​Filling out a rental application can be overwhelming for some people.    Hopefully this resource will make it a little easier.   

Below is a list of information you may need to enter.

Note:   Once you decide to put in an application, the clock is ticking.    So do not delay.   Make sure you have the information and documents you may need at hand.  

Each applicant (and guarantor) may be required to submit...

Tax Returns (1040 and W2)
Two previous years if possible

Pay Stubs
Two recent pay stubs from your current job.   A job offer letter may suffice.

Letter from Employer
A letter from your employer.  If you're not traditionally employed, a letter from your accountant may be OK. 

Bank Statements
Previous two statements and any other appropriate proof of assets or income

Photo ID
​Copies are common. I often send a clear photo via my iPhone.

Students:  You may be asked for enrollment certification, a class schedule, student ID and government issued ID

Background Check ($20 fee cap)

Information You Will Likely Need 

This is not a request for information.   It is a description of a document.  
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1. Applicant or applicants full names
2. Phone Number
3. Date of Birth 
4. Social Security Number
5. Drivers License Number and State
6. E-mail Address
7. Name of Co-applicant, relationship, phone number, Date of Birth, Social Security Number and Drivers License Number
8. Name of all other occupants in the apartment
9. Total Number of Occupants
10. How many pets (breed, weight, sex and age)
11. Address of current residence, month/year you moved in, reason for leaving, owner or agent's name and phone number + monthly rent
12. Previous address (same info as above.)
13. Employment status
14. Current or most recent employer, address, phone number, supervisor, position, monthly salary, household gross monthly income
15. Previous employer (same information as above)
16. Additional income (amount, source, telephone number to confirm)
17. Bank Accounts  / Branch info / Acct Number and Type / Telephone of Bank 
18. Personal credit references 
19. Total number of vehicles including make/model/year/color and Tag Number/State
20. Have you or co-applicant every been sued for non-payment of rent?
21. Have you or co-applicant ever been sued or Damaged a rental property?
22. Broken a lease?
23. Declared bankruptcy?
24. Additional information
25. Phone numbers you can be contacted if management company has any additional questions
26. Emergency Contact / Relationship / Address / Work Phone

The top of the location should state the unit number and address of the apartment being applied to, the beginning date and monthly rent.

There will likely be some small print at the bottom of the application.   Read it carefully.    
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It may include terms of the ernest money deposit and terms of refund.   It may also have a line that says something like, "I authorize you to contact previous landlords, credit and personal references that I have given in this application.  I also authorize management to obtain all relevant reports including criminal and consumer credit report."      

Note that there is a $20.00 application fee cap in the State of NY.

sample document. (*this is not a document for you to fill out, it is just so you can see what an application looks like.   Do not fill this document out and send it to me!)

How to Pre-qualify yourself for an Apartment

How to access documents you may be missing:

​Request a copy of your tax return from the IRS
​Replace Your Social Security Card
​Get A New York State ID
Renew Your US Passport

Head up:  Be sure to start saving your pay stubs.  You will likely need the past two!

Understanding Credit Reports and Credit Scores for Apartment Rentals