Step 242: Make a good impression on potential future landlords
Boyfriend and I are in the process of apartment searching, as we will soon begin living in sin. Yay! So expect a lot of apartment-finding/cohabitation-navigating entries over the next few months. And here’s the first one …
Before we went to look at the first place, we (read:I) compiled a little fact sheet on ourselves, with full names, ages, pets, employer and contact info, past landlords/dates/contact info, driver’s license numbers, license plates, personal references and income info. We could then hand this over, or, if there was an application to fill out, we had all the info on-hand already.
Yes. I know this is insane. BUT. On the other hand, particularly if you are searching in a tight market, 95% of what you need to convey to a landlord is, “I am on top of my shit.”
A landlord’s interest in you is relatively limited in scope. They want to know that you will pay your rent, on time and in full; that you are sensible enough not to have wild indoor paintballing parties; that you are willing to respect what may be their largest investment in the world. So anything you can do to show, not tell, those things is useful.
Other than that … troll Craigslist like a maniac. Have a nice, proofread email saying that you think the place is beautiful and telling a little about yourself (NOTHING too revealing/identity theft-y, since lots of craigslist ads are scams) that you can quickly copy-and-paste for the places you’re interested in. Take the earlier appointment they offer. Be sure to be 10 minutes early to open houses, dressed like you are going to a job interview. Edit: Bring your checkbook!
Any other tips on how to make good impressions on potential landlords/up your chances of winning the apartment lottery?
