A great way to stand out amongst other applicants is including rental references that can
vouch for your character and speak about how you will be a great tenant.
It’s best to include landlords or past housemates as rental references. But anyone who can
say positive things about you can be used a reference including family, friends, coworkers, or
neighbors.
If you have been living at your current or a past home for many years and you have a positive
relationship with the landlord, it could make a huge impact on your rental application to have
a letter of reference from your landlord. Ask your landlord if they would be willing to write a
short letter explaining you were a great tenant. Try to have the landlord include specific
details like how you always paid rent on time or were always kind to your neighbors.
A rental resume is a great way to stand out from other applicants and show the landlord you
are serious about their property. Refer to the rental resume section at the beginning of your
packet or online at the creatingmoves.org website.
If you have gaps in information such as employment or rental history explain why that is. For
example, if you are not currently employed, state that you are unemployed but plan on going
back to school or finding a job once you move.
If you have never rented your own home or been on a lease explain this on your application. If
you have untraditional rental history such as living with family explain this on your
application. Put down your family member as your landlord and report the amount you pay
for rent to them if any. To further clarify this you can ask your family member to write a
letter of reference for you explaining you have been a great tenant and the amount you pay
for rent if any.
Addressing Gaps in Information