How Long Do Apartment Applications Take?
Applying for an apartment can be an exciting time, especially if you’re moving to a new city or neighborhood. Perhaps it is your first. At the same time, it can be more than a little stressful. If there is the possibility there are issues with your application, waiting for it can even add to the stress. So how long do apartment applications take? The short answer is one to three business days. But there can be delays that make it last a little longer.
Overseeing rental property management in Boston, we understand that acquiring an apartment can be a process. It is a healthy process, one that we hope all sides appreciate as necessary for both landlords, owners, and residents. But the application process is, yes, a process. So it takes a little time to get through that process. Let’s break down the different parts of it so we can understand why sometimes it may take longer than other times. We can also go over a few tips that might help speed up the process.
Table of Contents
- Factors Influencing How Long Apartment Applications Take
- Tips to Speed Up the Apartment Application Process
- For Landlords: Hire the Pros for Your Apartment Needs
Factors Influencing How Long Apartment Applications Take
It’s understandable that someone would be asking just how long do apartment applications takes… you want to know quickly if you’re going to be approved so that you can plan for this new apartment. However, it is also understandable that it can take a few days. Landlords have a process they go through for all tenants. So let’s go over some of the main mechanisms in that process.
Employment and Income Verification
Verifying employment and income is a major step in the rental application process. Landlords and property managers usually require evidence of stable income so that they can be confident tenants can afford the rent. This typically involves providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters.
Background Checks
Background checks are a standard part of most rental applications. This means pulling credit history, criminal records, and past rental behavior. These checks can vary in duration depending on the thoroughness of the investigation and the response time of credit bureaus or other agencies involved.
Property Demand
If you’re asking yourself how long do apartment applications take, that may mean that there are numerous people vying for spots (apartments) and so you want to move quickly. Property demand can influence application approval times. In high-demand areas where many people are vying for the same apartment, landlords may take longer to sift through a larger pool of applicants. On the other hand, in less competitive markets, your application might be processed more quickly.
Personal References
Providing personal references is sometimes involved in rental applications. When it comes to how long do apartment applications take, the choices you make sometimes have a direct influence. If you’re choosing someone who is on vacation or lives in a vastly different time zone, communication with that person could feasibly slow things down.
Landlord or Management Resources
The resources and efficiency of the landlord or property management company can greatly affect application processing times. A landlord managing multiple properties or a company with limited staff might take longer to review applications. On the other hand, a well-staffed management company or an individual landlord with fewer properties might process your application more swiftly.
Payment Issues
Payment issues, like a security deposit not clearing, can cause delays in the application approval process. It may be something that can be rectified, but that turnaround time to fix any issues might just mean adding another day or two to the process.
Tips to Speed Up the Apartment Application Process
What can tenants do? They may not be able to wave a magic wand and magically have it done instantly. But there are a number of things that potential tenants can do to try to get the process to move as quickly as possible.
Address Landlord or Management Resources – Try to make sure they have everything they need as soon as they need it. That will cut down on any back-and-forth if they need to request any follow-up documents or information. While you likely cannot account for a landlord or management company that is busy, you can cover your bases as much as possible so that things are not slowed by anything on your end.- Address Payment Issues – To avoid such setbacks, make sure your bank account has sufficient funds and that all payment information is entered correctly. If a payment issue arises, addressing it swiftly and transparently can help maintain the landlord’s confidence in your financial responsibility. But also, it is going to make things move faster.
- Address Issues with Personal References – The responsiveness of these references can influence the swiftness of your approval. It’s helpful to choose references who can vouch for you in a positive way but also can be sure to do it promptly. If you have a family member or friend who rarely replies to certain types of communication and you think that communication is likely used in the application process, perhaps you want to choose someone else.
For Landlords: Hire the Pros for Your Apartment Needs
If you’re a tenant, you’re asking how long do apartment applications take because you want to make sure you go through that process quickly and efficiently. That makes sense! However, if you are a landlord looking to remove the load of managing your rental properties off your shoulders, we’re here to help.
At Bay Property Management Group, we handle it all. From tenant screening to addressing maintenance issues and collecting monthly rent payments, we are dedicated to making sure your properties are well-managed. If you want more time with your family, reach out to BMG today. We offer full-service property management in Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and elsewhere.
