Landlords are a notoriously picky bunch when it comes to who they choose as a tenant. While understandable, if you’re on the search for a house, it’s easy to get frustrated if you don’t meet their standards. If you are in such a situation, and you want to know what the basics are that a landlord is looking for in their tenants, please consider the following.
#1. A Job
On any advertisement for an apartment, this is one of the first requirements you’ll typically see listed. You landlord wants to make sure you can pay the rent on time, so they’ll not only want you to have a job (preferably one in the same area) they will require you to make at least 3X as much as the rent. So, when going to negotiate for an apartment, make sure you have at least one job in the area lined up.
#2. Knowledge of the tenancy terms
Read the terms of tenancy agreement thoroughly, and make sure you can quote a few important lines for insurance. A landlord wants a tenant who is keenly aware of the terms of tenancy, and will be much more likely to give you the property if they’re confident you’ll obey them. These terms not only include paying the rent completely and on time, but also keeping the property in a presentable manner.
#3. Cooperation on maintenance
While it is the landlord’s job to oversee the property, they can’t be everywhere at once. As such, you will be expected to aid the landlord as much as you can in maintaining the property. That includes cooperating with and aiding any inspector routinely sent to check up on the property, and to report to the landlord any and all health or safety issues that crop up. That property is as much your responsibility as theirs.
#4. Controlled pet situation
Certain pets are nearly impossible to convince a landlord to let stay on a property, especially an apartment complex. Pit bulls and other large or aggressive breeds are out of the question, end of discussion. Also, you’ll be allowed to have, at most, two pets, so if you have more than that you must find a way to get rid of the surplus number.
#5. Move-in etiquette
Once you are approved, you are allowed to begin moving in at 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. on weekends. Do not move in during the night, as you’ll wake up the other tenants. Make sure the people you have helping you move in don’t break anything as they move your stuff in, because the landlord will have to pay for it and you don’t want to make them angry this early in your tenancy. Finally, be civil and kind to your neighbors: pick up trash you drop outside your apartment, and introduce yourself to them if they don’t do so first. You want the neighbors on your side.
The things a landlord looks for in a new tenant are simple, but all that means is that they’re simple to screw up. Remember these rules, however, and you should do just fine. If you’re looking for apartments for rent in Monmouth County NJ, and you’re looking for a place to live, consider Sea Verge Oceanside Rentals. View their website for additional information.
