So, you think you have finally found your dream home (hopefully by searching the Rockies Rentals Listings). You’ve spoken to the landlord on the phone and everything seems to be in order – perfect location, the rent is in your price range, and it has all the features you desire. Great! Now all you have to do is convince the Landlord that they should pick you over the other 50 applicants.
- Be professional: Would you show up for a job interview late and wearing ripped jeans? The same goes for meeting a potential landlord. Look presentable, arrive on time, speak to the landlord in a respectful manner. In the event that you would show up to an interview late and wearing ripped jeans, you’d better start reading some of our articles on landing the perfect job.
- Be Prepared: Bring a copy of the ad, a notepad and pen for taking notes, checks for paying a deposit, a camera for taking pictures.
- Prove you can afford it: Ask your employer for a Letter of Employment. Bring a copy of your last few pay stubs. Bring a copy of last year’s tax return.
- Prove you are responsible: A copy of your free credit report is easy to get. A clean credit report will show that you take your financial reponsibilities seriously.
- Do not ‘diss your previous landlord. It does not matter if he was a slumlord that absconded with your deposit — now is not the time to vent about how you hate his guts.
- Don’t Beg: Begging denotes desperation. It’s irritating when kids and dogs do it — tenants should avoid it as well.
You say (in your whiniest voice) “But I really need this place. I’ll do anything!”.
Not-So-Good Landlords hear “Charge me anything. Treat me like crap. I’ll take it”.
Good Landlords will think “Hmm … I smell desperation. I’ll bet their is something wrong with this tenant. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be having such a hard time finding a place. I’d better look for someone else”. - Be Prepared to Make a Decision: Are you interested in the place or not? Does it meet your needs? If you plan on continuing your search, you might miss out on a place that met your needs while you search for something else. That being said, don’t agree to rent a place unless you are sure it is ‘the one’.
- Follow Up: Contact your references and let them know someone might be calling them. Contact the landlord a few days later and ask if they have made a decision. If they have not chosen you, ask them why. If they give you a reason, listen to them and fix the problem!
Did using these tips help you find your dream home?
Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!