How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for an Apartment?
Learn what impacts apartment approval times and strategies to help speed up your application.
The process of getting approved for an apartment varies significantly. There isn’t a universal fixed timeline, as the duration is influenced by the applicant’s preparation and the property management’s procedures. While some applications might receive a decision quickly, others may take longer. On average, the approval process typically ranges from one to three business days, but it can extend to a week or more.
Factors Influencing Approval Time
The speed at which an apartment application is processed is affected by several elements. The completeness and accuracy of the application play a role; missing details or errors can lead to delays as property managers seek clarification. Property management companies and individual landlords operate with varying levels of efficiency and staffing. Some may have streamlined online systems, while others rely on manual verification methods.
Background checks are a component of the approval timeline, encompassing credit history, criminal records, and sometimes eviction history. A credit check can often be completed within minutes to 24 hours, but a comprehensive background check might take hours to several days, or even weeks. Verification of employment and income can take one to five business days, particularly if employers are slow to respond.
Contacting previous landlords and personal references also contributes to the timeline, as delays can occur if these contacts are unavailable or unresponsive. High demand for a property or during peak rental seasons, such as summer, can prolong approval times due to a higher volume of applications. Submitting an application late in the week, such as on a Friday, may push the review process into the next business week, extending the wait.
The Application Process and Milestones
Once an apartment application is submitted, it undergoes a review process by the landlord or property management. The initial step involves a preliminary review to ensure all required fields are completed and necessary documents, such as identification and proof of income, are attached. Information verification then begins, including credit checks through major bureaus and criminal background checks. The property management also contacts employers to verify income and employment status, often requesting documents like recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns.
Previous landlords and personal references are contacted to gather insights into rental history and character. This verification phase can involve waiting, depending on the responsiveness of third parties. After all checks and verifications are completed, the property management makes a decision based on established criteria, which often include income-to-rent ratios and credit score requirements, typically preferring a score of at least 620-650. Applicants are then notified of the approval or denial, usually via phone or email. If approved, the next steps involve signing the lease agreement and paying the required security deposit and first month’s rent to finalize the tenancy.
Expediting Your Application
Applicants can proactively take steps to help accelerate the apartment approval process. Preparing all necessary documents in advance is a primary way to avoid delays. This includes having government-issued identification, proof of income such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, and bank statements readily available before submitting an application. Additionally, gathering contact information for previous landlords and personal references, and informing them they may be contacted, can significantly reduce response times.
Being highly responsive to any requests for additional information from the property management is also important. Promptly providing requested documents or clarifications can prevent the application from being put on hold. Reviewing one’s credit report prior to applying can help identify and address any potential issues that might cause delays during the landlord’s credit check. Finally, ensuring all information provided on the application is accurate and consistent helps avoid discrepancies that would require further verification, contributing to a smoother and faster approval.