Rent and applications
Should I apply to more than one apartment at the same time?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
It can be sensible in a competitive market, but it costs money and has risks. Every application usually means a separate fee, and some mean a hard credit check. Applying to two places you genuinely want is reasonable. Applying widely can leave you paying fees you never needed, or losing a holding deposit if you back out.
Think about what happens if both say yes on the same day. Withdrawing an application usually costs nothing beyond the fee you already paid. Backing out after you have paid a holding deposit usually means losing that money, so decide before you pay one.
- Apply to your first choice first, and ask how long the decision will take.
- If it will be days and the market is moving fast, apply to a second place you would genuinely be happy with.
- Never sign two leases. A signed lease is a binding contract, and walking away from it can cost months of rent.
- If you withdraw from one, tell the landlord promptly. It is courteous and keeps your name clean in a small rental market.
Keep a simple list of where you applied, what you paid, and the decision date for each, so nothing slips.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.