What to bring to a rental application

Identification

A government photo ID is standard, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.

If you do not have a Social Security number, many landlords accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Proof of income

The standard request is two or three recent pay stubs.

If you are self-employed or have variable income, several alternative documents can verify your ability to pay consistently.

• Bank statements showing regular deposits (ideal for self-employed or gig income)
• Tax returns or 1099s
• An offer letter, if you have accepted a job you have not yet started
• Benefit award letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, or housing vouchers)
• Court-ordered support documentation
• A letter from a client or platform confirming ongoing work

Rental history

Addresses for the last two to three years, and contact details for previous landlords.

If you have been staying with family, subletting, or between places, let the property manager know upfront.

If your history has prior challenges

An eviction filing, broken lease, or low credit score does not automatically disqualify you, and discussing it proactively is always best.

Bring supporting documents: a dismissal, a satisfied judgment, payment receipts, or a short written explanation of how your situation has improved.

Important safety practices

Be careful about anyone who asks for money before you have toured a home or signed a lease. Wire transfers or peer-to-peer payments requested before a verified lease is signed are common signs of rental scams.

Standard application fees for screening are normal, but security deposits before an approved lease are not.