As a renter, waiting to hear back about an apartment application can feel like forever, especially when you’ve already started picturing yourself moving into the apartment. After you've submitted your paperwork and paid the application fee, then you're left with silence. This leaves you wondering: How long is this application supposed to take?
One thing you should know is that the timeline for apartment applications varies. Some homeowners get back to you within hours, while others take weeks. It depends on a lot of factors like background checks, references, and how many applications are ahead of yours. Keep reading this article to shed some light if you are still anxiously waiting for that approval.
Understanding the Rental Application Timeline
The waiting game starts when you submit an apartment application. While some are stuck with refreshing their inbox now and then, others are approved in a single day. The difference all boils down to a few simple steps in the rental application process.
The property manager or landlord first examines your application. However, depending on the volume of applications they are managing, this could take a few hours or several days. The next thing is the credit and background check, which typically takes 24 to 72 hours but can take longer if there are missing details or if the screening company is overbooked. Expert residential property management services for multi-family units usually screen tenant applications within a few days.
To confirm your income and rental history, the homeowner may have to give your employer or previous landlords a call. If they respond quickly, it makes things faster. If not, this step may result in more delays. After everything is in order, the landlord sends over the lease after making a decision. The process typically takes three to seven days, but it may take longer due to factors like holidays, weekends, and rental markets with high demand. If you've waited for too long without responding, you might have to follow up courteously and confirm that you've sent all the required paperwork.
What Factors Cause Delays on Apartment Applications?
Incomplete Documents
Nothing can slow down your apartment application faster than missing paperwork. Landlords and property managers need a complete set of documents to process your application, and if any are missing, your file may be pushed to the back of the queue.
A blurry ID, no pay stubs, an incomplete rental history, or failing to sign a form can cause so much delay in your application process. If they have to chase you down for these details, the process will take longer, sometimes weeks, to complete. If you are wondering how long apartment applications take, follow up with your property manager when they can finalize the status of your rental application.
Before submitting, confirm the application requirements one last time to prevent delays. Prepare your ID, references, proof of income, and any other paperwork that may be needed. Ask questions if you have any before clicking "submit." The more complete and organized your application is, the faster you’ll get a response and, hopefully, the keys to your new apartment.
Poor Credit Standing
Your credit score serves as a report card for your current financial standing. Having bad credit means your application might be delayed or rejected altogether. Most landlords want to ensure that you will pay your rent on time. A low credit score can serve as a warning to landlords, prompting them to hesitate or establish additional requirements, such as a co-signer or higher security deposit.
Some landlords may also do background checks, prolonging the application process beyond just a credit score rating. If you think your credit issue might slow things down, it might be best to be upfront about it. Having excellent references, proof of steady income, or a larger deposit could assuage landlords and hasten the process.
Rental History Issues
Your rental history can definitely make or break your apartment application, and if there are issues, expect delays. Most homeowners would want to know if you’ve been a reliable tenant, so the only way to find out is to reach out to your past landlords. However, the process can be delayed if they’re slow to respond or not reachable.
A history of late payments, evictions, or lease violations may also raise concerns. A landlord may require a larger security deposit or take longer to review your application if they notice any of these.
Another problem is if your rental history has gaps. In order to verify that you will be a responsible tenant, landlords may require additional documentation, such as pay stubs or references, if you have been living with family or moving frequently. The best way to avoid these problems is to be honest about them and support them with credible references.
High Volume of Applicants
If you keep waiting longer than you think it should take for feedback on your apartment application, the competition may become intimidating. When demand for rentals is high, property managers and landlords process numerous applications, which may take time.
You can imagine processing dozens or even hundreds of applications, screening for criminal history, verifying income, and contacting landlords from applicants. These can be a lot to manage. Some landlords will process applications in the order they are received, and some do not start reviewing until they have a large stack to consider.
The more applications come in, the longer it may take to get through the pile. Even for good applications, this can lead to delays. When you sense that a lot of applications are being sent in, make a polite inquiry or ask about expectations for the timeline of their decision so you can plan accordingly.
Importance of Proactive Communication when Applying for a Rental
Submitting a rental application may be uncomfortable, especially during the waiting period. This is why proactive communication can help. It keeps your name fresh in the mind of a landlord or property manager and reflects a serious commitment to following up in either mode of communication.
Consider asking through a phone call or email to inquire about the status of your application, making sure they have all the documentation they need. Also, be prepared to be contacted early in case of any problems, such as a delayed background check or a missing reference. Remember to be polite and professional, that goes a long way in your search for a new apartment.
Conclusion
It is nerve-wracking to wait for a reply to an apartment application, but understanding the process alleviates some of that nervousness. The standard application process takes anywhere from a few days to a week. However, there is a chance that it is delayed because of missing papers, credit problems, rental history problems, or simply too many applications.
The most you can do is act ahead of time, double-check your papers, be courteous in follow-ups, and be prepared to tackle any probable issue that arises. A dash of patience and planning can go a long way, and soon, you'll be signing the lease of your new home.
