The Rental Application Process

Understand what happens after you find your perfect rental.

Before You Apply

Gather Required Documents

• Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns)
• Employment verification (letter from employer)
• Rental history (previous landlord contacts)
• References (personal and professional)
• Credit report (optional, but helpful)

Know Your Numbers

• Monthly income (most landlords want 3x rent)
• Credit score
• Rental history
• Current debt obligations

Application Steps

1. Initial Contact

• Verify the property on Karasai
• Contact the verified property manager
• Schedule a showing

2. Property Viewing

• Tour the property in person
• Ask questions about utilities, parking, etc.
• Take photos/videos for reference
• Check the neighborhood

3. Submit Application

• Fill out application completely
• Provide all requested documents
• Pay application fee (typically $30-$75)
• Be honest and thorough

4. Background Checks

Landlords typically check:

• Credit history
• Criminal background
• Eviction records
• Employment verification
• Rental references

5. Approval Process

• Wait 1-7 days for decision
• Landlord may request additional info
• May need co-signer if income is low

6. Lease Signing

• Review lease carefully
• Ask questions about anything unclear
• Understand all terms and fees
• Get copies of everything

7. Move-In

• Pay security deposit and first month rent
• Document property condition
• Get keys and access codes
• Set up utilities

Application Fees

Legal fees:

• Application fee: $30-$75 (non-refundable)
• Security deposit: Usually 1-2 months rent
• First month's rent: Paid upfront
• Last month's rent: Sometimes required

Illegal fees:

• "Holding fees" to take property off market
• Fees before seeing property
• Excessive application fees

Tips for Approval

1. Apply quickly - Good properties go fast
2. Be professional - First impressions matter
3. Provide complete info - Don't leave gaps
4. Follow up - Show you're interested
5. Be honest - Lies will be discovered

If Denied

• Ask for specific reasons
• Request a copy of credit/background report
• Fix issues before next application
• Consider a co-signer
• Look for properties with flexible requirements

Red Flags During Application

⚠️ Watch out for:

• No formal application process
• Requests for payment before application
• Landlord won't show ID
• No written lease offered
• Pressure to skip steps