Updated October 2026. Rent examples use the October 2026 Apartment List National Rent Report, covering September data. Application and screening requirements vary by property and location.
Landlords look at five things on a rental application: income (most ask for about three times the monthly rent), rental history, a credit and background check, whether you meet the building's rules on pets, smoking, and occupancy, and whether the application is complete and honest. Fair housing law means they cannot consider your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status, and many states and cities add protections like source of income.
| Factor | What the landlord checks | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Financial stability | Gross monthly income, often at least three times the rent, and proof that it is real | Pay stubs, tax documents, or bank statements |
| Rental history | On-time rent, lease compliance, and past landlord relationships | Past addresses and landlord contact information |
| Background and credit check | Credit report, eviction records, and certain criminal records, depending on the landlord and local law | Government ID and a recent check of your own credit reports |
| Building rules | Pet, smoking, occupancy, parking, and guest policies | Pet documentation and a list of everyone who will live in the unit |
| Application quality | Complete, consistent, and verifiable answers | A completed form with documents that match your answers |
Throughout your apartment search, you'll likely submit dozens of applications. Keep the following criteria in mind to ensure your rental applications include all the key factors landlords look for, so nothing stands in the way of your dream apartment.
Most landlords look for gross monthly income of at least three times the rent, which works out to rent being about one-third (33.3%) of your gross income. Gross income is your income before taxes and other deductions.
For example, if an apartment costs $2,000 per month, a landlord using the three-times-rent guideline would generally look for an applicant earning at least $6,000 per month before taxes.
The three-times-rent guideline is close to, but not the same as, the 30% rule often used to set a renter's budget. The 30% guideline is a budgeting recommendation, while the three-times-rent guideline is a common landlord screening practice. Learn more about how much you should spend on rent.
Here's another example using an annual salary of $109,000:
With this formula in mind, you might aim to spend about $2,700 per month on rent using the 30% guideline. Your ideal budget will depend on your take-home pay, financial goals, debts, and other living expenses. Use our rent calculator to find a budget that works for you.
Landlords will also want to see verifiable proof of income, such as tax documents, bank statements, or pay stubs. If you're self-employed, work as a freelancer, or earn variable income, you may need additional documentation to show that your earnings are reliable. Our guide to proof of income for an apartment explains which documents may help.
Landlords want to know whether you've paid rent on time, followed lease terms, and kept a positive relationship with previous landlords. Renting out a property involves financial risk, and your rental record is the most direct evidence they have.
Applicants with a history of late payments, evictions, or lease violations may face additional scrutiny. Having little or no rental history can also make it harder for a landlord to assess your reliability, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you.
Compile your rental history, including past addresses, roommates, and landlord contact information. Highlight your record of on-time payments and explain any periods of financial difficulty or inconsistencies that might raise questions.
If you're renting for the first time, consider providing references from an employer or another person who can speak to your reliability. You may also be able to strengthen your application with proof of income, savings, or a guarantor.
Landlords commonly review credit reports and background information to assess an applicant's financial reliability and rental risk. The exact screening process varies by landlord, property manager, and location.
A credit check may reveal payment history, outstanding debts, collections, and other information that helps a landlord evaluate your financial situation. Some landlords have minimum credit score requirements, while others consider the full report rather than relying on a single number.
A landlord may also review eviction records and certain criminal records, depending on the screening process and applicable laws. An eviction filing, for example, isn't necessarily the same as an eviction judgment, and screening reports can contain outdated or inaccurate information.
To prepare, provide accurate identification and check your credit reports for errors before applying. If you have a past financial setback, consider preparing a brief explanation and documentation showing how your circumstances have changed.
For a closer look at what landlords may review, read our guide to rental background checks.
If a landlord denies your application or takes another unfavorable action based on a tenant screening report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to an adverse action notice. It also gives you the right to a free copy of the report from the screening company if you request it within 60 days, and the right to dispute errors. You can review the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's guidance on rental screening reports and your rights.
Landlords check whether you can comply with the property's lease terms and building policies. Depending on the property, these rules may cover:
Review the lease and ask questions about any rules that could affect your living arrangements before you apply. Being upfront about your needs can help you determine whether a property is a good fit and avoid misunderstandings later.
Building rules must still comply with fair housing laws. Landlords cannot use lease policies or screening criteria asa pretext for discrimination against applicants based on protected characteristics.
A complete, consistent application with documents that match your answers makes it easier for a landlord to say yes. Even if you've technically filled out every part of the application, you risk delays or denial if you provide incomplete answers, inconsistent information, or documents that don't support what you've reported.
Before submitting your application, double-check that:
You can also bring professionalism to every interaction. Submit your application promptly after viewing the apartment, respond to requests for additional information, and follow up politely when appropriate. A thoughtful, organized application helps the landlord verify your information without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Landlords can evaluate whether you meet legitimate rental criteria, but fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Under the federal Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate against applicants because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. These protections apply to housing-related decisions, including rental applications. You can learn more from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's overview of the Fair Housing Act.
State and local laws may provide additional protections. The rules vary by location, so review the fair housing requirements that apply where you plan to rent.
Landlords should apply their screening criteria consistently and cannot use seemingly neutral requirements to discriminate against protected groups. For example, a building's occupancy policy cannot be used as a pretext for unlawful discrimination against families with children.
If you believe a landlord denied your application because of a protected characteristic, you can learn about your options and report housing discrimination to HUD.
If you suspect the decision was based on inaccurate information in a credit or tenant screening report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute it. See the CFPB's guidance on reviewing and disputing rental screening reports and the FTC's guide to tenant background checks and your rights.
Common reasons applications are denied include unverifiable or inconsistent income, prior evictions, a history of nonpayment or lease violations, unverifiable references, and missing information. Some landlords also treat an open bankruptcy as a red flag.
Depending on the landlord's lawful screening criteria and applicable laws, other issues that may affect an application include:
Not every issue automatically means you'll be denied. Some landlords may consider an explanation, additional documentation, or a guarantor. Screening decisions must also comply with fair housing and other applicable laws.
If you're planning to look for an apartment soon, get your documents in order early. Gather your employment information, particularly if you're a gig worker or independent contractor who may need tax documents or bank statements to verify earnings. You can also check your credit reports for errors, review outstanding debts, and take steps to strengthen your financial profile.
A financial setback or limited rental history doesn't automatically mean you won't qualify. Here are some ways to strengthen your application:
You can't control every part of a landlord's decision, but a complete application, verifiable documents, and responsive communication can help you present your qualifications clearly.
Once you submit your application, the landlord or property manager will typically review your documents, verify your income and rental history, and conduct any applicable credit or background screening. They may contact you for additional information before making a decision.
Approval timelines vary depending on the landlord, the number of applicants, and how quickly the required checks are completed. Read our guide to how long it takes to get approved for an apartment for more information.
If you're approved, your next steps may include reviewing and signing the lease, paying permitted move-in costs, and arranging your move. Here's what to expect after your rental application is approved.
If you aren't approved, you can ask whether the decision was based on a tenant screening report and review any applicable notice and dispute rights. You may also want to revisit your application materials and consider other properties. Our guide to signs you didn't get the apartment can help you understand what may have happened.
Now that you know what landlords are looking for in an apartment application, you can start searching for the right place. Take Apartment List's personalized quiz to get started.
There's no universal minimum credit score for renting an apartment. Some landlords set a minimum score, while others evaluate your overall credit history, income, rental history, and other application details. Check out our guide to the credit score you need to rent an apartment for more information.
Many landlords look for applicants who earn at least three times the monthly rent in gross income. For a $2,000 apartment, that means earning approximately $6,000 per month before taxes. This is a common screening guideline, not a universal requirement. Learn more about how much you should spend on rent.
Yes, if the decision follows applicable laws and the landlord's lawful screening criteria. There is no universal credit score requirement for every rental. If you're denied because of information in a tenant screening report, your landlord must tell you and identify the company that provided it. You can request a free copy from that company within 60 days and dispute any errors. Review the CFPB's guidance on rental screening reports.
A landlord can ask about your job and income to verify that you can afford the rent. A landlord can also ask for identification, but must make the same requests of every applicant. Asking only some applicants about immigration status, or treating applicants differently because of their national origin, can be illegal discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. State and local laws may add protections. If a request seems inconsistent or unfair, you can report housing discrimination to HUD.
Approval timelines vary. Some landlords can process an application quickly, while others need more time to verify income, contact references, or complete screening checks. Providing complete and accurate information can help avoid unnecessary delays. Read our guide to how long it takes to get approved for an apartment.
Yes. You can generally apply to multiple apartments while searching for a home. Just keep track of each property's application fees, documentation requirements, and deadlines. Before paying multiple fees, confirm that the apartment is still available and that you understand the landlord's application process. See our guide to the rental application process.
A complete application with verifiable income, a positive rental history, and responsive references can help you stand out. Prepare your documents in advance, respond promptly to questions, and explain any potential concerns with supporting information. If you don't meet the landlord's income or rental history requirements, a guarantor may be an option. See our guide to lease guarantors.
Depending on the landlord's lawful screening criteria and applicable laws, reasons for denial may include insufficient or unverifiable income, negative rental history, credit concerns, missing or inconsistent information, or failure to meet legitimate building requirements. A lack of rental history doesn't automatically disqualify you, and landlords cannot lawfully deny applicants based on protected characteristics. If your application is denied because of information in a tenant screening report, you may have the right to review and dispute errors.
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
