15 Ways to Get a Landlord to Rent to You (in a competitive market)

---

In this community resource guide, you will learn about three ways that you can entice landlords to rent to you in a competitive housing market.

It seems like every day, the cost of living goes up. Rent is no exception. If you’re finding it difficult to find an affordable place to live, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In today’s competitive rental market, landlords can afford to be choosy about who they rent to. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being selected as a tenant. Here are 15 ways to entice a landlord to rent to you!

The Housing Shortage Problem

With the current shortage of housing, landlords are becoming more selective about who they choose to rent an apartment.

In order to stand out as a tenant in this competitive rental market, it is important to be prepared with the necessary documentation and to have a good rental history. When landlords are reviewing applications, they will be looking for tenants who have a steady income and a good credit score.

They may also require a background check and references from previous landlords.

By taking the time to gather all of the required documentation, you will be in a better position to compete for a limited number of available rentals.

Continue reading to learn about 15 ways to increase your chances of an apartment manager renting to you.

1.) Work With An Apartment Locator

One way to increase your chances of being selected as a tenant is by working with an apartment locator. Apartment locators have relationships with landlords and know what properties are available for rent and at what price points. They can also help you negotiate the best deal on rent. In a competitive housing market, it’s important to have someone in your corner who can help you get the best possible deal on housing.

2.) Sign A Longer Lease

One way to increase your chances of getting an apartment is to negotiate with the landlord. If you’re able to offer something that the landlord wants, they may be more likely to rent to you.

For example, if you’re willing to sign a longer lease, the landlord may be willing to give you a discount on rent. This is beneficial to both you and the landlord. The apartment gets essentially guaranteed rent for the next 2 years and you lock in monthly rent for today’s market for the next 2 years. The cost of rent rises yearly, so if you can lock in monthly rent at today’s price you’ll save money in the long run.

3.) Offer To Pay Multiple Months Of Rent

Another way to entice a landlord is to offer multiple months of rent. This shows the landlord that you’re financially responsible and that you’re serious about renting their property. This approach will also separate you from the other renters who are only looking to pay one month of rent at a time.

4.) Get A Guarantor

A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you default on your lease. This can be a family member or friend. Having a guarantor shows the landlord that you’re responsible and that you have someone who is willing to be financially responsible for you.

5.) Provide A Referral

If you have a friend or family member who is looking for an apartment, offer them as a referral. This shows the landlord that you’re connected to other people who are also looking for housing and that you’re likely to help them find tenants for

6.) Have Good References

If you have good references from previous landlords, be sure to mention them when you’re applying for an apartment. This will show the landlord that you’re a responsible tenant who takes care of their property.

7.) Be Flexible With Your Move-In Date

If you’re flexible with your move-in date, it may be easier to find an apartment. This is because many landlords prefer to have tenants move in on the first of the month.

If you are not in an absolute rush to move in let the landlord know you are willing to be flexible with your move-in date. This shows that you’re easy to work with and that you’re not going to cause any inconvenience for the landlord.

8.) Be Prepared To Move Quickly

The opposite of being flexible is being willing to move into a new place quickly. If you’re able to move quickly, be sure to let the landlord know.

In a competitive housing market, landlords often have multiple people interested in renting their property. If you’re able to move quickly, it shows that you’re serious about renting the property and that you’re not going to cause any delays.

9.) Be Prepared To Pay A Deposit

When you’re looking for an apartment, be prepared to pay a security deposit. Security deposits usually cost one month’s rent.

Paying a security deposit shows the landlord that you’re financially responsible and that you’re serious about renting their property.

10.) Mention That You Do Not Have Pets

If you don’t have any pets, it may be easier to find an apartment. This is because many landlords prefer not to rent to tenants with pets.

If you don’t have any pets, be sure to let the landlord know. This will show them that you’re less likely to cause damage to their property and that you’re not going to create any noise complaints from your neighbors.

Should you have pets, you might want to consider working with an apartment locator. They can provide you with a listing of properties that are pet friendly in your area.

11.) Be Clean And Tidy During Your Visit To The Apartment

When you’re looking for an apartment, be sure to dress neatly and keep your belongings clean and tidy. This signals to the landlord that you’re a clean and tidy person who is going to take care of their property.

12.) Take The Time To Fill Out The Application Properly

When you’re applying for an apartment, be sure to take the time to fill out the application properly. This shows that you’re a responsible tenant who is willing to follow the rules. If there are multiple blanks on your application and your landlord has to call you for clarification, this sets a bad precedent.

If you have any questions about the application, be sure to ask them before you submit it. This shows that you’re taking the time to understand the process and that you’re not just trying to get an apartment without following the rules.

13.) Be Polite And Courteous

When you’re interacting with the landlord, be sure to be polite and courteous. This will show them that you’re a respectful person who would make a good tenant.

14.) Follow Up After Your Initial Contact With The Apartment Manager

Once you’ve made initial contact with the landlord, be sure to follow up afterward. This shows them that you’re interested in renting their property and that you’re serious about finding an apartment. It also allows you to supply any missing documents that may be needed from the apartment complex.

Out of sight out of mind, so the more you can communicate with the landlord (that isn’t pushy or bothersome) the better your chances you have of renting an apartment.

15.) Work With A 2nd Chance Apartment Locator If You Have A Poor Rental History Or A Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record or a poor rental history, it may be difficult to find an apartment. This is because many landlords do not want to rent to tenants who have a criminal record or who have had problems in the past with their rental history.

2nd chance apartment locators can help you find an apartment even if you have a criminal record or a poor rental history. They can work with landlords to negotiate for an apartment and they can help you find properties that accept tenants with broken leases or evictions.

Conclusion

There are a number of ways that you can encourage a landlord to rent to you in a competitive market. By being prepared and following the tips we’ve provided, you’ll give yourself the best chance of securing an affordable apartment.

Similar Articles That May Interest You:

• 7 Ways To Find Low Income Apartments With No Waitlist
• How To Get Emergency Housing If You Are Homeless Or Facing Eviction
• 19 Genius Ways To Find Housing If You Have A Criminal Record
• How To Get Section 8 In Less Than 30 Days With This Tip