Renter's Guide

Do you already know where and what you want to lease? If you want a condo-building, an apartment-building, or a single-family home? Which neighborhoods interest you? When are you looking to move? What features matter most—laundry in-unit, updated kitchen, pet-friendliness, parking, etc.? Spend time browsing listings online and observing price trends in different areas. Off-cycle leasing cycles follow different timelines & prices. Doing some initial research will help set realistic expectations and fine-tune your priorities.

In order to move competitively against multiple application scenarios, having these documents ready will ensure time for strategy and submission for review. Rental application processes can vary between opportunities depending on ownership or property management. Though, a standard application package typically requires:

• A completed rental application

• Copy of ID (driver's license, &/or passport, etc.) 1 per applicant & guarantor (if applicable)

• Current-year credit check and report, &/or background screening (some opportunities require an in-house soft-pull) for those presenting proof of income
• Proof of income (2 pay stubs, &/or an offer letter/employment verification letter with annualized income, &/or your most recent tax return) for those presenting proof of income
• 1 Month's Earnest Money Deposit (all funds are fully refundable if we are not accepted by management for any reason)

Students and International applicants will  be requested for their:

• Copy of Visa (F1, H1, J1, etc.)
• Proof of School Enrollment (student ID, transcript, etc.)
• Copy of I-20 (MUST be valid for the entire lease term)

Despite having a strong application package, consider having a guarantor to boost your total household income & credit when presenting to ownership in competitive scenarios! Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to compete against multiple application packages. Before racing to submit your application package, consult with us to see if having a guarantor will provide an advantage when you submit an application package, as the majority of owners and property managers review once, final-and-best.

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores. Test lights, water pressure, and appliances. Check closets and storage space. Listen for noise and observe the neighborhood at different times. Ask about heating systems, internet options, management, maintenance, etc. Take notes and photos/videos to compare options later.

Once you find the right place, be ready to act quickly against competing applications and let us know which property you would like to apply for. We will work with you to submit a complete application, all of your supporting documents, and the 1 Month's Earnest Money Deposit. If the market is competitive, consult us to see and consider if an over-ask bid would be recommended on this opportunity. Regardless, we accompany all of our application packages with a short "love-letter" introducing our applicants to stand out. Applications are binding, and it is advised to apply to one property at a time. If we receive a counteroffer, I will be able to help you negotiate so we can reach an agreement.

You’re officially a tenant, and ready to make your new space feel like home! Whether it’s a short-term stay or the beginning of a new chapter, enjoy every step of your rental journey. Schedule your move, update your address, set up utilities and renter's insurance, and get to know your neighborhood. Introduce yourself to your landlord &/or building manager, and review how to request maintenance if needed.

Should there be any concerns with the property's condition, you will have 15 days from the start of tenancy to return a completed apartment condition statement form with any additional notes on attention required. Document the condition of the unit by taking photos or video, and report any issues in writing with this form. This protects you from liability of previous tenancy, and can help ensure you get your full security deposit back upon move-out.