Successful Renting at a Glance
Finding Your Place
- Go to www.housinglink.org
- Select your criteria (Bedrooms, Rent, Accessibility, etc)
- Click “Show Listings” to see results
Know Who You Are
- What is your monthly income?
- What is your credit score?
- What is your rental history?
- What is your criminal background?
Get the Landlord’s Rental Criteria in Writing
- How much income do they require?
- What credit scores will they accept?
- What are their rental history requirements?
- What past criminal activity do they decline?
Note: DO NOT PAY AN APPLICATION FEE IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE LANDLORD’S CRITERIA
Fees You May Have to Pay
- Application Fee ‐ $20 ‐ $70
- Security Deposit – Varies, but anywhere from $100 – One month’s rent is common.
- Administrative Fee – It’s not as common as the first two, but some properties charge this fee. The amount varies.
- Late Fees – Up to 8% of your rent payment if you pay your rent late.
Move‐In Day
Fill out a move in/move out form and make detailed notes about the unit’s condition. Is the carpet worn in spots? Write it down. Is there a scratch on the wall? Write it down. Both you and your landlord should sign this document and both get a copy. That way you aren’t blamed for wear and tear or damages you didn’t create.
Living in the Unit
- Pay your rent on time.
- Communicate maintenance issues right away.
- Know the rules in your lease. Getting evicted because you have loud parties or are noisy will come back to haunt you.
- Keep your unit clean & be a good neighbor
Moving Out
- How far in advance do you have to notify the landlord that you are leaving? (It’s in your lease)
- Clean the unit thoroughly
- Give the landlord your new address so they can send you the security deposit (It’s refunded if the unit is in good condition).
Is Your Background Causing You Trouble?
- Be open & honest about what happened & explain why things are better now.
- Do not pay an application fee if you don’t meet the rental criteria.
- Offer solutions. Will the landlord accept you if you pay a higher security deposit or have a cosigner
on the lease?