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What to Do Before Applying for a Rental Home

Before applying for a rental home, it's important to do your due diligence to make sure the property—and the surrounding area—fits your needs. Every home is different, and application requirements may vary depending on the specific property.

 Here are the steps we recommend you take before submitting an application:

 

1. Review the Listing Thoroughly

Each property may have different acceptance criteria. Be sure to:

  • Carefully read the listing details.

  • Review income requirements, pet policies, and occupancy limits.

  • Note any specific application instructions or fees associated with the property.



2. Review Our Rules and Regulations

Before applying, it’s essential that all applicants aged 18 and older read our Rules of the Road document in full. This guide outlines key expectations and policies based on years of experience managing properties and is designed to help avoid misunderstandings. Topics include:

  • Rent payment deadlines and late fees

  • Maintenance responsibilities and reporting procedures

  • Property condition requirements, inspections, and move-out expectations

  • Restrictions on subleasing, home alterations, and smoking

  • Important details about utilities, filters, and safety equipment

Reading and understanding these policies ahead of time will ensure you know exactly what to expect as a resident and help you determine whether our rental standards align with your needs.

 

 

3. View the Home In Person

Photos and virtual tours are helpful, but we strongly encourage you to visit the property before applying. Seeing the home in person allows you to:

  • Confirm the layout and condition meet your expectations

  • Spot potential issues not visible in photos

  • Get a true sense of the home’s natural light, noise levels, and functionality

 

4. Explore the Neighborhood

Spend time in the area during different times of day to make sure it feels like a good fit. Consider:

  • Proximity to stores, restaurants, or facilities that are important to you

  • General upkeep and cleanliness of surrounding properties

  • Parking availability and noise levels

  • Commute times and access to public transportation

 

5. Understand Local Safety Resources

We encourage all applicants to research any concerns that are important to them before applying. This may include:

  • Reviewing publicly available crime maps

  • Checking community safety resources such as the state’s public offender registry

These tools are available through local law enforcement agencies and are intended to help individuals make informed decisions based on their own comfort levels. We do not verify or monitor their contents and recommend reviewing them directly.

 

6. Research the School Districts

If schools are an important factor in your decision, take time to research both the schools themselves and whether the property is zoned for them.

How to Accurately Verify School Assignments:

  1. Use the School District’s Address Lookup Tool
    Most districts have an official tool on their website that will show you the assigned schools based on the property address.

  2. Call the District’s Enrollment Office
    For confirmation or to check on capped schools or boundary changes, reach out directly to the school district.

  3. Look Into Charter or Magnet Eligibility
    If you're interested in special programs, verify if your address qualifies and whether transportation is provided.

  4. Avoid Relying on Real Estate Websites
    Third-party sites may show nearby schools, but they don’t always reflect actual school assignments. Always confirm with the district directly.

 

 

Final Tip: Be Ready to Apply Quickly

Once you've completed your due diligence and feel confident about the home, be prepared to apply promptly. Our properties often receive multiple applications, and while we do not process them on a first-come, first-served basis, delays in submitting a complete application can still impact your chances.

A complete application includes:

  • Applications submitted for all adults aged 18+

  • Full payment of application fees

  • Required financial documents and photo ID

  • Cosigner application (if applicable)

Important: If your application is approved, we’ll hold the home for 24 hours while you:

  1. Submit your requested upgrades or repair list (if applicable), and

  2. Pay the first month’s rent or hold payment to officially secure the home

Failure to meet this deadline can result in the property being offered to another qualified applicant.

Taking the time to thoroughly prepare before applying will save you time, reduce stress, and improve your chances of approval. If you have any questions about the process, requirements, or specific homes, our team is always happy to help!

 

Ready to apply?

Review this article to learn more about the rental qualification process.

Apply for a MoveZen listing here!