Renter Tips
Here are some great renter tips for people looking to rent a house, townhouse, condominium, or apartment!
1) Get organized! Wherever you go to look at a potential new home you will more than likely need several items. Carry a file with the originals and copies of the following:
(Must bring)
-Proof of Identification: Driver's license or/and state issued photo identification card (State ID). For foreigners bring Green Card or your own country/state photo ID card.
-Proof of Social Security: Social Security Card or Work Permit
-Proof of Income: Depending on what applies to you, bring the most recent last month's worth of paycheck stubs, bank statements, Social security statement, child support statement, state cash aid statement, and most recent tax return.
-Credit Report: Each rental office you apply to may pull your credit. It is best if you have a recent credit report yourself so you know in advance what is on it. Also, if they accept it, they may avoid pulling your credit report further (which can lower your credit score).
-A list of: Your last two years worth of addresses with names and phone numbers of landlords and reasons why you moved, 2-5 personal references, your employers name, address and phone number and length of time working there, automobiles owned, checking and savings account numbers.
Here is a rental application that you can print out and fill out ahead of time that covers the basic information required.
(Not usually mandatory, but helpful)
-Letter from employer: stating your date of hire, weekly or monthly income, and stability of job.
-Letter from current landlord: stating that you are a good tenant who always pays their rent on time and takes care of their home.
2) Pull your credit report! Know what is on it and fix any discrepancies. Work to improve your credit. Take the original and copies of your credit report with you when applying for a rental property (as stated above).
3) Carry a notebook with a list of the addresses, landlords phone numbers, rental amounts, security deposits, fees, etc. When calling landlords/managers/leasing or rental offices for more information, have a pen handy and take notes. Have a list of questions you have ready.
When a potential tenant calls me asking questions and then puts me on hold to "grab a pen" it shows he is not very organized and not considerate of my time. (I have other calls to answer too!) Be respectful of others time (and win points with your potential new manager/landlord), have a pen handy BEFORE your pick up the phone!
You can sign up here to be automatically notified
when new pages like this one are added to this site!
Search Here:
Looking to buy, sell, or rent?
Jose G. Gutierrez has been helping people achieve the American dream of owning their own home for more than 35 years!
415 S. Glendora Ave.
Suite B
West Covina, CA. 91790
Office:(626) 918-7251 Mobile:(626) 255-3414 Fax:(626) 918-7512
We specialize in real estate sales and property management in West Covina, Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, City Of Industry, Valinda, Baldwin Park, Temple City, Los Angeles, Sierra Madre, El Monte, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Altadena, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Downey, Pico Rivera, Azusa, Walnut, Claremont, Monrovia, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Chino, Chino Hills, Phillips Ranch, Pomona, Fontana, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, San Bernardino, Alta Loma, Corona, Norco, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Bloomington, Mira Loma, and the surrounding communities!