Rental Application Checklist

Identity Verification

• Government-issued photo IDRequired

  Passport, drivers license, or state ID

• Social Security Number (SSN)Required

  Required by most US landlords for credit check

• Second form of ID

  Utility bill, bank statement, or student ID

Proof of Income

• Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)Required

  Most landlords require 40x monthly rent in annual income

• Employment verification letterRequired

  On company letterhead with salary and start date

• Last 2 years of tax returns (W-2 or 1040)

  Required for self-employed renters

• Bank statements (last 3 months)

  Shows savings and spending patterns

• Offer letter

  If you are starting a new job

Credit & Financial

• Authorization to run credit checkRequired

  You will sign this on the application; landlords use Experian/TransUnion

• Credit score of 620+Required

  Most NYC/LA/SF landlords want 650–700 minimum

• Explanation letter for derogatory marks

  Collections, late payments, or bankruptcies

• Co-signer or guarantor info

  If your income or credit does not meet minimums

Rental History

• Current landlord contact infoRequired

  Phone + email; expect a reference call

• Previous landlord contacts (2 years)Required

  Most landlords verify 2 years of history

• Previous addresses (5 years)Required

  Used for background check

• Explanation for gaps in rental history

  Owned a home, lived abroad, or stayed with family

References

• 2–3 personal or professional referencesRequired

  Not family members; coworkers or managers preferred

• Reference letters (optional but powerful)

  A short letter from your employer or current landlord

Application Fees & Paperwork

• Application fee paymentRequired

  Typically $50–$100 per adult; non-refundable

• Completed rental application formRequired

  Digital or paper; fill out completely

• Pet documentation

  Breed, weight, vaccination records if pets allowed

• Renters insurance proof or intent

  Many NYC/CA landlords now require it

How much income do I need to rent an apartment?

Most landlords require your annual income to be 40 times the monthly rent. For a $2,500/month apartment, you'd need $100,000/year in verifiable income. In competitive markets like NYC, some landlords require 45×.

What credit score do I need to rent?

Most landlords want a credit score of 620 or higher. In major cities like NYC, SF, or Boston, expect requirements of 650–700+. If your score is lower, a co-signer, higher security deposit, or prepaid rent can help.

Can I rent an apartment without a credit history?

Yes, but it is harder. Options include: a creditworthy co-signer or guarantor, offering several months rent upfront, providing a larger security deposit, or getting a verified recommendation letter from a previous landlord.

What if I'm self-employed or a freelancer?

Self-employed renters should provide tax returns (last 2 years), 1099 forms, bank statements showing consistent deposits, and a letter from a CPA confirming your income. Bank-verified income statements (via services like Settl) are becoming standard.

How can I speed up the rental application process?

Have all documents ready before you apply. A pre-verified profile (identity, income, and references already checked) dramatically reduces back-and-forth. Services like Settl let you share a single verified link with any landlord.