Quick answer: Apartment approval timing depends on the property’s screening process and whether your application is complete. Ask the leasing office for its expected turnaround before you apply.
If you have a move-in deadline, share it and ask whether the property can complete its review and remaining move-in steps in time.
Already applied? Confirm that your file is complete and ask when you should expect a decision or another update.
The steps below explain what happens during review, what can hold things up, and how to follow up.
Your application may go through the following stages, although some checks can happen at the same time. Each stage below explains what needs to happen before the review can move forward.
The landlord or leasing office receives your application and any required application fee.
What this stage is waiting on: A complete application and any documents or payments required by the property.
The landlord may request credit, criminal history, eviction history, or other tenant-screening reports, often through a third-party screening company.
What this stage is waiting on: The landlord submitting the screening request and, depending on the provider, the applicant completing any required identity verification or authorization.
Once the screening process is complete, the landlord receives the requested reports.
What this stage is waiting on: The screening provider’s process and any required steps from the applicant.
Want to know what landlords may see during this part of the process? Read our guide to rental background checks.
The landlord may verify the income information provided with your application. Depending on the property and your employment situation, this could involve reviewing pay stubs, contacting an employer, reviewing tax documents, or using an income-verification service.
What this stage is waiting on: The required documents or a response from your employer or another verification source.
The landlord or property manager may contact current or previous landlords or other references listed on your application.
What this stage is waiting on: Responses from the people or organizations the landlord contacts.
Once the necessary information has been collected, the landlord or leasing team reviews your application. They may approve it, deny it, or request additional information.
What this stage is waiting on: Completion of the landlord’s review and any remaining information needed to make a decision.
If your application is approved, the landlord can move forward with the lease and provide information about signing, move-in costs, and your move-in date.
What this stage is waiting on: Your review and acceptance of the lease terms and completion of the property's next steps.
For a broader look at the process, see our guide to the rental apartment application process.
An apartment application can take longer when one or more stages of the process are still waiting on information, verification, or another party.
Common causes of delays include:
Ask the leasing office which check is still pending and whether you can help resolve it. You may need to provide another document or ask a reference to respond.
According to the Apartment List National Rent Report, apartments leased in August 2026 spent about 32 days on the market nationally, measured from listing to lease.
Apartment List calls this “time on market” or “list-to-lease time.” It includes time before a renter applies, so it doesn’t tell you how long your application review will take.
For help planning your search before you apply, see our guide to how long it takes to find an apartment.
Preparing the required documents can reduce delays caused by missing information.
If you have freelance, contract, self-employment, or another type of nontraditional income, ask what forms of proof of income the landlord accepts, such as tax documents or bank statements, before submitting your application.
See our guide to the forms needed to rent an apartment for more information about what you may need to provide.
Renter tip: Still looking for the right place? Take the Apartment List quiz to get matched with apartments that fit your budget, preferences, and lifestyle.
If the leasing office gave you a response date and it has passed, follow up. If it didn’t provide a timeline, ask when you should expect an update.
In your message:
1. Identify your application. Include your name, the apartment you applied for, and the date you submitted it.
2. Confirm that your file is complete. Ask whether any documents, signatures, or payments are missing.
3. Ask what’s still pending. Find out whether the office is waiting on screening results, income verification, references, or its final review.
4. Agree on the next update. Ask when you should check back if you haven’t heard anything.
You can use this message:
“Hi, I submitted my application for [apartment] on [date]. Could you confirm that my file is complete and let me know what’s still pending? When should I expect a decision or another update? My preferred move-in date is [date]. Thank you.”
Being approved for an apartment generally means the landlord has completed its application review and is willing to move forward with renting the unit to you, subject to the property's remaining lease and move-in requirements.
Approval doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to move in immediately. You may still need to:
Before booking movers or making nonrefundable arrangements, confirm your move-in date and any remaining requirements with the leasing office. For a step-by-step guide, read what happens after your rental application is approved.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a landlord must identify the screening company when report information causes a denial.
The CFPB says you can request a free report from that company within 60 days of the adverse action.
These protections also apply when report information leads to a required co-signer, larger deposit, or higher rent.
Request the report, review it for errors, and dispute inaccurate information with the screening company.
How long does it take to get approved for an apartment?
There’s no standard approval timeline across properties. Ask the leasing office for its expected turnaround, whether your application is complete, and when to follow up. If you need to move by a particular date, ask whether the property can meet it.
What happens after you submit a rental application?
After you submit a rental application, the landlord typically reviews the application, orders any required tenant screening, verifies income or employment, checks rental history or references, and then makes a decision. If you're approved, the landlord can then provide lease terms and next steps.
Why is my apartment application taking so long?
An application may be delayed if documents are missing, income requires additional verification, a co-applicant or guarantor also needs to be screened, outside parties haven't responded, or a third-party screening process is still underway. Contact the leasing office to ask which stage your application is currently in.
Can I check the status of my rental application?
Yes. Contact the landlord or leasing office and ask what stage your application is in and whether anything is still outstanding. You can also ask whether they need additional information or documentation from you.
Can you speed up apartment approval?
You can't control every part of the approval process, but submitting a complete application and responding quickly to requests for documents or verification can help prevent avoidable delays. Before applying, ask what documents the property requires, especially if you're self-employed, applying with a co-applicant, or using a guarantor.
Does a co-signer slow down apartment approval?
A co-signer or guarantor can add another step because the landlord may need to review that person's credit, income, or other qualifying information in addition to yours. The exact process depends on the landlord and property.
How long does a rental background check take?
Timing depends on the screening provider and the checks requested. TransUnion SmartMove says its reports can be delivered within minutes, although the landlord’s full approval process may take longer.
Ask the leasing office whether it’s waiting on the screening report or another part of your application.
This article provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Application and approval processes vary by landlord, property, and screening provider.
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Stainless steel + more
