How Long Does Apartment Approval Take? Timeline Explained

On average, an apartment approval takes anywhere between 1 and 3 days after sending in the application. However, certain factors come into play when deciding the number of days, such as the type of building (rental, co-op, or condo), whether you need additional information or documents, or gaps in the application. All these might delay the processing period.

So, to help you stay informed about the time it takes to approve the application and factors affecting the timeline, this blog discusses all the important elements that you need to know.

What is the Timeline to Get an Apartment Application Approved?

The timeline for the apartment application approval process differs. Here is the time usually required to get the applications processed and approved:

Submit Your Application (Might Take Up to an Hour)

Rental applications require your basic details, such as your name, contact information, current address, employment status, Social Security number, proof of income, and rental history. Depending on the volume of applications, this may take a few hours to a few days.

While submitting the application, be sure to mention if you have pets or want to apply with a co-roommate. It might take less than an hour to complete the application, depending on the complexity of the questions and the number of documents you need to include.

Background Checks (Up to 3 Hours)

Landlords and property managers will check if you meet their eligibility criteria. To do so, they’ll verify your identity to check if you are legit and will pay rent on time. This process might take up to 3 hours or a few days, depending on the complexity of the application and volume. They usually check-

• A credit score, which helps them understand your credibility and financial history.
• Background check, to look for any criminal history or previous eviction.
• Employment and income verification to confirm if you can afford the rent. For this, you may be asked to present pay stubs, tax returns, a job offer letter, etc.
• Some landlords may also ask for a reference from the previous landlords.

Review (1-3 Days)

After completion of the formal checks, the landlord will review the shortlisted candidates to make a final decision. The time taken is usually between 1 and 3 days, which may vary depending on the number of applications and the landlord’s general responsiveness. Sometimes the response is faster than expected if they want to fill in the vacant spaces early.

Approval Notification (1-3 Days)

Once the decision is made, the landlord or the property manager will contact and inform you whether the application was approved or denied. They usually notify you as soon as the decision is made, via sms. If the application is approved, they will send the lease to sign and will ask you to submit a security deposit.

What are the Factors Considered During the Apartment Application Process?

Here are certain factors that are considered when approval is made, which may also cause further delay-

Building Approval

You have to be prepared to wait for at least 15-20 days to hear the final news before you move in. If you are opting for a condo or co-op, you may also need to submit a board application and attend an interview for co-op rentals.

Missing Information

Never miss even a single piece of information, as any omission can lead to delays or rejection. You need to include your rental history, phone number, driver’s license, social security number, monthly income, employment information, references, etc.

Market Time

The duration of the apartment in the market also affects how long it takes to get approval. If the apartment has been listed for several days, then processing can be done immediately. However, if it is newly listed, you might have to wait for a few days.

Multiple Application

The more applications a landlord or property owner receives, the more time it takes to process them. Some applications also come in at the last minute, which also need to be reviewed. Thus, causing delay in the approval.

How to Get an Apartment Application Approved Quickly?

Here are some practical tips that can help you get the application processed and approved quickly-

• Always have your documents ready, such as pay stubs, W2s, letters of recommendation from employers or previous landlords. If you have pets, inform them early.
• Background checks, as discussed above, involve credit checks, tenant history, employment history, etc. If these records have any issues, keep an explanation handy, which you can provide in writing or in person.
• If you have a bad credit score, you may need a guarantor or cosigner, such as a family member, a friend, a previous landlord, or even a third party, who can vouch for you and make payment if you fail to do so.
• The references you provide should come from the previous landlord or employer. They can vouch for timely rent payment and good behavior or ethics, respectively.
• After everything is done, don’t forget to follow up.

Waiting for apartment approval can make you anxious, but it is important to understand the necessary steps involved so that your application is neither rejected nor delayed for any reason.