. Basic Personal Information

   1. Full legal name, date of birth, and contact information.

   2. Social Security Number or other ID number for screening (if applicable).

   3. Names of all occupants and whether they’ll live there full-time.

2. Government-Issued Photo ID

   1. A clear image of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other valid photo ID.

   2. Make sure the ID is current and not expired.

3. Proof of Income
   Depending on your situation, we may accept:

   1. Recent pay stubs (usually last 1–2 months).

   2. Most recent tax return (for self-employed applicants).

   3. Bank statements showing regular deposits.

   4. Award letters for Social Security, disability, retirement, or other benefits.

   5. Documentation of voucher or subsidy programs, if applicable.

4. Rental History Details

   1. Current and previous addresses (typically past 2–3 years).

   2. Landlord names, phone numbers, and emails, if available.

   3. Dates you lived at each property.

5. Pet or Animal Information (If Applicable)

   1. Number and type of pets, breed, age, and weight.

   2. Any documentation related to service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs).

   3. See our separate article on service animals vs. ESAs vs. pets for what we’ll ask for.

6. Application Fee & Authorization

   1. We do not charge an application fee.

   2. Authorization and payment to run credit and background checks.

7. Optional Supporting Documents
   These are not always required, but can help clarify your situation:

   1. Letter of explanation for past credit issues or gaps in rental history.

   2. Offer letter for a new job if you’re just starting.

   3. Co-signer information, if permitted and needed.

1. Gather your ID and proof of income documents.

2. List your previous addresses and landlord contact information.

3. Make sure you understand our Application Criteria.

4. Read the listing carefully for move-in date, rent amount, and pet rules.

5. Set aside time to complete the application in one sitting if possible.

• Application Criteria – Check if you’re likely to qualify before applying.

• Next Steps After Your Application Is Approved – What happens after we say yes.

• Rental Agreement Overview – Key lease terms you’ll agree to at move-in.

• Pet Policy – Rules, fees, and approvals for pets.