How do I make myself look better than the other potential tenants?

Question

My boyfriend and I are going to be seeing an apartment on Wednesday with a few other people who want the same one. We're already going to have our applications and fees prepared ahead of time, but is there anything else we could do to just look amazing so we'll have a bit more of an edge? Thanks so much!

This is our first apartment. How bad is that going to look?

Answer 1

The normal practice is that the first person who submits an application and meets the standard criteria gets the appartment. This avoids any possibility of claims of illegal discrimmination.

When I was a landlord, I had basic criteria that had to be met -- credit score, verifiable employment or other resources sufficient to pay the rent, felony check, etc. The applications were reveiwed in the order they were received. The first one that passed muster was offered the place. The fact that one might look better than another wasn't a factor. Once one met my standards, I didn't even review the others.

Answer 2

Hopefully you both have good credit, good jobs. Maybe a reference letter or two from previous land lords. If you have bad credit and got evicted out of your last place there isn't much you can do...

Borrow a ring for the week and refer to each other as "fiance". Seems more stable, believe me.... Any land lord would rather rent to a married couple.

Sometimes boyfriends/girlfriends break up, move out, can't pay rent on their own, etc... of course i know married people split as well, however, there is a perception of stability if you're married/engaged.

If you really really like the apartment, offer at extra $50 a month. Might make all the difference.

Or if you have even more money offer to pay 2 or 3 months of rent in advance. Even if they won't allow it, the landlord will think "hey these people have their act together". Also tell them what a great handy man your boyfriend is so you won't be calling them too often. He "loves" fixing things.

Answer 3

I do consider a persons overall apperance, cleanliness, cooperation and so on. However the criteria I put most emphasis on are previous landlord referances, job history, how often they move, criminal background, and so forth. There are things that one cannot change in a day.

Answer 4

First and foremost, sell yourselves! Show up early! Bring references from past landlords with you. Make it easy for them to decide you are the right people to rent to and don't be afraid to press than for answer.

Answer 5

proof of income (maybe even copies of bank statements)
Great Personal & Professional References
dress conservatiely (no piercings or tats showing)

good luck :)

Answer 6

have a steady imcome.