Why Your Apartment Application Was Denied

It seems as though for many renters, getting approved for an apartment complex seems to be just out of reach. When your application is denied, not only do you lose that application fee, many times you might also be out the administration fee as well. Many potential tenants will apply to 2 or 3 apartments before they realize that something is amiss.

Here are the top reasons why your application was denied, and why you won't be approved until you take proper measures.

You Don't Make Enough Money

Many apartment complexes will require that you earn 3.5 times the monthly rent. For example, if the apartment community your applying to is $1200 per month, you would need to clear at least $4200 month in order to be approved. Anything less would result in a denial.

The easiest way to avoid this rejection is simply to ask the leasing agent their income requirements, and then calculating those figures on your own.

The owners of the apartment community want to be able to make sure you can comfortably pay your rent on time. These percentages and figures have been tabulated and cannot be negotiated at the complex.

You Broke a Previous Apartment Lease

Tenants must fulfill their lease contract in its entirety. Many renters decide to leave in the middle of the night, or after a dispute with their landlord. There are ways to legally break you lease, however, the standards are very hard to meet.

For example, if your landlord refuses to repair a malfunctioning dryer and you take all your stuff and move out, you will probably be "hit" with a broken lease. Now when you try and apply at another apartment community, the new landlord will no doubt see this on your credit report. A broken lease usually will result in automatic denial. If you are lucky to find a property that will accept you, they probably will require a double deposit.

Your Credit Score is Too Low

In the past, if you had good rental history and had the qualifying income, then you were approved. Today is a different story. More and more apartment communities are checking credit scores for their applicants. Some will require that you have a minimum score. Others will use the score as just a part of their algorithm to determine whether to approve you. Here are some items that can lower your credit score.

• Credit Card Charge Offs
• Non payment of bills (cell phone, utility, medical)

• Maxing Out Credit Cards
• Too much debt
• Criminal Background

Misdemeanors and felonies can and will result in automatic denials at a myriad apartment communities. Property owners and landlords have shown a strong propensity to avoid leasing to tenants with a criminal background. A misdemeanor DWI is one of the few charges that management companies will overlook. If you have any sort of criminal background, you will want to ask the property manager what their policy states.

You Currently Occupy Another Apartment

Many renters who are under eviction or break their lease believe that if they vacate the apartment fast enough, and apply to another community, they can fly under the radar. When your entire credit profile is audited, landlords are able to easily determine if you are currently in the middle of a lease. Or they simply will contact your previous landlord for confirmation. Either way, usually it can be determined and if authenticated, your application will be denied.

What you Can Do to Increase Your Approval Odds

Pay off the amount owed on your broken lease. Once the property has been paid in full, your rental history should reflect this change. Make sure you have the paperwork to prove it

Contact a credit repair specialist and start increasing your credit score. This will take some time.

If you have a criminal background, contact an apartment locator who can offer you apartment options that will accept felons or those with a misdemeanor.

Calculate the income required by the property before you apply. If you don't meet the standards, consider renting a studio.