How to Apply for an Apartment: First-Time Renter's Guide

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Application fees are often nonrefundable, although rules vary by state, city, and landlord. In competitive markets, renters may pay several fees before approval. A strategic application reduces wasted cost and improves the chance of a clean approval process.

Zillow’s 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report found that the typical recent renter submitted two applications. It also reported a median application fee of $50 overall and $75 among recent renters who paid any application fee.

This stage connects your qualification package to a specific rental. It asks: does this rental fit your situation, and do you meet the stated requirements well enough to apply?

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Critical Actions You Should Do

1. Confirm availability before applying

Before submitting an application or paying a fee, confirm that the exact unit you want is still available. Ask whether any applications are already pending, whether the landlord is accepting multiple applications at the same time, and how quickly a decision is usually made. This prevents you from spending money on a unit that is effectively unavailable or already likely to go to another applicant.

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2. Ask all qualification requirements before paying

Do not apply before you understand the landlord’s screening standards. Ask about income requirements, credit expectations, background checks, rental history rules, employment verification, guarantor policies, roommate rules, pet restrictions, and any automatic disqualifiers. Application fees are often nonrefundable, so you should know whether you are a realistic candidate before paying. Clear requirements help you avoid wasted fees and weak applications.

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3. Submit a complete application in one package

A complete application can move faster than one sent in pieces. Include all required documents, such as government ID, income proof, employment information, references, rental history, bank statements if requested, and guarantor or co-signer documents if needed. Incomplete applications create delays and may cause the landlord to approve another applicant first. The goal is to make your application easy to review and verify.

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4. Apply selectively

Do not submit applications everywhere just to “try your chances.” Apply only when the unit fits your budget, you meet the basic criteria, you have verified the property, and you would actually accept the rental if approved. Selective applications reduce wasted fees, unnecessary screening, and rushed decisions. A serious application should come after you have confirmed the unit, the cost, the landlord, and your own readiness.

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5. Understand your tenant screening rights under federal law

If a landlord denies your application or takes another adverse action based on a tenant screening or consumer report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to receive information about the screening company used. Adverse action may include denial, requiring a guarantor, charging a higher deposit, or changing lease terms. Use that information to request, review, and dispute inaccurate screening information if needed.

Extra Actions You Can Do

1. Ask whether reusable screening reports are accepted

Some markets or platforms may support reusable reports, though rules vary by state and platform.

2. Prepare a backup application plan

If the first choice falls through, know which verified rentals are next on your shortlist.

3. Confirm fee timing and refund rules in writing

Ask when each fee is charged, what it covers, whether it is refundable, and whether it applies to a specific unit.

4. Ask how roommate applications are evaluated

Clarify whether each roommate must qualify independently or whether household income is combined.

5. If denied, request screening information promptly and dispute errors

Under FCRA, tenant screening companies must investigate disputes within 30 days and tell renters the result in writing.

Apply Once.

Apply Right.

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Critical Actions You Should Do