How to Apply for an Apartment Online

This post, "How to Apply for an Apartment Online," was originally published on the Apartments.com Renterverse in 2020.

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You searched online, perused countless photos and videos, and now you’re ready to apply! So far, you are rocking the at-home apartment search. But now that you have some apartments you are interested in, what’s the next step in your online journey?

NARROW DOWN YOUR CHOICES

If you haven’t toured your final choices yet, you’ll find tour options on Apartments.com when you click on the property. Tour options might include 3D tours, videos, or virtual tours using FaceTime or another video streaming app.

3D tours and videos are uploaded by the property and you can view them as often as you’d like. You’ll have to schedule a virtual tour with the apartment manager, just as you would an in-person tour. This tour allows you to talk directly with the property manager and ask questions as you view the apartment on your phone.

There’s another kind of tour you might see: a self-guided tour. This option isn’t as common, but if you do come across it, this simply means that the property manager has a unit with a lock box or special code designed for touring. You’ll request the code, let yourself in, and tour the apartment by yourself. This might be a model unit rather than the unit you’ll rent, but it will give you a good idea of the room sizes and layout of the apartment.

CONTACT THE PROPERTY AND REQUEST AN APPLICATION

Now that you’ve looked at your top choices, it’s time to apply. If you prefer to apply online, this is easy to do. When you click on a property, you’ll see the property’s contact information with a phone number, some fields you can fill out, and some boxes you can check. Here, you have some choices. You can call the property directly and tell the property manager you’d like to apply online.

If you prefer to contact them through email, fill out the boxes with your name and email address, then check the appropriate box. In this case, you’ll click on “Request Application.” Click “Send Message” and wait for a response. It’s that easy!

WHAT DOES THE “APPLY” BUTTON MEAN?

Perhaps the properties you are interested in have an “Apply” option. Some properties participate in an Apartments.com program that allows you to apply to up to 10 rental properties without having to pay an application fee for each apartment. You’ll pay $24.99 and your application will be saved for 30 days, allowing you to apply to multiple properties, as long as they have this feature enabled. You’ll only have to fill out the application once, saving you time and money if you plan to apply to more than one rental property with an "Apply" button. Once you submit your application, it’s securely shared with the property’s owner or manager, and Apartments.com will alert them to view your application. 

If you are planning to rent with a roommate, you’ll need your roommate’s email address when you fill out the initial application. They will be invited to apply with you through Apartments.com, and your information will be grouped together on the application for property owners to view.

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?

You’ll want to gather a few things before filling out an online application. Here are some of the things you might be asked on the application:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your preferred move-in date
  • Any co-applicants (i.e., a roommate) and the names of anyone who will be living with you
  • Information about your pets
  • Your residence history
  • Employment and income details
  • Identification information (including your SSN or ITIN number for a credit/background check)
  • Vehicle information
  • References

I APPLIED—NOW WHAT?

Now, you just wait to see if your application is accepted. The property you applied to will likely run a credit and background check and verify your income. When the results are in, they’ll either accept your application, deny it, or request a guarantor (or co-signer).

If you submitted an application through the Apartments.com “Apply” option, you cancheck the status of your application under Renter Tools. You’ll find this option in the top left menu on Apartments.com. Under Applications, you’ll see all of the applications you’ve either started or completed using the “Apply” button. 

If you still have questions about applying online, visit the Apartments.com Help Center. After your application is accepted, all that’s left is packing up your current apartment and preparing to move! Once you are settled, be sure to ask about online rent payments. Happy moving!

Published April 9, 2020

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I’m Alecia, the Content Marketing Manager here at Apartments.com. I enjoy spending time with my two sons, taking pictures of the World’s Cutest Pug, and reading British mystery novels. You can find me on Twitter at @apirulis.