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How to Qualify for an Apartment in Houston TX

Apartments Buildings

Qualifying for an apartment is not easy. But don’t worry, we are here to help you throughout the process. Use McKenzie Drake as your Houston apartment locators and you won’t miss a step!  

There are a few pieces of information that you need to be aware of and understand when you are looking for an apartment. They are, proof of income, credit score, and background checks. In this blog, we will dive into why each of these are important as well as talk about how to access and improve each.  

Proof of income is very important when qualifying for an apartment

Your new apartment leasing office will want to see proof of income to make sure that you (the renter) will be able to make your monthly rent payments. Pretax income must equal 3 times the monthly rent. For example, if rent is $1,000 per month, then you need show proof that you make at least $3,000 a month. Some renters might not understand that when you are able to show proof of income you are helping yourself out as well by setting yourself up for success. There are a couple of ways to show proof of income. That is showing your most recent pay stubs or providing your past tax returns. If you are working a full-time job, you will most likely show your paystubs. There are a lot of people of people who are contract employees that do not receive pay stubs periodically so a tax return would be their best option when providing proof of income. When the time comes to qualify for an apartment, make sure that you have all paperwork ready and available for the leasing office so you can have a stress-free move! 

Why you should always be aware of your credit score

When qualifying for an apartment, your apartment complex will run a credit report. Your credit score will be very important when qualifying for an apartment. Your credit report will show the leasing office how you manage your money as well as how much debt or unpaid bills you may or may not have. Every apartment is different and will require different credit scores. At McKenzie Drake, we believe that a credit score in the 600’s would be an okay spot to be able to qualify for an apartment. If you think you need to improve your credit score, there are a few things you can do to get it higher. Paying your bills on time, paying more than the minimum amount, and only applying for credit or accounts that are necessary are all great ways to raise your credit score. When it comes time to qualify for an apartment, we recommend running a free report to get a rough idea of your credit score.  

Background checks and their importance when qualifying for a Houston apartment

Background checks are required at all properties and all felonies or misdemeanors must be disclosed when qualifying for an apartment. When qualifying for an apartment a background check should only take a few days, no more than 72 hours. This will not delay your move in date unless there is something that comes up that was not disclosed up front. Most background checks will go as far back as 10 years. In your background check your apartment complex will look at your rental history, criminal history, credit history, and employment history. If your background check comes back with something that will not allow you to qualify for an apartment, it is required by law for the complex to provide you with those details. This will allow you to do what you can to get it taken off of your background so that you are able to qualify for an apartment in the future. 

Talk with any of our agents at McKenzie Drake to see if you are able to qualify for an apartment in Houston, Texas! We look forward to working with you!