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Read It Before You Sign It: 5 Things to Look for In A Rental Agreement

We know how confusing rental agreements can be. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the top five things to look for in a rental agreement.

Do you want to make sure the rental agreement for your new apartment contains all the little details that are important to make sure that everything is taken care of? 

You’ve gone through the tiresome process of finding an affordable and comfortable place. Now it’s time to cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s. 

We understand how overwhelming the rental process can be. That’s why we put together a guide breaking down five essential things you should look for in any rental agreement. 

With our help, signing on the dotted line will feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders!

Early Termination Policy

Before you sign a rental agreement, it is always essential to understand the details of an early termination policy that may be outlined in the contract. 

Knowing your rental timeline is critical for planning and budgeting, so make sure to ask about what happens if you need to break the lease before the agreed date. Many rental agreements still require you to pay rent until your lease ends, even if you are no longer living in the rental unit. That being said, some rental agreements have built-in early termination options where you can end your tenancy earlier than originally planned by paying a fee. 

Researching different rental contracts and understanding their policies can help ensure that leasing a place works with your lifestyle – now and in the future!

Subletting Policy

Subletting can be a great option if you're looking to extend rental flexibility in your rental unit. 

Before signing the documents, make sure that subletting is an allowed term in the rental so that you don't need to break your lease or leave it empty for periods of time. Subletting can be a great way to keep flexible when it comes to long-term rental contracts and help you avoid any potential obstacles or setbacks down the line. 

Take a look at your rental agreement and see if subletting is included as an option before moving into your new apartment - this could save you money, time, and hassle in the future!

Late Payment Policy

Before you sign a rental agreement, take the time to look into information about late payments and fees. 

Anticipating the unexpected can be beneficial in terms of your rental situation because penalties for late payments vary between jurisdictions, and it is always important to make sure the rental agreement outlines a fee that is compliant with the law. Doing some research ahead of time will help ensure you don't end up paying excess or unfair amounts of money while also helping to protect both yourself and your landlord from any potential legal difficulties. 

By understanding the conditions that come with the rental agreement before you sign, you can protect both parties from any unpleasant surprises further down the road.

Security Deposit

Before signing a rental agreement for an apartment, it is essential to be aware of and understand the amount of your security deposit as well as what it will cover when you move out. 

This understanding can save you from unexpectedly being charged fees or deductions on your security deposit at the end of your rental period. Having the knowledge of what is required regarding the property will also help you avoid making costly mistakes while living in the rental. 

Therefore, ensure you understand all clauses related to your rental agreement before signing a lease for an apartment.

Move-Out Procedures

Rental agreements, and the notice to vacate procedure within them, are often a forgotten part of the rental process. 

Knowing your obligations for giving formal notice to move can be the difference between an orderly transition and some unforeseen costs. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of moving into a new home, but considering your rental agreement ahead of time will make sure you understand what is required when it comes time to leave. 

As renters, planning ahead gives us more freedom during our rental experience without any hidden surprises along the way. That is why it is crucial to investigate rental agreements mutually before signing a lease with your potential landlord.

Sign With Confidence!

All in all, a rental agreement is an important tool that can help make your renting experience smoother and more enjoyable. By being aware of the key components of a rental agreement, you can be sure to ask the right questions and get the answers you need to feel comfortable signing on the dotted line. 

All in all, a rental agreement is an important tool that can help make your renting experience smoother and more enjoyable. By being aware of the key components of a rental agreement, you can be sure to ask the right questions and get the answers you need to feel comfortable signing on the dotted line. 

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What is a Rental Application? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What is a Rental Application? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Are you in the market for a new apartment? If so, you'll need to fill out a rental application. Landlords use this document to assess your qualifications as a tenant. In order to make the best impression, it's essential to understand what a rental application is and how to complete it. That’s where we come in!

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about rental applications, including what to expect and why they’re so important. Let’s get started!

Why Are Rental Applications Important?

The rental application is important because it helps landlords screen tenants. Landlords want to make sure that their tenants can pay the rent on time and that they will take care of the property. The rental application helps landlords gather this information.

Essentially, the landlord is trying to understand the character of the future tenant before they decide if they are a good match. This helps them determine whether or not the tenant will take care of the property and pay rent on time.

If you're a tenant, it’s essential to fill out the rental application carefully and truthfully. It could make all the difference in whether or not you get the lease.

What Questions Are Asked on Rental Applications?

If you're planning on renting an apartment, you can expect to be asked quite a few questions on your rental application. While every landlord is different, some common questions are often asked on rental applications. Here are the five main sections that you can expect to see on a rental application

1. Applicant Information - full name, DOB, contact information

2. Other Occupants - names of roommates, ages, occupations, Co-Signer info (if necessary)

3. Occupation of the Applicant - work situation, income details, financial information

4. Rental History - previous rentals, how long you stayed, why you’re moving

5. Background Check - criminal history, previous evictions, credit score, etc.

Answering these questions truthfully and accurately is crucial if you want to have a successful rental application. To verify your answers, be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, bank statements, and official identification.

What Do Landlords Look for on Rental Applications?

First and foremost, landlords want to see that you have a steady income. They'll want to know how much you make and whether or not you have a job. They may also want to run a credit check to see if you're financially stable. 

Many people need a co-signer to help them get approved for their future apartments. If you are looking for your first apartment, have poor credit, or pull in a low income, you will likely need a co-signer. This person is usually a parent, friend, or relative that will be listed on the lease along with the applicant. The co-signer will be screened for their credit score and income, along with the applicant. Both the tenant and the co-signer will be listed on the lease. Therefore, they will both be responsible for paying rent on time and covering any damages that might be incurred.

In addition, landlords will want to know about your rental history. They'll want to know if you've ever been evicted or if you've had any problems with previous landlords. 

If you have roommates who will be living with you and are over 18 years old, they will need to fill out their own rental applications. The landlord or property manager will screen them in an individual process. They will also be financially responsible for paying rent or covering any potential damages.

Landlords will also want to know if you have any pets. If you do have pets, you should be prepared to provide any relevant details about them, such as breed, weight, age, and appearance. Keep in mind that not all landlords allow pets. If your landlord does allow them, you will need to be prepared to pay a pet fee at most places.

Finally, landlords will want to know what kind of person you are. They may ask you for character references from past roommates or neighbors. They may also ask you questions about your hobbies or interests.

Fill Out The Last Rental Application You Will Ever Need with A”Flat

Although they are an essential part of the rental process, filling out multiple rental applications when shopping for your dream apartment can be tedious. That’s where A’flat comes in handy! 

Our streamlined process allows you to create your digital renter’s profile and fill out the last rental application you will ever need. From there, you can connect with landlords and send them your application directly through our platform. Plus, you can download your completed rental application as a pdf to send to property managers or landlords as an email. 

Submitting your rental application has never been easier!

What Makes Our Rental Application Unique?

Thanks to A”Flat, filling out a rental application is as simple as completing a questionnaire. When you fill out your rental application with us, it will include your employment information and information from your background check. This can be shared with landlords or property managers by sending them your rental or downloading the printable pdf. 

If you have roommates or co-signers, you can electronically send them the rental application with the click of a button! That way, they can fill out their own rental application, making apartment approval a breeze.

Another thing that makes A”Flat stand out is that it allows landlords to come to you through our easy-to-use platform. From there, they will offer you rental options that suit your qualifications, needs, and preferences. Long gone are the days of spending countless hours searching for the right apartment. With A”Flat, you can sit back and relax while your dream apartment comes to you.

Find Your Dream Apartment Today!

Thanks to A”Flat finding a rental is easier than ever before, thanks to our streamlined process. Click here to have your future rental apartment come to you!

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Ensuring a Hassle-Free Move With A”Flat

Moving out of your current place of accommodation into a rental space is no cakewalk - and if you’re doing it for the first time, well, you need to gear up! There are a lot of things to mind before you rent out a home for yourself. As exciting as moving out is, it does come with a hint of anxiety.

What if I don’t find the perfect home? What if I find a home, but it’s outside my budget? What if the landlord doesn’t agree to rent me the house I like? Well, the list of questions and consequent apprehensions is endless!

But if you’re aware of how to approach the whole house-hunting process, it will be easier to find a home while saving you a lot of time and effort. So here’s a list of all the essential aspects you need to know before you even begin looking for a space to rent out.  Let’s have a look:

Everything You Need to Know Before Renting a Place

Figure Out What You Need

Setting realistic expectations is important, especially when looking for a home that caters to your needs and doesn’t burn a hole into your pocket. This becomes even more important when you’re looking to lock in an apartment for a longer period.

Start by creating a list of everything you need. One of the first things to shortlist is the location; where you want to live is essential to make the process less stressful. What kind of locality do you want to live in? Do you want it to be close to work? Would you like to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, or would you prefer to live in a peaceful countryside home? Write down your expectations to make it easier to zero in on the right location.

Now that you have decided on a viable location, set a budget. With a budget in mind, you can filter out the places that aren’t conducive to your budgetary limitations and look for apartments that fit well within your budget. It’s better to be realistic while setting the budget rather than end up struggling to pay rent at the end of every month. Apart from this, you also need to decide on the type of housing, number of rooms and bathrooms, move-in date, and the amenities you want in the property.

Keep Details of Your Pet Ready

If you have a pet, you will have to mention it to the landlord. Some properties have pet deposit policies and may require you to pay a monthly pet fee - hence it’s best to clarify the number of pets you’ll be bringing along to the apartment.

Do ensure you provide the landlord with all the essential details about your pet. This means that you may have to schedule a visit to your vet and get a letter from them stating the breed, size, weight, and other attributes of the pet.

Furthermore, it would be helpful to have your hands on the updated vaccination records of your pet. A reliable reference that can vouch for your house-trained, friendly, and well-behaved pet can also be of great help.

Proof of Income and Credit History

The next thing to do now is to prepare documents to assure the landlord of your ability to pay the rent. Your current and prior year’s income, credit history report, latest bank statement, or tax returns are all valid and acceptable proofs of income.

If you don’t have any existing income but are going to begin working soon, be ready with your offer letter with details of your income. In case someone else is going to be assisting you in paying the rent, it’s crucial that you have their basic details available to give to the landlord.

Find a Cosigner to Vouch for You

A cosigner is a person who personally guarantees the financial obligations of the lease but isn’t going to occupy the rental space you’ve shortlisted. Anyone who knows you well and understands the responsibility can be a cosigner for you - it may be your parents, friends, or someone with a good credit history and a sound financial background. Ensure you have all the details of the cosigner in place - their name, address, and contact details.

How A”Flat Can Help You With The Renting Process

Imagine having a one-stop solution for everything you need as you hunt for the perfect home. Of course, we’re talking about A”Flat -  a hassle-free platform curated to make the process of finding a new apartment easier. A”Flat flips the current rental model where the renters hunt for the apartments of prospective landlords - instead, we’re renter-oriented, and allow potential landlords to look for renters instead!

Now that’s an easier process compared to the current rental model. So let us run you through how A”Flat can help you find the perfect space to rent out in three steps:

Step 1: Create the Renter’s Profile

Log in with your phone number and create your renter’s profile. In this section, you can fill in all the preferences and requirements you’re looking for in an apartment. These details include the new rental, preferred location, probable move-in dates, price range, pet requirements, and other amenities.

Step 2: Proceed with the Rental Application

After you have created the renter’s profile, A”Flat will get you started with the application process. In the application, you have to enter all essential details -  the number of occupants, information about your co-signer, occupation information, and your rental history, and answer some verification questions. Fill in all the details, and your application is complete.

Once you’re done with the renter profile and rental application, you can share your profile on the different social media platforms you’re part of. You can also consider sharing your digital rental application with any future landlords so that you wouldn’t have to go through the whole process of filling out another application over again.

Step 3: Background Verification

Once you complete the renter’s application, you can request a background verification. With a thorough background check, you’ll have a fair idea of your credit score, criminal and eviction records, as well as whether or not you have any issues with your background. So by the time you actually apply to the apartment, you’d have fixed all the problems, thus saving you a lot of time.

A background check also helps renters know how good their background is. It also works as proof that you can show future landlords, and they’ll know you are a serious renter who can pay rent on time and has a verified background.

Summing Up

 And that’s it! You’ve done your part for the time being, and it’s time for you to kick back with some tea and wait for landlords to reach out to you. A”Flat has already helped hundreds of happy customers find their perfect homes - so, what are you waiting for? Learn more about how A”Flat works and start your application immediately! There’s a right place for you, and rather than you hunting for it, choose A”Flat so that your dream apartment finds you!