So you want to rent your first apartment?

You must treat the process of finding an apartment similar to how you would go about getting a job.  It's an interview.  First impressions are lasting and the landlord needs to know that you are going to take good care of their property. This is their income stream and future on the line.

Professional property managers do business in accordance with the fair housing act. They can not discriminate on many criteria.  However, not all properties are managed by well trained professional managers.  The majority of owners out there are your classic mom and pop team. If you show up looking like a slob or speaking like you were with friends at a bar, it will leave an impression.   And guess what?  They might judge you by how you present yourself.  It may not be in line with the fair housing act, but it happens all the time.

Get online and start searching. Craigslist is a great place to start. Use the search criteria to help narrow your search.  If you know the neighborhood you want, use the map feature.  There are many other similar sites out there. Google is your friend.

Once you have found some potential apartments, read the ads closely!  If the ad clearly states email is preferred, use email.  Be professional.  Sell yourself.  Put yourself in their shoes.  What type of email would you want to receive?  What would inspire you to follow up with someone?  

The rental process varies from city to city, building to building, person to person.  I prefer to talk on the phone to set up appointments, some people prefer to do it via email, and some just have an open house.

No matter what the form of communication, be professional.  Don't be afraid to follow up your phone call with an email. Just don't be a pain in the ass.  Do your best, especially in a hot market to get on the landlords radar and set up an appointment.  

Many landlords will require you to see the apartment. Some don't care.  In this case, simply fill out the online application and get the ball rolling. But when a showing is required, do everything you can, respectfully, to get a showing.  And if you really want it, ask nicely if there's any way that you could be the first to see it.  Mention a few things about why you would make such a good tenant.

Find out if they can email you an application or if you can download one. This way, you can show up with it already filled out.  If that's not possible, be sure to bring all of the information that will be asked so that you can fill it out quickly.  This usually includes personal information like your social security number, your date of birth, rental history and employment history. Google ‘rental application’ to get a feel for what is required.  

Find out what else they will need from you. Specifically, how much the application fee is and their preferred method of payment. By asking these questions, you will already be making a great first impression and separating yourself from other perspective renters.  

Applications are typically processed on a first come fist served basis. That means, whoever turns in the application first gets the priority.  I've seen it time and time again, where someone doesn't show up prepared, and they lose out on the apartment of their dreams.

Show up on time. When you show up late, you are telling the person that you don’t value their time.  Most landlords will just leave if you’re not there at the agreed upon time and are not likely or eager to reschedule.  

Hand shake. Eye contact. I don't know what has happened in this world, but very few people remember these small details.  They matter.  Remember, this is just like a job interview.

Build rapport.  Make it so they want to help you because you are such a joy to do business with.  If you like the place, apply quickly.  Turn in that application and thank them.  Let them know how excited you are to hopefully live there.

Don't forget to ask questions or read through the screening criteria if there is something you are concerned might keep you from being approved.  Every person/company does it differently.  Let it be known that you can afford a larger security deposit if the need arises, or that you have a willing co-signer if necessary.  This is especially helpful for the landlord if you have little or no rental history or are just starting at your first job.

Be patient.  They'd like to get it rented just as much as you would like to rent the place.  It's ok to follow up the next day or later that day if enough time has passed just to see if there was any more information you could provide or if you could be of assistance.  It's ok to send a follow up email mentioning how much you enjoyed meeting the landlord and how excited you are to hopefully live there.

Present yourself well. Be on time. Be prepared. Be professional. It's that simple.