Rental Application Process Mistakes You're Making! | 7 Rental Application Mistakes to Avoid

Arlington VA real estate agent and Realtor Matt Leighton goes through 7 common mistakes that people are making when they submit an application to rent a property. Download a Free Rental Application here: bit.ly/2Np1LqK
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7 Rental Application Mistakes You Are Making:
0:45 - Negotiating before applying.
1:57 - Applying too far out.
3:56 - Not knowing your move-in date.
5:55 - Not including your SSN.
6:49 - Not explaining any credit issues.
8:20 - Not having the first month of rent ready
10:12 - Not knowing how many roommates you have
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These tips are mostly based on Virginia rental applications. While your state may have the same or similar procedures, be sure to check with your local real estate agent on the best way to apply for a rental property.
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Matt Leighton - Arlington VA Real Estate Agent
Matt [at] Orange Line Condo dot com
Century 21 Redwood Realty
1934 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
• Rental Application Pro...

[@TheMattLeighton]

▶▶▶ Get my new book: 46 Condo Buying Mistakes NOW --> www.amazon.com/Matt-Leighton/e/B00RTVS6PY/

[@CaptchaNeon]

*Rookie landlord mistake, assuming that because someone has a decent credit score and a clean background they’re going to be a fantastic renter. Some of the absolute worst people haven’t been caught yet and maintain that clean background. Credit scores are overrated, it doesn’t define people down to a guarantee.*

[@michaell8957]

Captcha Neon facts

[@adirayasharahla984]

Truth!

[@danielbenson5078]

Yeah but who you going to trust someone that shows clean or someone that doesn’t ?

[@danielbenson5078]

It’s just how it is

[@antoniusgrave1348]

@@danielbenson5078 The problem is you have absolutely no way to know if someone is clean or not, outside of renters history. renters history should be the only thing looked at when a land lord looks at an applicant, not credit.

[@JustKhristene]

This was a good video because you gave both the tenant’s and agent’s point of views and responsibilities when trying to rent out. 👌🏽

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thanks for watching Khristene! I appreciate you 🙏

[@wrenchtimeautomech7268]

Other problem is landlords or agents charging an astronomical amount of money for the application fee. There is absolutely no reason an application fee should be more than 30 bucks, any more than that, I automatically move on as I know theyll get the money, find a reason to deny, and keep the money.

[@TheMattLeighton]

High application fees need to be changed for rentals. It's usually $50 here in Northern VA/DC 💸 Thanks for your feedback and for watching!

[@johnslyfield5096]

In some states, landlords are prohibited from charging more than the cost of the screening. They are usually free to charge less, or if approved to apply that towards the rent. But in those states, they are limited by their cost. Where I am moving into, it cost $45, and that's what the screening company charges.

[@flameroyal123]

Normally it’s 30$ for EACH ADULT

[@SadieBenz317]

There's a place were the application fee is $150

[@THEREVOLUTION-0.1]

When did we all just mindlessly accept application fees??? You’re all talking about the cost of application fee, and missing the most important point: what on earth is even an application fee??? …there seems to be a fee for everything

[@Sinstar33]

Two of these I actually haven’t thought of and they’re so common sense. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Perfect timing, I’m making THE important call this Monday. *Thank you!*

[@BellaBeeBaby]

I ask to prorate the first month if I'm not moving in on the first of that month. There's no reason to pay a full month of rent if I moved in on like the 15th. In that case I should pay half

[@benjaminstenson5955]

Unless the market is hot and people are bidding higher than the listed rent price

[@jeansoo-learngrowserve3266]

Great video with good points! As a property manager who gets tons of inquiries, I can say that many owners absolutely hate it when people just leave one sentence inquiries like: hi, is this available? Can I see it? Please provide a professional brief introduction of yourself. Owners appreciate getting some formal background such as : Hi, I love your place and I recently sold my house and would love to see your place. Please let me know if it's available. It just sounds more professional and makes yourself stand out from the crowd.

[@TheMattLeighton]

So true!

[@courtneyeliza8398]

I never understood why your credit score has any part on whether or not you can rent. That should only be a factor if you have derogatory marks regarding renting history, utilities, etc. “Good” credit should only make a difference when buying a home.

[@indiejones4683]

Gabe Stagg that's why she said renting history.

[@lcarltbmx6743]

Its a reflection of your ability to pay rent on time.

[@anthonyfletcher8053]

LCarlTBM x yeah I don’t get how so many people liked her comment smh

[@alexisrose4221]

Anthony Fletcher because stupid mistakes people make as teenagers (not paying phone bills) can stay in the way of you and your dream place! I have great credit but if someone messes up as a teen it’s hard to come back from that. But people can change.

[@kjs498]

Also, a credit report is your history of debt. It’s literally all based on what kind of debt, how long you’ve had the debt, and paying your debts. So if you’ve never had a credit card, car payment, or student loan, you could be disqualified because you’ve never had any debt. Like what? Isn’t that a GOOD thing? Rent isn’t even a type of debt! I agree, a background check and proof of income should be good enough to rent a place.

[@Davethreshold]

GOOD ONE on knowing my move in date! Thank you! Very helpful.

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you! Happy to help!

[@Davethreshold]

@@TheMattLeighton I just thought of one that you may have not. When i was a stereo salesman at the long defunct Playback, they told us do not speak unkindly about the competition, because it sounds classless. SO (I meant this when i said it.) I told my new landlord during the application process that my last Landlord is a great guy! :-)

[@TheMattLeighton]

Haha love it!

[@muserussell2377]

Why would you negotiate after youve put in the application? Once the application is in youve already paid the application fee and taken a hard credit inquiry on your report, theyre asking questions precisely because they dont want to live or apply there if their conditions arent met

[@kendrick4l511]

My girl needed a bank statement last week and I was worried about her loosing her not getting her car loan 😴 but everything good now only because of deelscafe good work 👍.

[@therealsaint3075]

thanks i just purchased my stub and statement from him on his insta page

[@Joy_nails]

Saw this comment earlier was nervous tho but I got statements from him and the landlady just verified it

[@Johnnydoggs3]

@@Joy_nailsI had same feelings too lol

[@calterry]

I know landlord and agent that tries to rip ppl off eating the application fees.

[@TheMattLeighton]

Sorry to hear this. There will always be people that try to rip others off. I feel sorry for anyone who has fell victim to those people. I also feel sorry for the landlord and agent to try to rip people off over $50.

[@jimmyrodrguez1187]

Especially ehen they showing 10 people a house a week.. $50 each person is a lot of money

[@mohamedamarir678]

Matt Leighton Why I have to pay 50$ in the first place, if this is legitimate the application should be free

[@TheMattLeighton]

How is the owner supposed to pay to run a credit, criminal and eviction check on the potential renter?

[@selinakyle3194]

@@TheMattLeighton Everything they look for in a background check is free information. Application fee of over $25 is nothing but a ripoff

[@lilbrutto9253]

Nice video! To the point and very pleasant presentation

[@mccrea_nyc_1999]

This video makes sense, this is awesome!

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thanks Megan!

[@Superbo567]

Thank you for doing this!

[@aussieraver7182]

Very useful tips, thanks mate!

[@AldousHuxley7]

Awesome vid thanks!

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you!

[@kireinaamiranurulizzah7083]

As a student, i'm confused. Well still trying to understand. Anyway, thank you so much for the info. 😊

[@sofiamarlina7542]

bingung dimananya mbak

[@usernamehandle]

dude you are just so awesome and great energy. thanks for the help

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you!

[@TK-vu5ny]

Very informative video!

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Filthycoffin]

Do you have to fill out an application just to view it?

[@jaded.9915]

Hi Matt, Can agents from the different brokerage share NTN report? Is it the client responsibility to get the copy of the NTN report from NTN and send to another agent from the different brokerage for the different property?

[@yovannichavez3072]

Hi Matt, I am about 2 days away from closing in on an apartment in NJ. I made the mistake of negotiating the monthly rent before submitting my app and was denied the negotiation (actually the broker said it was only able to go down 50 bucks, but I think that was anticipation to any negotiation brought up), now, a day or two later we ran the app. & credit/background checks and passed with flying colors yesterday. Do you think now is a good time to renegotiate monthly dues, after having told that it wouldn’t happen, only for 50 bucks? And if so how much is normally recommended in percentage % taking into account that I deff have the info to back up as an above average renter?

[@selfimaged]

Im so glad I watch these types of videos before execution.

[@iammodestykazi6914]

Excellent ! Some very nice points Matt 👏👌🏻👍

[@bentodash3455]

Hi Matt, what if a large family of like 8 are applying a rental application and they kinda reduced the amount of tenants living there. You know how landlords tend to decline applications with large families with children.

[@pamelam4]

I disagree about how long a landlord will hold a property for you. I'm currently looking and several places I have looked at don't have apartments available for another 2 or 3 months, however they are willing to hold them if I wanted to put a deposit down on one of them - and I have at one apartment complex. It is the end of August now and my move in date isn't until Nov. 1. This works for me because I didn't want to move until then anyway. So I guess it depends on the place.

[@TheMattLeighton]

Good to know! Thanks for your input

[@cartwilliams8879]

Hey... U need a cheap apartment nearby or far away?? Just contact [phone] on WhatsApp he will help u... Just like he helped me and my friends for affordable price.

[@blacklyfe5543]

Make a video about what if you can't make 3x the monthly rent

[@dashkajulien6061]

any ideas on what you should do if you have more than enough money but no income? thanks! also do you work in georgia.?

[@CovetedLOVE18]

I wish someone would answer this question.

[@wlsonzor]

It depends on what the landlord is looking for. A landlord may ask that you provide a guarantor that makes approximately 80 times per year the amount of monthly rent. Some, though very few, will allow you to prepay rent up to a year as long as it is in escrow. The laws for your particular area will vary and will affect what a landlord can and won't do.

[@justinhonarvar7214]

How to get approved for an apartment when your credit score is poor?

[@serenas8144]

G I have that problem, and I found a third party service that reports on time rent to the credit bureaus. The first Land lord I called, was ok with my bad credit, cuz I documented my on time rental payment history, and my payments with her will build my credit! It is rentalkhama dot com. I hope this helps. It did me.

[@meallpetty4578]

I’m looking for a place but I’m young and don’t really have credit. I’m scared I’ll get denied by every place even tho I’ll have provable income. Do many landlords or companies work with you on this? I don’t have the option of trying to build my credit for 6-12 months.

[@TheMattLeighton]

I would look to build a personal relationship with the landlord when you meet them for a showing and during the application process. If you've built a relationship and there are credit issues, they may be more likely to work with you to help you out.

[@kortaniijohnson512]

My Fiancee and I just applied for a rental home yesterday and the owner didnt ask for a move in date (yet) but to be honest we are ready to move in tomorrow if he called us up and said we are approved. Would that be a good answer? Because we are trying to get away from our area as soon as physically possible. We live in a very rural area with no cell service and very unstable wifi as our internet at the moment so we are trying to get into the city ASAP. I just don't want to say the wrong thing to the guy. I'm just curious how to tell him we are ready to move in as soon as he is willing to give us the keys (if we get approved that is).

[@TemperanceLibraRising]

call and follow up on your application and tell him you are following up because you are ready to move in as soon as the rehtal is ready, and ask when that will be, .

[@abbywalker8041]

I don’t think the not looking at apartments more than 2 months in advance idea applies for apartments in college town, at least in the Midwest. Everyone here starts signing leases for the next school year in October-November. I just signed my lease renewal for July 2019-July 2020, and if I hadn’t, someone else would’ve signed it and made my apartment unavailable come July!

[@TheMattLeighton]

Good call! College markets may be significantly different! I know for my college back in the day we had to do the same thing and renew super early for the next year

[@JPPropertyConsultingLLC]

College housing is a completely different animal. Reason being is because, as a student living in the dorm, you know EXACTLY when you’ll be moving out… because you’re scheduled to graduate in X amount of months… and once graduated, you WONT be living there anymore. Whereas, with traditional multi family housing, one can continue to renew their lease every year and stay there for years on end. Therefore, unlike student housing, a landlord of s traditional multi family apartment community/building does not and will not know availability until someone gives notice to vacate - which is, like he in this video stated… would be closer to 30-60 prior to lease expiration.

[@elsahaley878]

You always provide helpful information. Thank you Matt. You should have thousands more followers :-)

[@TheMattLeighton]

+Elsa Haley thanks Elsa! So appreciative of your support. :)

[@jlui7437]

This credit background checks is when it comes to renting a place matter fact is against Hiipa confidential laws to have some Jon or Jane Doe stranger to be noseying around your personal business,afterall is not like people are planning to buy the property.

[@EqualOpportunityDestoroya]

My landlord is forcing everyone in our building to use rent cafe and I am one of the hold outs

[@i_am_nishaj]

My fiancé , kids, and I are looking to move in ASAP to this townhouse that we are interested in. We’ve never rented before besides living with my parents and paying them rent each month. Would that still fall under the category of “rental history”? Also, our credit is somewhat bad BUT we’ve never had any evictions. The only thing we have is hospital bills (which I don’t understand because our health insurance pays a good amount) but other than that it shows that our car payment is always paid on time, would we still have a good chance of being approved?

[@TheMattLeighton]

What is your credit score? Living with your parents and paying them rent usually will not do much to help your rental history

[@sasha2173]

let’s my application is approved, paid all the deposit and extra fees, ready to move in but i’m only available to move in the first of the next month, will the landlords not prefer that or it’s ok with them?

[@sewadream7315]

I’ve made a few late payments in the past due to me having been laid off from a job closing. I never had an eviction or anything. Credit is not bad. I was denied recently because of my rental history. Now, i’m not sure what to do? Idk What my options are or if i’ll ever have a chance at renting again.. 😩

[@AbaitheyBeauty]

Sew A’Dream hey girl how is it going ?

[@Joy_nails]

I got biweekly stubs and a rental history from Cyber Credible just to get approved for a new apartment. I'm really happy I finally got the apartment

[@DOSBoxMom]

Very understandable non-auto-generated captions -- but they're running too far in advance of the presenter's voice. Good practical information, though! Back to listening to the rest of the video. (My daughter is currently job-hunting, and we expect her to relocate to wherever her new job is by the end of the summer. This will be her first apartment, so we (her parents) will be helping her move, and are prepared to co-sign that first lease if necessary.)

[@TheMattLeighton]

Good feedback. I appreciate it and thank you for watching!

[@Kim-mh5cv]

My husband has a credit score of 730, I started building credit about 4 months ago and am already at 530. BUT in order to meet the income requirements we have to combine my FAFSA grant, my part time job income, and his part time job income. No one wants to rent to 2 young 20 year olds who just barely meet the income requirements and have no rental history :( any tips???

[@Herb615]

You could have a cosigner. It worked for me.

[@tictac8737]

What happens if I see there's a bigger unit in same bldg that just was added on bldg website, already signed lease, pre-payed deposit & rent 02-01-19, but what happens if want to switch unit??

[@TheMattLeighton]

Read the lease. Is there a way to back out? Usually it's tough to back out after signing a lease.

[@specialstone9153]

Some apartment managers can be merciless. You want an apartment (supposed to have been ready to move in, but holes were discovered that were not patched to keep roaches out) you get told, no we cant hold it for you, date set, so you end up paying for a whole month while still living at another apartment waiting for lease to end (last month there) What a ripoff. Also something is very wrong that invasive application questions must be required in order to be approved, preposterous! Some require copying your i.ds as well. Legally, no one is supposed to give out unnecessary private information. Lawsuits should be launched against such invasiveness (,that comes with intimidating threat).

[@gustavomunoz1684]

Great video Matt! I was wondering: do you think automating this process can help or hurt landlords in the long run? I'm really impressed by DoorLoop's rental application features and am wondering whether I should move forward wtih the software.

[@trikishasarden2566]

Can u answer one questions i think someone died in my apartment before i moved in because there is fire damage in restroom so how would i find out the information i am seeking

[@TheMattLeighton]

Search the property address on Google. There could be a news story about a fire or death. Sorry to hear about that

[@Jaritawhatley]

I texted him this morning and he made the stubs showing 3x the rent. It's perfect and I had no doubts

[@Jaritawhatley]

Cyber credible made them and I found his page on Twitter and texted his number directly

[@alainaharmon2575]

Thanks for your help I reached out to Cyber Credible and the bank statement work perfectly. I already moved in and recommended some of my friends

[@TrueHylianKnight]

VERY useful video. Thank you

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you!

[@tbetical]

Look matt that is completely unreasonable to assume the normal person can afford two times or three times the market value for you to rent an apartment. What do you do about that..?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Negotiate

[@leesaben1412]

Matt. I have paid several realtors now. Does everyone put on a act like they want to help? I started looking a little over a month til move out and I get my hopes up just to get disappointed.. each time I think" her this agent cares and is going to help push the application through".

[@TheMattLeighton]

Some do want to help, others act like they want to help unfortunately

[@alexisrose4221]

If I make double what the rent is do you think that is something they go for? How much extra does a landlord want a person to make? I’m finding places I like that are definitely expensive but I can afford. I don’t know how to prove that my rental payments would always come first 😂! We haven’t had good luck in the past. Only “slum lords” acccept is. Any actually NICE well taken care of places seem to rent to older people only. :( I’m seeing a 3 bedroom dream apartment this week.. any tips?! They had me answer questions online before they would set up a viewing and I passed that, so that’s good news I hope. I’m just worried because I’m on maternity leave (Canada, 1 yr long) and my partner is on parental leave until he returns to work this early spring or sooner!

[@alexisrose4221]

So I’m just wondering what they really look for in a tenant income wise. Do they actually prefer people on welfare or maternity because we have a forsure set income? I hope they don’t think we are lazy lol. And we are both 24. I don’t know if this sounds desperate but on the listing it said first and last month required, and I offered to pay an addition month just to prove I was interested. So it’s $1500, so I’d give 4500 when moving in. In my mind it would make them feel more secure, and it would be off my mind for the first two months until I’m settled !

[@alexisrose4221]

We make more than double btw but just wondering what they look for

[@alexisrose4221]

778 credit score but he has never built credit but has no debt or bad credit so not even sure what his is lol

[@TheMattLeighton]

In my area, most owners are looking for renters that make at least 3x the monthly rent. They're also looking for a solid credit score and landlord references. If you're in a hot rental market, you may not get the first or second place you apply for. Good luck!

[@ladawnlee3990]

Ok so I agree with you and you should keep doing what you do because you can talk stuff out to let people who need help or just don't want to know you can talk and thank s for taking about this and like I said you should keep doing what you are doing 😇🤓🤔🗣

[@michaell8957]

Aye ..ladawn lee #ImMovingIn🏡🚚💢📦📦😊?

[@a.brownlee2775]

Hi quick question. Im in the Southern Cali area. I filled out an application for an apartment. I put down a deposit as well But I ended up being transferred and not moving in. I didnt sign the lease or take possession of the unit. Am i entitled to me deposit back?

[@TheMattLeighton]

You should be able to get that deposit back assuming the application is non-binding

[@a.brownlee2775]

@@TheMattLeighton when i called and inquired about it the landlord said that from the time i put the deposit down they took the unit off the market, so they lost money on the unit for the days they held the unit for me until the day i was going to move in. Does that make a difference?

[@TheMattLeighton]

No. What does it say on the application about the deposit if you don't move forward with the lease? It should say it is refundable

[@lyrikalremedy2387]

Thank you

[@phathippie552]

he makes the same movements as Gordon Ramsay

[@mr_d3adw873]

as a teen moving out for the first time, I have no credit, can i still get an apartment? i also am about to get a job. i start thursday. so i dont have 3 months of stable income (which the application im applying for requires) what do i do?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Yes. Tell the landlord your story. Build a connection.

[@calebmcgrath3564]

Get a co-signer.

[@johnslyfield5096]

I would try to get some income first, to build up the cash. No credit is better than bad credit, so no worries there. They just don't want someone who has a lot of other debt and who never pays their bills. You have to figure you'll need 2 times the rent, plus a security deposit to just get the keys, plus moving expenses and living expenses. It's a hassle I know.

[@history6988]

A written offer letter.

[@encryptorEJ]

I’ll be looking to rent next September. My shared living lease agreement with have been met. So I’ll really be able to switch any month. You’re right though..my current situation is decent.

[@TheMattLeighton]

Yeah really just depends on your living situation or the cost to rent versus owning!

[@jhectormartin]

what about a deposit. you said only need 1st month rent. are deposits not collected anymore

[@davemojarra2666]

Enthusiastic fellow.😎

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thanks!

[@ZigZag9639]

Hello, does your rental steps help for Aussies or is it USA only?

[@TheMattLeighton]

I'm not sure what the process is like in Australia! Some of the steps, like knowing your move-in date and who exactly you will be living with will definitely help!

[@lisamarie8907]

HAHAHAH GREAT VIDEO!

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you!

[@Sincerely_Alexis]

what about low credit (building) due to disability?

[@boomerak4774]

Can i back out of moving into an apartment if i paid a security deposit but haven't signed a lease yet?

[@TheMattLeighton]

If you haven't signed the lease, you should be able to back out and get your deposit returned. This is assuming that your application was non-binding.

[@boomerak4774]

@@TheMattLeighton ok thanks for the quick response!

[@boomerak4774]

@@TheMattLeighton i actually gave them a move in date but haven't seen the actual apartment yet because it was being cleaned and some other things were being done to it

[@TheMattLeighton]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@Ma-cm7ft]

Do these steps still align with rooms for rent?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Yes! Depending on what is required, you will most likely see these steps or some form of these steps

[@angelr96]

I'm glad i saw this video because i have a HUGE CONCERN. My boyfriend & I are planningto get an apartment soon. He makes more money than i do, he has his own apartment so i assume he has credit. Will they still allow us to get the apartment although he makes the most, and we will have the money upfront to pay????

[@TheMattLeighton]

What's the concern?

[@angelr96]

@@TheMattLeighton Although i dont have credit and my boyfriend does & although he makes more money than i do, will they still allow us to get the apartment??

[@TheMattLeighton]

Depends on your total income relative to the property's rent. Sometimes no credit is OK is the income is high enough. Really depends on income and rent of the apartment

[@angelr96]

@@TheMattLeighton Okay. That makes perfect sense. Thank you so much!

[@TheMattLeighton]

You're welcome!

[@selfimaged]

Question, do some landlords or agents ask for 500 deposits that’s refundable before securing the property? That’s abit weird to me.

[@stonefist911]

You do any work in DC?

[@mrgrind210]

What if i make under 3x the rent but have good credit & a co signer? What are the chances😭😭🙏🙏

[@AsToldByKennia]

I wish he would have answered this.

[@JPPropertyConsultingLLC]

It depends on their screening criteria, which is typically a bit different for each landlord/management company. I work in the large apartment community end of the industry and most places/companies which I worked for have criteria which would allow for a co-signer if you don’t qualify via financial reasons (such as not making the income requirement or the credit reporting requirement). Co-signers may be required to jump through a few more hoops such as make 5x the rent instead of 3x and have a much higher credit rating than a typical applicant. The bottom line is that you need to qualify in each category itself(credit,income, rental history, etc). Doing well in one section and not passing in another section will still mean you don’t meet the criteria.

[@kieoncoleman9810]

So let's say I rent an apartment, but didn't put my girlfriend on the lease because we weren't aware how things would go. I'm not allowed to go back and ask the landlord if she can be put on the lease later? And 2. Let's say I do put her on the lease, but I'm the one that's going to pay the bills because she is currently unemployed. Will she still be expected to pay because she's on the lease?

[@nanaosei9784]

low credit but high income, fiance started his own business so combined we are bringing in close to 8k a month but our credit scores aren't high. Would a landlord be willing work with us?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Great question. Explain to the landlord your income. That's most important. Hopefully they will understand your credit

[@Blu_Pixxie]

Money always talks...My credit score is low but I offered to pay off a 1 year worth of rent up front. They practically handed the keys over. seek private owners too

[@TheMattLeighton]

Exactly! Great point

[@foreveryours7705]

Nana Osei what business did he start

[@hse6144]

Pay off your debt with your high income

[@MrDao92]

How hard it is!

[@kait490]

My boyfriend and I are looking to move into our first place together. We both have good income, great credit, full time jobs, parental support, no criminal record or anything negative that could be found in a background check, no drugs or smoking or pets, my dad (a paramedic) is going to cosign. However, we are young and would be first time renters. We have been rejected by 3 places now and I believe that its because of our age and no rental history. Im 19 nearly 20 and he is 22. We are both very responsible, quiet and respectful. Definitely not the type to throw parties or destroy the place. We are very clean. But no one wants to rent to us. Its very frustrating. How can we prove that we are responsible?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Sorry to hear about getting rejected. What did the 3 places say the reason was that you were rejected? And it sounds like you have good income.. is there a reason your dad is cosigning?

[@marilyncruz1030]

In the “ hood “ where I’m at 10 or more people live in the apartments! 🤬

[@montanaspring7176]

how do i provide proof of income if ive been unemployed and sold my house to move a city where im going to get a job

[@TheMattLeighton]

+Montana Spring that's a great question. If you have a job already, then an offer letter from your employer should work. It sounds like you are moving, then getting a job... In that case most, but not all, landlords will want to see some sort of proof of liquid assets. This could be a screenshot of your bank account to prove that you have money to pay for rent. I know that this may seem intrusive, but without a job or offer letter, landlords need to know you have money for rent. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@Dari0_13]

Matt Leighton that's where I'm at right now,. I'm moving to San Diego in July from Pennsylvania, I'm quitting my job in end of June, I'm a little scared that I won't get an apartment if I don't have a job or don't make 3x more than what the rent is, I do.have $10k saved on my bank, is that enough for California rent me out an apartment?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Depends on the rent for the apartment in California. If you don't have a current source of income, you will have to use your savings account to get the apartment or find a landlord who does a less extensive background check

[@TheMattLeighton]

I'm not as familiar with your situation but what I can say is that it would be a great idea to get a letter from your current landlord. If your credit is not the highest, try working directly with the owner (as opposed to a property management company, etc) and let them know your situation

[@t.thomas6967]

He is giving advice on renting a place where the landlord is trying to get rich. There are other landlords who just want someone get a long with. I've even heard landlords that are looking for parties.

[@shyy87]

I have a question. I went to see an apartment yesterday and the landlord wants a $500 deposit with the application. He claims if we are not picked for the apartment the money will be returned. Does this sound legit?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Would the $500 serve as the security deposit if the application is accepted? I would read the application closely. We require 1 month's rent with our applications so it does sound legit, I would just make sure that is returned if your application is not accepted

[@shyy87]

Matt Leighton yes he says it will go towards the deposit and 1st months rent. I just wasn’t sure if this was a normal practice. I assume i should not deal with cash and be sure to get a receipt for the transaction. Thank you for your quick response.

[@TheMattLeighton]

Yeah definitely make sure it's a check and not cash. Best of luck!

[@nicholecrouch311]

I was evicted from a place a long time ago, my friend was shot by his girlfriend not fatally and we were all evicted, well the managers of the apartment complex told me and my girlfriend that we weren't going to get the eviction on our records because we always paid on time and never gave problems before said incident, at the moment of the incident the police showed up of course and so did she and I done nothing wrong but the police cuffed everybody because they didn't know what was going on and they hadn't got the story straight yet. She started screaming at me and said that we were going to be thrown out that night, which I assumed either she did that to make the neighbors feel better or she was really that upset at that time which I can understand but I told her right then and there that I'm not doing anything wrong here me and my girlfriend were asleep I'm fixing to get laid out of these cuffs go back inside your f****** apartment needless to say she did and a few days later I guess she calm down about the whole situation and offered me and my girlfriend and apartment without she said her friend could not live there anymore which okay that's acceptable I told her no I think her for generosity to offer me and her place but we are going to find somewhere else to live and ask right then and there if we were going to get an eviction put on a record or if we can be released from the contract and she said yes we can release you from the contract lease and you won't get an eviction on your record well after we had talked that one time I had moved with my girlfriend and we moved to a different place and never went back to that apartment and she I guess lied to us and put the eviction on my record anyway even though we'd pay rent and everything on time never gave no problems except for that one incident. My question is how would I go about explaining that to a landlord because I am needing to find a place now and I'm not sure how I'm going to explain that to them...my credit is terrible I mean absolutely terrible and I have a felony from 10 years ago almost I have not been in trouble since then with the law or anything like that and I'm trying to bring my credit score up I mean would somebody be willing to help me or am I in some serious trouble?

[@nardose3084]

Nichole Crouch what kind of a felony? And how terrible is your credit score? Do you have a stable income? Can you pay first and last and maybe a few months in advance? Just be honest

[@kathyxie2575]

Why is it bad to rent in large apartment complex? It seems pretty hard to find private landlords/places

[@TheMattLeighton]

The downsides of renting from a large apartment complex are that they will raise the rent after the first year (usually more than a private landlord), sometimes you won't be able to view the apartment you'll rent in-person since someone else will be living there and finally large apartment complexes are businesses and you'll have to deal with large management companies that sometimes care more about their bottom line than their residents. If you can only find large apartment complexes, just know the downsides/risks before moving forward.

[@kimie8086]

Credit score should not determine if I can pay my rent

[@SmoothGaminglol]

I agree but alot of people don't have it like that.

[@crazyr605]

Lmao at 06:00

[@TheWELLRESPECTED]

Acyutally helpful vid. You can tell by the like/dislike ratio too. Watch the vid before you read the comments. Will be getting thumbs up from me lad 🏠👍🏽

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thank you sir!

[@toledoslife8196]

This video was made to help listing agents and realtor, not renters lmao

[@THEREVOLUTION-0.1]

How can one get to talk to the landlords directly, and avoid all these realtor sharks??????

[@specialstone9153]

Do not give your social security number, nor accounts numbers, and bank statements, etc. Nosey ilegal questions that put you at identity theft risk, etc. Apartment owners wouldnt like it if you wanted all of their personal info. (Evil)

[@SadieBenz317]

I paid off a whole eviction and still got denied might as well stay homeless

[@Dee-your-urber-eats_driver]

Is a credit Score of 520 ok for Renting?

[@TheMattLeighton]

That's not ideal. See if you can work on getting that up or explain to the landlord your current situation so they know when they pull your credit

[@Dee-your-urber-eats_driver]

@@TheMattLeighton Thanks I am working with Lexington Law and I have been for atleast 6 month it has gone up alot since I got their help. I am working on with them. The have already got lot of bad stuff removed. So I am working on it.

[@Mexxx65]

How does your Social Security No prove you are not a Psycho?

[@sourpatch2014]

So i have no credit and my boyfriend has lowish credit we are looking for a place more than 3x the income most landlords in so cal will only hold a unit for 2 weeks with a deposit so Its almost impossible to give my sister notice when slum Lords are crazy i have a service dog and i feel like I'm going to have to fight for everything every place wants 2 months deposit and the rent so 3 actual rent payments only 2 weeks notice and most places want 3 past rental historys 750 credit score and no pets so it's been rough...

[@sourpatch2014]

We have more than 3 times the rent income wise sorry had to correct that

[@MJadeMcGregor]

Move out of cali!

[@macioluko9484]

Good video! Thanks. The greatest tip is: Get your F@ck you money asap!

[@takariiyoung5555]

When running a background check for apartments. . does felonies in other states pop up or no ?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Yes, most likely will

[@Toofastfourluv]

This is exactly why there are thousands of property that will never get rented. No one in their right mind is going to give you application sight unseen You are the waste of time Agents not answering phones Returning messages Saying crap like my phone will only text Filling Gn up the rental pages with encores to message with no responding address known What exactly are you offering the owner of these property? Don’t complain when your job is replaced by a robot It’s your attitude You are the public servant You need to hustle and work fir the tenant

[@pammpam564]

But why are you mad?

[@lmtt123]

Way toooo much energy. Cocaine and caffiene?

[@TheMattLeighton]

Thanks for watching Paul! And thanks for the feedback.

[@corazoncubano5372]

This is having too much energy? He seems normal to me.

[@rickecamargo122288]

Gross

[@Jorthax]

That's all well and good, Matt, but what if you're a single, white, heterosexual male whose only rental history is in established share-houses due to consistently being refused on the basis of being a single, white, heterosexual male?

[@jlui7437]

Oh and leasing a car is totally different from renting someone's property,the car becomes yours the rental doesn't.Nice try and fool people.

[@TheMattLeighton]

I don't understand this comment. And leasing a car is significantly different than renting a property

[@christina334]

Too much Adderall is never good for communication skills