Be Prepared to Act Fast
Good apartments in New Jersey go quickly. Being prepared with all your documents and ready to apply immediately after viewing can make the difference between getting the place or losing it to someone else.
Documents You'll Need
Gather these before you start apartment hunting:
Identification
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Security card or ITIN documentation
Proof of Income
- If employed: 2-3 recent pay stubs
- Employment verification letter (stating position, salary, start date)
- If self-employed: Last 2 years of tax returns; bank statements
- If receiving benefits: Award letters for SSI, SSDI, etc.
- Offer letter (if starting a new job)
Financial Documents
- Recent bank statements (1-3 months)
- Shows you have savings for deposit and first month
Rental History
- Names and contact info for previous landlords
- Addresses of previous residences (past 2-3 years)
References
- Professional references (employer, supervisor)
- Personal references (not family)
Pro Tip: Create a Renter's Resume
Put all your info on one page: employment, income, rental history, references. Hand it to landlords at viewings—it shows you're serious and organized.
The Application Process
Step 1: Find an Apartment
Search listings, schedule tours, and identify the places you want. Take notes and photos at each viewing.
Step 2: Request an Application
Ask for the application form. Some landlords have paper forms; others use online portals. Ask about:
- Application fee amount
- Required documents
- How long approval takes
Step 3: Complete the Application
- Fill out completely and accurately—incomplete apps get rejected
- Be honest—landlords will verify information
- Explain any issues upfront (gaps in employment, credit problems)
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Expect $25-75 per application. This covers:
- Credit check
- Background check
- Eviction history search
- Employment/income verification
Note: Application fees are usually non-refundable.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Typically takes 24-72 hours. During this time:
- Be available to answer any follow-up questions
- Have your references ready to respond
- Don't apply to many places simultaneously (each app hits your credit)
What Landlords Look For
Income Requirement
Most landlords want to see income of 2.5x to 3x monthly rent. For a $1,500 apartment, that's $4,500/month gross income.
Credit Score
- 700+: Excellent—easy approval
- 650-700: Good—likely approved
- 600-650: Fair—may need extra deposit or co-signer
- Below 600: Challenging—but not impossible (see our credit guide)
Rental History
- No evictions
- On-time rent payments
- Good references from past landlords
- No property damage issues
Background Check
- Criminal background (some restrictions on what can be considered)
- Eviction history
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Apply first: If multiple applicants, first qualified app often wins
- Offer more upfront: Extra deposit or prepaid rent shows commitment
- Provide references proactively: Letters from previous landlords
- Address issues head-on: Brief letter explaining past credit/rental issues
- Have a co-signer ready: If your credit/income is borderline
- Be professional: Dress neatly, be on time, follow up politely
After Approval
Once approved, you'll typically need to:
- Sign the lease within 24-48 hours
- Pay security deposit and first month's rent
- Provide proof of renter's insurance (if required)
- Schedule move-in date and key pickup
We Make It Easy
At D&Y Apartment Rentals, we guide you through every step of the application process. We evaluate each applicant individually and work with various credit situations. Apply with confidence.