Check out our blog about the importance of having these essential documents while looking for a rental.

Renting an apartment can be a very stressful process if you aren’t prepared. It is also complicated for landlords and property managers because they want to make sure that they rent to the right person. You could take the easy route and get all documentation together before you submit your application. We created an essential documents checklist for renters as well as things you should do before submitting an application for a home or property that will give you an edge over other renters, and facilitating the application review process to get an approved application.

Here’s a checklist of essential documents that every renter should have on hand:

Gather 2 Months worth of Pay stubs and W-2 or income statement and show the landlord how much money you make at your current job in relation to how much rent you’ll be paying. Normally all property managers or landlords expect you to make 2.5 -3 times the rent, so verify before submitting an application, that way you’re not wasting your time and money. They may even ask for a letter from your employer confirming that you work there and how long you’ve been employed there. If you’re Self-Employed, make sure that you have some financial history (bank statements or proof of employment). They may ask for a business license or other proof that you’ve registered your business with the state.

Only in certain circumstances, you will need to provide your bank statements. If you’re self-employed or have income that fluctuates from month to month. Your bank statements will show that you can cover rent consistently without bouncing checks or over-drafting your account if your income changes from month to month. When you’re asked for bank statements, have ready at least 2 months worth of statements along with all pages including blank ones.

Your credit report will give property managers and landlords a picture of how responsible and reliable you are paying your bills. They’ll be able to see if there are any red flags on your report, like late payments or unpaid debts, which could make them think twice before renting their property to someone who might not be able to pay their bills on time every month! Some property managers use a credit bar so, if you don’t meet a certain credit score, they won’t even consider your application. As a tenant, you should always reach out to the property manager or landlord to find out if they use a certain credit score to qualify.

A photo ID is required for all adults living on the property. It’s important that your identification is up-to-date. This can include but, not limited to Driver’s License, Passport, or any other form of a government issued ID.

If possible, bring copies of any rental agreements you’ve signed in the past, as well as any previous letters from former landlords or property managers who have worked with you in the past. This can help demonstrate that you’re not a flight risk and that you’ve always paid rent on time in the past.

It’s always nice to have someone vouch for you! If there are any property manager or landlords that are willing to write letters about your good standing, this would be an excellent time for them to do so. Provide contact information so, whoever is processing your application and verify all the information. If you have pets get a reference letter this can show that your pet is not dangerous.

If you own a car, you’ll want to show proof of insurance coverage as well as registration papers for those vehicles you’re planning on keeping at the property.

The best way to make sure that you have what you need is to create a folder with all of your documents in it you can even put them in an electronic file, so that when you need them, they’re all ready for you to present to the property manager or landlord.

Another thing to keep in mind is that property managers and landlords aren’t only paying attention to income and all the required documents, they also want to know that they can trust you with their property. That’s why it’s important to be consistent and reliable in your communication with the landlord and property manager throughout the application process.

Having these documents will make your application go much more smoothly, and it will increase the likelihood that you’ll be approved for a property. It doesn’t matter if you’re renting directly from the landlord or through a property manager—you should provide this information to both of them.