Rental applications
Applying for an apartment 101: How rental applications work
By Zumper • Last updated June 3, 2026
What a rental application is
A rental application is a form landlords and property managers use to decide whether to rent to you. It typically asks for your identity, where you’ve lived before, how much you earn, and references. Submitting one is usually the last step between touring a place and signing a lease.
Start by browsing verified rentals on Zumper, then apply for the ones you love.How to apply, step by step
The process is generally the same from apartment to apartment, following the same five steps:
- 01
Find an apartment that fits your lifestyle.
Search Zumper by price, neighborhood, beds, and the filters that matter to you, and save the listings you’re serious about — availability moves fast.
- 02
Tour the apartment.
Schedule a tour or call with the property manager or landlord to get a better sense of what the apartment looks like in real life.
- 03
Gather your documents.
ID, proof of income, and references are the big three (more on exactly what to bring below).
- 04
Apply for the property.
Once you’ve found a place on Zumper and you’re sure you want to rent it, you’ll submit your application to the landlord or property manager, pay any application fee (commonly $25–$75 to cover screening costs), and authorize a background and credit check.
- 05
Wait for the decision.
Approval timelines vary, and there are a few things you can do to speed them up.
What you'll need: documents & references
Before you apply, pull together an easily accessible folder with your photo ID, recent proof of income (pay stubs, an offer letter, or bank statements), and your references. References can make a difference; choosing the right people and giving them a heads-up before you list them can help you in markets where competition is high.
- Photo ID
- Recent proof of income — pay stubs, an offer letter, or bank statements
- References
Most applications ask for the same core information, so it can be helpful to gather your details before you apply so you can move quickly on the places that fit your needs.
Applying with less-than-perfect credit
A low credit score doesn’t automatically rule you out. While many landlords look for a score around 620 and a monthly income of roughly three times the rent, those aren’t hard rules, and they will also weigh rental history and references. Concrete steps like offering a larger deposit, a co-signer, or extra documentation can strengthen a weaker credit profile.
Read next: How to find an apartment to rent with bad creditHow long does approval take?
Most applications are decided within 24 to 72 hours, though it can take a week or longer depending on how quickly your references respond and how complete your application is when you submit it. Submitting everything up front is the single biggest thing within your control—after that, it comes down to the property manager or landlord’s own timing.
Read next: How long does it take to get approved for an apartment?Common application questions
Still have questions about fees, what landlords can ask, or what happens after you apply? We’ve answered the ones renters ask most:
Find a listing on Zumper and contact the landlord or property manager through it; they’ll point you to their application. Zumper is where you search and connect—the application itself happens with the landlord.
Why start your search on Zumper
When you find your place on Zumper, applying is faster because you start from the right listing:
- Verified, up-to-date listings so you’re applying to places that are actually available
- Filters that match how you live: budget, commute distance, pet policy, amenities
- Saved searches and alerts that flag new listings the moment they hit the market
- Message landlords directly to ask questions before you apply
- Apply on the go with the Zumper app for iOS and Android
Find apartments by city
Explore homes and apartments for rent in popular cities: