How to Bounce Back After a Rental Application Denial
Learn how to handle rental application denial with confidence — smart steps to improve your chances and secure your next home faster!
Imagine being so excited to decorate your dream rental apartment, buying new furniture for it, and daydreaming about your life in the community, only for your rental application to be so callously rejected. It can be disheartening to continue searching for a living space after picturing yourself living there.
Getting your rental application denied might make you want to end your renter’s journey. It can also be anxiety-inducing, since rent is the only affordable housing option out there for many. However, you can take that rejection and turn it into redirection. If you’re ready to start your comeback as a renter, here’s everything you need to know about getting a rental application approved.
Why Was My Rental Application Denied?
There are many reasons why you could have been rejected for your rental applications. Landlords and leasing offices are typically very meticulous with background checks and what they want to see in a renter’s credentials. After all, they’re renting out a property they’ve invested so much in. Here are some details in your application or background checks that could raise red flags in the eyes of a lessor:
A low credit score, as it’s a sign of not settling debts and payments on time
Evictions from previous rental properties
A history of breaking leases
Poor references from your previous landlords
Little to no renter history
A criminal background
Low or unverifiable income
Tips for Bouncing Back and Finally Getting an Approval
If you’ve been denied for an apartment, don’t beat yourself up too much. Setbacks are natural for first-time renters. What’s important is that you have the spirit to spring into action right away and right your previous wrongs. Here are some strategic moves you can make to boost your chances of getting your next rental application approved.
Boost Your Credit Score
A bad credit score is one of the most common reasons people get rejected for rental applications. A low score can point to debts not getting paid on time, making you a financial risk for landlords.
Try to improve your credit score by settling credit card bills on time, paying your debts and loans, and keeping your card utilization below 30%. Over time, these can help increase your credit score, enhancing your appeal as a tenant.
Increase Your Income
If you have insufficient income, landlords might turn you away. You want to show a potential landlord that you can comfortably afford to pay rent each month. So, look for ways to boost your income, whether it’s picking up more shifts at work, asking your boss for a raise, or taking on a second job. When you have a higher income to show, try applying for your dream rental again.
Apply for More Affordable Units
When applying for rental properties, don’t go for ones that are beyond what you can pay for. After a denial, reassess your budget and look for rental properties that are more within your financial reach.
Start small and build your renter history up until you can afford your dream spaces. Try scoping out the area where the rental unit is and look for more affordable options nearby. Instead of renting an upscale condo in a high-rise building, consider renting a quaint townhouse first.
Get a Co-Signer to Help Out
When all else fails, call in a favor with your family members or friends who have a more stable income and better credit scores, and ask them to co-sign your lease. A co-signer is someone who can cover your rent if you fail to pay it. This gives landlords peace of mind that they will get paid regardless of whether you’re having issues with paying your dues at any point in time. Communicate with your potential co-signer before asking them to sign anything. Be honest about your financial situation and make sure they understand the risks of co-signing.
Endnote
Don’t be discouraged by one rejection on a rental application. Think of it as a chance to improve your credit score, raise your income, and look for better rental options out there. Keep your head up and try again with better credentials. Before you know it, you’ll be moving into your dream rental home.
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