How to Get Approved for an Apartment: 7 Things Landlords Actually Check
The short answer
Learn the 7 things landlords actually check when reviewing a rental application — income, identity, employment, credit, and more.
Getting rejected from an apartment is one of the most frustrating experiences a renter can have — especially when you've already fallen in love with the place. The good news: most rejections are predictable, and most are preventable.
Here's exactly what landlords check, in order of importance, and what you can do before submitting your next application.
1. Income-to-Rent Ratio
This is the first filter most landlords apply. The standard rule is that your gross monthly income should be at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. So if rent is $1,500/month, you need to show $3,750–$4,500 in monthly income.
If you're self-employed or have non-traditional income, bring bank statements, tax returns, or a letter from a CPA. Landlords are used to salaried employees — your job is to make your income as clear and verifiable as possible.
2. Identity Verification
Landlords need to know you are who you say you are. A government-issued ID is the minimum. Modern platforms like Settl go further — they verify your identity against document databases and run a liveness check, so landlords can trust the application came from a real person.
3. Employment Stability
How long have you been at your current job? Landlords love stability. Six months at the same employer is the minimum most look for. Two or more years is excellent.
4. Rental History
Have you rented before? How long? Did you leave on good terms? Landlords may call your previous landlords, so make sure you've given proper notice and paid any final balances.
5. Background Check
Most landlords run a background check. An eviction on record is the hardest thing to overcome — it stays on your record for 7 years in most states. If you have a background item, address it proactively in your application.
6. Credit Score
A 650+ credit score is the general minimum. 700+ puts you in a comfortable position. But many landlords care more about the pattern of your credit than the exact number.
7. Supporting Documents
The more documentation you provide upfront, the less the landlord has to guess. A complete application typically includes:
- Two most recent pay stubs
- Last 3 months of bank statements
- Photo ID (government-issued)
- Reference letter from current employer
- Previous landlord contact information
The Shortcut: Get Pre-Verified
Settl lets you complete all of the above before you apply to any apartment. Your Settl Verified Passport shows landlords your income verification, identity, employment, and verification status — all in one place. It takes about 5 minutes.
Settl Team
Settl Editorial
Settl helps renters stand out in competitive markets through verified identity, income, and rental verifications. Trusted by landlords across the US.
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