Fill out the entire application. Some applications ask for your current landlord and your previous landlord as references. If that is the case, don't simply list your current landlord and assume that is going to be good enough. It is very frustrating for the property manager to get an incomplete application and have to track you down for information that you should have provided the first time around. Besides, can you see how that may make the person processing the application think you may be trying to hide something from them? What other reason would there be for not including the information?
Unless you are moving out on your own for the very first time, you should know the type of information you will be required to provide when applying for a new apartment or home to rent. And if you have not established a rental history then plan ahead by compiling other personal and business references. If you are a responsible individual don't leave any doubt in the mind of your potentially new landlord. Having names and phone numbers readily accessible and completely filling in the application will not only speed up the process, but show that you are well organized. And property managers know that individuals who are well organized are more likely to pay their rent on time and treat the property with respect.
Don't lie
This is a far bigger problem than you may imagine. The information on a rental application is meant to be the start of a new relationship between you and your new landlord. And any sensible property manager is going to verify the information you provide to them. Nothing will hinder your chances of renting a particular property faster than providing false information. It would be nice if the information you provide could be taken on face value, but unfortunately there are people out there that intentionally attempt to deceive others.
Rather than trying to hide or cover up past mistakes, bring them up from the very beginning. If you have had credit problems in the past for example, offer the information yourself. A good property manager is going to find out anyway. Divorce, job change, medical problems or any number of other things can cause people to go through rough times. What is important is that you work through them and find a landlord that is willing to give you a chance to re-build. And nothing will improve your chances greater than open communication.
