Discover How to Get Approved For Apartments that Accept First Time Renters with No Rental History or Credit Score
Don’t have rental history, credit score or is it below 600? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve created the ultimate guide for first-time apartment seekers like you who are new to the city or looking for an apartment as a first time renter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about apartment hunting in Austin. We’ll cover the most commonly asked questions, requirements, and inside tips to make your apartment hunting experience as smooth as possible for your upcoming apartment search.
So, let’s get started and equip you with everything you need to find the perfect apartment without any stress or rejections that will result in you losing your application and administration fee charged by the apartment community property manager!
Understanding the Basics: No Credit, No Rental History – No Problem
If you’re a first time renter with no credit score and no rental history, don’t worry. We’re here to help with all of our tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years. Apartments with no rental history can present a unique challenge for individuals seeking to secure a new rental property and you definitely don’t want to apply and get denied thereby losing your application fee and administration fee. Rental history is often used by landlords and property managers to assess an applicant’s reliability and ability to make timely rent payments but since you don’t have any, you should contact us to discover the best options that will approve you!
Without a proven track record of previous rentals, you may find it difficult to demonstrate your credibility and financial responsibility to potential property managers on your own, nevermind the time it would take you to call places all day hoping to discuss your situation with a leasing agent. In situations where applicants have no rental history, there are some strategies that can help strengthen your rental application. You’ll need to have your documents in order when it’s time to apply. These items can include:
- Proof of income
- Employment verification
- Credit reports
- Personal references
- Additionally, offering to pay a higher security deposit or securing a co-signer with a strong rental history can also help bolster the application and alleviate concerns related to the lack of rental history.
While the absence of a rental history may initially present challenges, it is possible for individuals with no prior rental experience to successfully secure an apartment by utilizing our free apartment locator services in Austin. By proactively addressing the leasing agents concerns, offering additional documentation, and demonstrating financial stability through alternative means that include proof of employment and W2 pay stubs or tax records, applicants can position themselves as strong rental candidates and increase their chances of being approved for apartments with no rental history. Connect with your Austin apartment locator that specializes in helping first-time renters navigate Austin’s rental landscape throughout North, South and Central Austin regardless of your credit profile or rental history. In fact, you might be reading this because you were turned down at an apartment recently and need some guidance. Let’s walk through the ins and outs of what it takes to become a renter that gets approved for your first time. BTW, did we mention our services to assist you locating your next apartment are completely free?
Essential Checklist for First-Time Renters
- Income Requirements:
- Before you begin your search for an apartment, keep in mind that most Austin property management companies require that the household income of all adults over the age of 18 be three times the monthly rent. This is combined income so if it’s you and a roomie, you’ll need to each make 3k a month if the rent is 2k a month. It’s important to make sure your finances meet this standard so you don’t get denied. There are some communities we have access to that only require 2.5x the monthly rent so if you need some wiggle room just inquire.
- Documentation of Income:
- Get the paperwork you need to prove your income. W2s typically require pay stubs and most communities will require 2 months worth. If you do gigs on the side like Uber or Lyft you’ll need to also add your bank statements. For self-employed workers, bank statements showing income deposits can work as opposed to W2. Better yet, grab the last 2 years tax returns and you’ll be covered. If you don’t have the income showing 3x the rent with any of these documents be sure to bring your employer offer letter you just received as this will often suffice.
- Credit Check and Background Screening:
- Credit and background checks will be conducted by property management companies that offer second chance apartments to first-time renters who do not have credit. It’s just a matter of fact and they’re going to check so you need to be honest with yourself and us so that we can weed through the properties that don’t meet your search criteria. It is recommended to check your credit history and credit score on platforms such as Creditkarma.com prior to applying for an apartment without rental history you can always use freecreditreport.com to see where you are. A credit score of 600+ usually ensures easier approval and some communities may approve with a score below 600 but you would likely need to inquire as to the best options since approvals are ultimately accepted on a case by case basis by each property management company.
- Additional Deposit Information:
- Austin is different from other cities throughout the United States when it comes to security deposits. While many traditional East Coast, Midwest and WestCoast properties might require an entire month of rent to secure the property against damages that might incur during your lease, the average security deposit in Austin is between $400 and $600. This amount can be higher or lower depending on factors such as whether you have a pet or not.
- If you do have a dog or cat – don’t be alarmed if you see a monthly pet rent cost in addition to your monthly rent plus a pet deposit. This is common practice and you shouldn’t be taken off guard.
Additional resources you might find helpful as a 1st time renter:
Taking the First Step: Get Your List and Let’s Tour!
Now that you know what are the most common requirements to get approved renting an Austin apartment, it’s time to talk about what you want. Fill out the criteria search form and we’ll get in touch with you to make sure we have everything we need to start working on your behalf. By choosing us, you’re not only saving yourself time, but you’re also getting access to valuable information and knowledge about Austin’s rental market so that you feel confident about your apartment, its lease and the area.
We save our clients an average of 35+ hours on average when it comes to apartment hunting for a place that will approve your application with no rental history or credit score. Best of all, our services are completely free of charge! You can even get a cash discount when you move into your new place of residence as a thank you for choosing us because you will receive a rental rebate as a thank you just for utilizing our services.
Your New Austin Apartment Awaits!
Looking into getting your first Austin apartment can be a daunting experience, but with the right information and support, it can also be exhilarating and exciting since you’ll be also hosting so many friends! Our mission is to give you the tools you need to navigate Austin’s rental market with confidence so that you can get accepted at apartments that allow first time renters.
Ross Quade
Austin Realtor and Apartment Expert