Renting your first apartment might be an unfamiliar process, since it’s a little bit different from living in a school dorm. Many students begin searching for Ohio University off-campus housing without realizing that landlords often require several documents before approving an application. By preparing these essential documents, you can secure a student rental near campus faster and avoid delays during the hectic leasing season.
Rental companies use this paperwork and supporting documentation to verify that tenants can meet the terms of the lease. As a student, you may need to provide information regarding your co-signer, since you don’t have full-time employment or previous rental history.
Having these documents ready makes the entire renting process much smoother and also makes it easier for the landlord to move forward with your tenancy.
In general, these are the documents you’ll typically need to secure an apartment in Athens:
1. Government-Issued ID
Almost every landlord will ask for a valid photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or other forms of government-verified identification. Make sure that the ID is not expired, though.
2. Rental Application
Next up is the rental application, which depends on what the rental company wants to know. However, you’ll likely be asked to fill out a form with the following required information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Phone number and email
- Emergency contact information
- Desired move-in date
- Names of all occupants
For multi-bedroom homes, each roommate or occupant may need to complete a separate application.
3. Proof of Student Status
Because many renters in Athens are Ohio University students, landlords may request proof that you’re currently enrolled or have been admitted. Providing a picture of your student ID, class schedule, or proof of enrollment might be required. This is especially common practice for properties that serve as university rentals in Athens.
4. Proof of Income or Financial Support
Whether you’re a full-time student or work part-time, property companies would like to verify how you’ll be paying rent. Depending on your situation, you might be asked to provide any of the following:
- Recent pay stubs from your job
- Employment offer letter
- Bank statements
- Financial aid award letter
- Scholarship and stipend documentation
- Monthly support statement from a parent or guardian
If you don’t have a regular income, you’ll likely need a guarantor or co-signer on your lease.
5. Information on Co-Signer or Guarantor
Many student renters need a parent, guardian, or other qualified adult to co-sign the lease. A co-signer agrees to be financially responsible for the lease if the tenant cannot pay rent, so landlords often require substantial income verification from the guarantor.
The co-signer would give their verified information on their income, employment, contact numbers, and a completed guarantor application based on what the landlord requires.
What’s Next After You Submit All These Documents?
After submitting your documents, you’ll have to wait a while for the property manager to verify the information you provided. They’ll look over your references and check your co-signer. When everything’s approved, you’ll be able to receive your lease agreement, which you should carefully look over. The landlord will also inform you about the security deposit and important details like when you’ll be able to move in.
Reading the Terms of Your Apartment Lease Before Signing It
Preparing these documents is one part of moving into an Athens student rental that fits your needs. Aside from finding an apartment you can call home, you should consider other aspects, such as roommates, expenses, and what day-to-day life would look like.
Once you’ve figured all that out, it’s time for one of the very last steps in the process. You need to pay attention to the apartment lease. A lease agreement is a legal contract, which means you should definitely read the fine print.
If you’re unfamiliar with these agreements, you can read this thorough guide on what you should expect with this easy-to-understand sample apartment lease