How To Rent an Apartment: The Complete Guide for First-Time Renters

The renting process can be confusing and even overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, including your budget, needs, where to look for verified listings, how to handle the rental application, and how to get approved.

This article is a complete guide to finding and applying for an apartment that meets your needs and budget. We also offer tips to increase your chances of getting approved.

9 steps to rent an apartment

Follow these nine steps, and you’ll be ready to tackle the renting process with confidence.

1. Determine your budget

Rent prices in the U.S. vary by state and apartment type. As of December 2023, the average rent prices in the 50 largest metros are as follows: $1,437 for a studio, $1,593 for a one-bedroom, and $1,896 for a two-bedroom.

According to Manisha Thakor, director of wealth strategies for women at the BAM Alliance, your rent shouldn’t be more than one-fourth of your monthly take-home pay.

So, for example, if you earn $3,000 monthly, your rent shouldn’t be more than $750. Another calculation (which is often used by landlords) is to ensure your annual gross salary is 40 times your monthly rent amount. So, if you earn $40,000 annually, your monthly rent shouldn’t exceed $1,000.

Keep in mind that it’s essential to also consider costs other than rent, including the security deposit and moving fees.

2. Identify your priorities

To help your search, you should create a list of the things you can’t live without, including the following:

• Neighborhood safety: Sites such as City-Data.com or AreaVibes can provide you with information about the safety in the neighborhood.
• School district: Do you have kids (or plan on having them soon)? Then websites such as Niche can let you know if there are good schools in the neighborhood you’re interested in. The Realtor.com Real View™ filter also shows you rental properties and the schools that are close to them.
• Commute time: Knowing the commute to your job during the week can help you avoid renting too far from your job.
• Amenities: Consider the amenities you need, whether in the unit or on-site. They can include a laundry facility, private parking, or even a dishwasher.
• Size of the apartment: The size of your apartment matters, especially if more than one person will be living in the space or you need an at-home office.
• Your lifestyle: Consider what you enjoy doing. For example, if you’re a runner, you might want to ensure there are sidewalks or trails nearby. Or, if you like to eat out, check out the restaurants that are close to the apartment.

3. Ensure you have a good credit score

Landlords generally prefer renters who have a credit score of 650 or higher. The primary factors that influence your credit score are your payment history, debt amounts, length of credit history, and credit mix.

If you have a low score, you can either take steps to improve it or negotiate with the landlord to let you lease the apartment anyway.

Here are some ways to work around a low score and still get your ideal apartment:

• Get a co-signer: Ask a family member or friend to co-sign your lease agreement, which will give the landlord a sense of security that your rent will be paid.
• Rent from a private landlord: Most apartment complexes and property managers require a credit check. However, private landlords are often more lenient and might let you rent without established credit. So try to find an apartment for rent by the owner.
• Pay a few months’ rent upfront: Landlords are more likely to rent to you if you offer to pay a few months’ rent in advance. The more rent you can pay in the beginning, the better. But two to three months’ rent upfront should be enough.
• Provide reference letters: If you’ve previously rented and are in good standing with your previous landlords, ask them to vouch for you. You could also provide professional references from your current or past employer to prove you’re responsible.

4. Search for an apartment

Once you’ve determined your rental budget and requirements, search for an apartment on listing websites such as Realtor.com.

Realtor.com has easy-to-search listings, making finding good options a breeze. Use filtering options, such as price range and available amenities, to find a property that suits your needs and budget.

Other filters you can apply include the following:

• Property type (e.g., apartment or condo)
• Number of bedrooms and baths
• Your move-in date
• Your commute time
• Pet-friendliness
• Apartment size
• Unit features (such as a washer, dryer, and air conditioning)
• Community features (such as a gym, laundry facility, and parking)

While some people visit platforms like Facebook to find apartments, they pose a higher risk of being scammed. Listing sites are far safer because the listings are verified.

However, if you choose to search for an apartment on Facebook or similar sites, look out for fake or false listings, added fees for background checks, and requests for deposits before viewings.

5. Take an apartment tour

While virtual tours allow you to look at apartments online, visiting these properties in person is best. After you have a list of apartments that could be a good fit for you, schedule tours with the agents or landlords—and be sure to take your apartment hunting checklist.

While visiting the apartments, test the faucets, light switches, door handles, and windows. Also, make sure to ask the landlord or agent critical questions, including the following:

• How long is the lease period? Most leases in the U.S. (59.6%) are for 12 months. However, there are other lease lengths as well, including month-to-month and short-term.
• What’s included in the rent? Some landlords may charge extra for specific amenities, such as parking spaces. Ask what amenities are included in the monthly rent.
• How is the rent collected? In many states, owners prefer receiving rent electronically. However, some states make it illegal to request electronic payments, so landlords need to use other methods.
• Is renters insurance required? Some apartment complexes might require you to get renters insuranceas part of the lease conditions.
• What property management company do you use? Ask the landlord what property management company (if any) they use, and check reviews online to ensure the company is reputable.

6. Submit your rental application

Before applying for the apartment, ensure you have all your information ready to present to the landlord. This might include the following:

• Pay stubs or other income verification
• Landlord or professional references
• Proof of identification
• Driver’s license
• Social Security number
• Bank statements
• Rental history
• Job history
• Pet information

If your credit score is below 650, you can add a co-signer to the application form or write a letter to the landlord explaining that you’re willing to pay a few months’ rent upfront.

Tip: Filling out multiple rental applications can be a headache. Save time and application fees by creating an Avail Renter Profile.

7. Complete a background check

Most property management companies and landlords will conduct a background and credit check to ensure you’re a suitable renter.

They’ll look at your credit history, since this will indicate your ability to pay rent on time. They’ll also look at your rental history to see if you’ve missed rental payments or been evicted in the past.

Lastly, they’ll check whether you have a criminal history to determine if they can trust you with their property.

If you’re an international applicant, you might not have a Social Security number—meaning the landlord can’t check your credit and criminal history. In this case, you can provide the landlord with a credit or landlord reference that can speak to your trustworthiness. Alternatively, you can provide them with monthly bill statements, bank statements, or pay stubs.

8. Read and sign the lease

Once the landlord approves your application, you’ll be presented with a lease agreement. Read through it carefully. Lease agreements outline the terms of the renter’s tenancy, including the following:

• The length of time you’re renting
• Upfront fees, such as your security deposit
• The monthly rental amount and date of payment
• Rules and regulations regarding the property’s use
• Amenities
• Utility costs
• Notice of entry and other laws the landlord must follow

Make sure there are no hidden terms or conditions that could cause you trouble later. For example, does the lease say you’re responsible for pest control? If it does and pests are common in the area, that could be a problem.

If there are any clauses you don’t understand, ask the real estate agent, property manager, or landlord for clarity before signing the lease.

9. Pay your security deposit and fees

Usually, your security deposit will equal one to two months’ rent. In some states, like Pennsylvania and Arizona, the law limits how much a landlord can request as a security deposit. On the other hand, in other states, like Colorado and Georgia, your landlord might request three times the rent, or more, as there are no limits.

Security deposits are intended to be returned to you after your lease expires. But landlords can use some of the money toward repairs if you cause property damage.

Document how much you pay for your security deposit and the date of payment so you have a record of the transaction.