What Can Disqualify You From Renting An Apartment?

Insufficient income, past evictions, and bad credit history can prevent you from renting an apartment in most cases. Let’s take a look at other things that can disqualify you from renting.

Things That Can Disqualify You From Renting An Apartment

If you are wondering why your rental application was ultimately denied, it could be traced back to one of these ten factors listed below.

Insufficient Income

Typically, the number one reason why you may be disqualified from renting an apartment is insufficient income. Tenants that are new to renting or receiving their income in cash will need to show proof of income. Some property managers may be willing to accept cash, but having a cosigner on standby is recommended.

Criminal Record

Apartment rental applications conduct background checks, and depending on any criminal charges on your record, you may be disqualified from renting. Violent criminal history, such as murder felonies or burglaries, often lead to disqualification. Individuals with arrest and conviction records do have housing rights, but a screening process consisting of sponsors, references, and personal letters will likely take place ahead of time.

Past Evictions

Prior evictions on your record are a primary cause for rental application denial. Landlords can discover past evictions by either contacting your previous landlord(s) or running an eviction report.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy as a result of a lost job is usually accepted along with supporting bank statements and/or reference letters. However, you may be denied if you cannot show credit score improvements since declaring bankruptcy.

No References

A lack of references or even no references at all can be a red flag for prospective landlords.

Bad Credit

The majority of apartment applications require a minimum 650 credit score. You are likely to either be denied or asked for a cosigner if you have a poor credit history.

Long Gaps In Rental History

Rental history gaps can make some landlords suspicious as tenants can omit information like prior evictions. Long rental gaps where you lived with friends/family or owned a home are perfectly acceptable.

Application Errors

Everyone understands that errors can happen when filling out an application. Misspelled information can be easily corrected as long as it is caught in time. However, if you are intentionally dishonest when filling out the application, you will be disqualified from renting.

Pets

Pet policies are always subject to leasing guidelines and/or the landlord’s preference. The amount of pets and pet sizes may have exceptions.

Overcrowding

It’s possible that some apartment complexes have occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding or damage. Landlords may deny applications if there are more than two adult occupants per room.