Rent and applications
What documents do I need for a rental application?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Most landlords ask for a government photo ID, proof of income such as recent pay stubs or a job offer letter, contact details for past landlords, and permission to run credit and background checks. Some also want bank statements, tax returns or references. Having them ready before you tour lets you apply the same day.
Put scans or clear photos of these in one folder on your phone so you can send them in minutes:
- Photo ID: driver's license, state ID or passport.
- Proof of income: two or three recent pay stubs, a signed offer letter for a new job, or tax returns and bank statements if self-employed.
- Bank statements: often the last two or three months.
- Rental history: names, addresses and phone numbers for your current and previous landlords, with dates.
- References: an employer or professional reference if you have little rental history.
- Pet records and a photo, if applicable.
- Guarantor details, if you are using one.
Before sending sensitive documents, confirm you are dealing with the real landlord or manager, and use their official application portal where there is one. You can black out account numbers on bank statements, leaving your name, the bank and the balances visible.
Most applications also ask for your Social Security number for the credit check. Only provide it once you have seen the place and trust who you are applying with. The first apartment guide walks through the whole application step by step.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.