What You Need to Rent an Apartment

Finding a new place to live can be exciting. But before you can sign that lease, there are a few essential things you’ll need to prepare. If you're wondering what you need to rent an apartment, you're not alone. Whether you're renting short-term or planning a longer stay in a co-living space, understanding the rental requirements will help you secure the apartment you want without unnecessary stress.

In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have documents, credit score requirements, and key tips to help you feel confident during your apartment search.

Documents You Need to Rent an Apartment

When you apply for an apartment, landlords or property managers use your paperwork to verify your identity, employment, income, and rental history. Here’s what they typically ask for:

Proof of Identity

You'll need to provide a government-issued photo ID. This could be a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or visa or immigration document for international renters. 

Proof of Income

Most landlords want to see that your income can comfortably cover the rent. Common ways to show this include recent pay stubs (2-3 months), bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), and an employment offer letter for new jobs. As a general rule, many landlords expect your monthly income to be 2.5 to 3 times the rent.

Credit Report or Score

A credit check helps landlords evaluate your financial responsibility — more on credit scores later!

Rental History or References

Some landlords may ask for previous landlord contact information or reference letters from former property managers or roommates. This helps establish that you’ve been a responsible tenant in the past.

Completed Rental Application

This typically includes your personal details, employment information, and consent to a background and credit check. Some co-living communities like Roomrs streamline this process for faster, easier move-ins.

What Credit Score Is Needed to Rent an Apartment?

Your credit score gives landlords a quick snapshot of how reliably you pay bills and manage debt. Here’s what you should know.

Typical Credit Score Ranges

• Excellent (750+): You’re in great shape and likely to get approved quickly.
• Good (700–749): Still very strong; most landlords will feel confident renting to you.
• Fair (650–699): You may be approved but could face stricter terms or need a co-signer.
• Poor (below 650): Approval could be challenging, but not impossible—especially with flexible housing options.

Don't Have a Credit Score?

If you’re an international renter or have a limited credit history, you still have options including providing a larger security deposit, offering proof of consistent income or savings, and finding housing communities, like Roomrs, that cater to renters without traditional credit. 

Tips to Make the Rental Process Easier

Whether you’re applying for a traditional apartment or a flexible, furnished co-living space, these tips can help smooth the process.

• Gather Everything Before You Start — Having all your documents ready before apartment hunting can speed up the application process, especially in competitive markets.
• Be Honest and Accurate — Make sure the information you provide on applications matches your documents. Mistakes or discrepancies can cause delays or even disqualify you.
• Know Your Rights — Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in your city or state, especially around application fees, deposits, and background checks.
• Ask Questions — Don’t be afraid to ask about what’s included in rent (utilities, Wi-Fi, etc.), lease flexibility, move-in dates, and guest policies or shared space expectations in co-living arrangements. 
• Explore Flexible Housing Options — If your credit score or rental history isn’t perfect, or you just want a more community-oriented lifestyle, consider co-living solutions. At Roomrs, we offer fully furnished private rooms,  flexible lease terms, affordable  all-in-one pricing (utilities, cleaning, Wi-Fi included), and vibrant communities in great neighborhoods.

What You Need to Rent an Apartment in a Co-Living Community

Renting in a co-living space is often more flexible and streamlined than dealing with a traditional landlord. Still, some requirements remain the same.

What You May Need:

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of income or bank statements
• Short application form
• Background check (depending on provider)

What You Might Not Need

• Extensive credit history
• Long rental references
• Long-term commitment, depending on the lease terms

This makes co-living ideal for students, digital nomads, professionals relocating for work, or anyone needing a low-hassle rental experience.

FAQs About Renting an Apartment

Can I rent an apartment with bad credit?

Yes, but you may need a co-signer, larger deposit, or to explore flexible housing providers that consider other factors like income stability.

How much money do I need upfront to rent?

Typically, expect to pay the first month’s rent, security deposit (often equal to one month’s rent), and possibly application or background check fees. With Roomrs, your upfront costs are more transparent, and we eliminate unnecessary fees.

How long does the application process take?

Traditional rentals can take several days or more. With co-living providers like Roomrs, the process can be completed in as little as 24–48 hours.

Now that you know what you need to rent an apartment, you’re already one step ahead in your housing journey. From gathering the right documents to understanding credit score requirements and exploring flexible co-living spaces, you're equipped to find a rental that matches your lifestyle and budget.

At Roomrs, we believe that finding your next home shouldn’t be stressful or complicated. Whether you’re staying for a few months or putting down roots for a year, our fully-furnished apartments and co-living communities are designed to give you flexibility, affordability, and comfort without the red tape. Ready to find your next apartment? Check out our available listings or explore more tips on our blog.