What Is a Renter Resume and How Do You Write One? (Template Included)
The short answer
A renter resume summarizes your income, rental history, and references in one page. Learn what to include and use our free template to stand out in competitive rental markets.
In competitive rental markets, a standard application form may not be enough to stand out. More renters are now submitting a renter resume — a one-page document that summarizes your key qualifications as a tenant. Here is what a renter resume is, what to include, and whether you need one.
What Is a Renter Resume?
A renter resume (also called a tenant resume or renter profile) is a one-page summary of your qualifications as a tenant. It is submitted alongside a rental application to give landlords a quick overview of:
- Your employment and income
- Your rental history and references
- Your creditworthiness signals
- Your personal character and lifestyle
Unlike a job resume, it is written for landlords rather than employers — focused on what they care about most: will you pay rent on time, take care of the property, and be a good neighbor?
Do You Need a Renter Resume?
A renter resume is not required for most rentals, but it can significantly improve your odds in competitive markets:
- Competitive cities (NYC, LA, SF, Boston, Seattle): A renter resume can set you apart when a landlord has 20 identical applications.
- First-time renters: If you have no rental history, a renter resume lets you showcase income, savings, references, and character instead.
- Non-traditional income: Freelancers, self-employed, and gig workers benefit from extra context around their income.
- Pet owners: Include your pet resume alongside your renter resume to address concerns proactively.
What to Include in a Renter Resume
1. Personal Information
- Full name, email, phone number
- LinkedIn or professional website (optional but helpful)
- Settl verification code (links landlord to your full verified profile)
2. Employment and Income
- Current employer, job title, and start date
- Monthly gross income (or annual)
- Income-to-rent ratio for the specific apartment you are applying for
- For self-employed: business name, type, and how long you have been operating
3. Rental History
- Current and previous addresses (last 2–3 years)
- Dates of tenancy
- Landlord name and contact information
- Reason for leaving (be honest and brief)
4. Credit and Financial Summary
- Credit score range (e.g., "720+") — you don't need to share exact scores
- Note if you have no evictions and no major derogatory items
- Savings summary ("6 months of rent in reserve") gives confidence without sharing statements
5. References
- 2–3 professional or personal references (not family)
- Include name, relationship, phone, and email
- A landlord reference is most valuable
6. Brief Personal Statement (Optional)
A 2–3 sentence paragraph explaining who you are, why you want this apartment, and what kind of tenant you are. Keep it professional and specific to the unit.
How to Format a Renter Resume
- Keep it to one page — landlords review dozens of applications
- Use clean, professional formatting (Google Docs, Canva, or Microsoft Word)
- Use bullet points and headers for easy scanning
- Use a photo only if you are comfortable — it is optional in the US
Renter Resume Template
YOUR NAME Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 555-5555 Settl Verified Passport Code: SETTL-XXXXXXEMPLOYMENT & INCOME Current employer: [Company], [Title] — since [Month Year] Monthly gross income: $X,XXX Income-to-rent ratio: Xх the requested rent of $X,XXX/month
RENTAL HISTORY [Month Year] – Present: [Address], [City, State] — Landlord: [Name, Phone] [Month Year] – [Month Year]: [Address], [City, State] — Landlord: [Name, Phone]
CREDIT & FINANCES Credit score range: 720+ No evictions. No judgments. Clean rental record. Savings: 6+ months rent in reserve.
REFERENCES [Name], [Relationship] — [Phone] — [Email] [Name], [Relationship] — [Phone] — [Email]
ABOUT ME [2-3 sentence personal statement. Mention why you want this specific apartment, how long you intend to stay, and one fact that makes you a great tenant.]
The Fastest Way to Build a Renter Resume
The most powerful element of any renter resume is a verified credential. Include your Settl verification code in your resume and landlords can instantly see your income verification, identity confirmation, and verification status — no separate paperwork required. Get your Settl Verified Passport.
Settl Editorial
Settl Editorial
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