Rentwise! Chapter One -- Application and Credit Check

The landlord may conduct an intense interview. Questions may be quick and personal. She's trying to determine whether you're hiding anything and whether you "fit the profile" of a sober, reliable renter. You'll improve your chances if you:

• LOOK GOOD! Dress like you were looking for a job
• Leave the kids at home
• Wash the car
• Be on time
• Have all dates & former addresses at hand
• Have landlord and employer phone numbers
• Carry cash for application fee
• Turn in a tidy, complete, and truthful application
• Take time to negotiate for what you want
• Take time to inspect the unit . . . carefully
• Take time to read the lease . . . carefully

Your credit report will be checked by almost all landlords, but standards will vary widely, depending on the price of the unit. Some landlords may turn you down for recent "slow pays," while others just check for bankruptcy or an eviction judgment.

Refusal because of a bankruptcy or "no credit": People are shocked when the Big B comes back to haunt them in so many ways. Those who have filed in the last several years will not be able to rent in most complexes, despite a good job and income. Now that credit checks are common, the tenant should prepare ways to overcome the landlord's doubts. Some will listen if you present proof that the financial failure was due to overwhelming medical bills. For either a bankruptcy or too little credit, you might offer 3 month's rent in advance or a credit-worthy co-signer (but ask that this person's liability be removed after a year of timely payments, and get this in writing).

If an applicant is rejected based on a poor credit report, the apartment manager must notify the applicant of the name of the credit agency and of his/her right to obtain a free copy of the report (amendment to Fair Credit Reporting Act, October 1997).

Children: Many landlords prefer not to rent to families with children because of damage and noise. However, they cannot refuse to rent to you because you have children (see Discrimination section). If your kids are good students and well-disciplined, assure the landlord that they are carefully supervised. It may improve your chances of getting the rental.

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