Impress Your Future Landlord

Apartment hunting is competitive. Making a strong first impression can help your rental application stand out. Landlords look for reliable tenants who pay on time, take care of the unit, and communicate well.

Phase One: First Impressions

Preliminary tenant screening often happens when you call or tour a property. Landlords pay attention to what you say and how you act.

Tips:

• Be polite and honest—don’t lie about pets or credit, they’ll find out.
• Answer “Why are you moving?” positively (e.g., closer to work or need more space). Avoid bad-mouthing your current landlord.
• Ask about pet policies instead of announcing you want a new puppy.
• Keep relationships private if your partner won’t be on the lease.
• Go to showings alone if possible; if you bring a friend, clarify they’re not a roommate.
• Be ready to provide your Social Security Number for the credit check—it’s standard practice.

Meeting the Landlord

Think of it like a job interview.

• Be on time and dress neatly.
• Turn off your phone during the showing.
• Listen first, then ask questions.
• Arrange childcare so you can stay focused.

Common questions landlords may ask:

• How many people will live here?
• Why are you moving?
• Do you have pets?
• What’s your income and job situation?
• Can you pay first month’s rent and deposit?

👉 Practice your answers with a friend or case manager to build confidence.

Handling Tough Topics

If you’ve faced bad credit, eviction, or criminal history, be prepared:

• Be honest and keep explanations short.
• Be positive—share what’s changed and how you’re more responsible now.
• Bring references from employers, landlords, or mentors.
• Stay proactive—have documents ready (proof of income, recommendation letters).

Maintaining Good Relationship

Once you move in, build trust with your landlord.

• Report maintenance issues early—don’t try to fix major problems yourself.
• Don’t stop paying rent without legal advice.
• Let your landlord know if you need to change locks, add residents, or make changes (like painting).
• If neighbor issues arise, try resolving calmly before escalating.
• Communicate if you’re late on rent—honesty may buy you time.

Evictions

Rules vary by city, but in general:

• With cause: nonpayment of rent or lease violations can lead to a 3-day notice and possible eviction.
• Without cause: landlords may give 30–60 days’ notice depending on how long you’ve lived there.

👉 If you get an eviction notice, don’t ignore it. Contact a tenant rights group or dial 211 right away for local support.