23 apr 2025
Submitting a well-prepared rental application is key to making a strong first impression on a landlord. It’s also your chance to demonstrate that you’ll be a responsible and reliable tenant. Here are some effective tips to help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of securing your desired home.
As a rule, a landlord is interested in two major things: to see that you’re a real person and to be sure you can pay the rent. For sure, some of them also want to know some extra things, like whether you’ve destroyed a previously rented apartment or hidden a zoo in your suitcase. That’s why sometimes they might also ask you for a previous landlord’s contact info or your rental history.
Anyway, landlords (as well as their demands) differ, but here’s the list of documents that are usually requested. It’s better to prepare them before sending the application form, just to be on the safe side.
According to recent statistics, nearly 103 million people in the U.S. rent homes, which is approximately 31.4% of the population. You can only imagine how many people are waiting in line. That’s why landlords often ask for all necessary documents in advance, requesting to send digital copies even before showing you the place. This way they examine potential tenants to avoid wasting anyone’s time if meeting in person doesn’t make sense. And that’s what makes the next steps so important.
As you know, first impressions are most lasting. A professional and neat portfolio will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of impressing your future landlord.
First, before you start filling out your rental application form, you need to get one. You can use an old version, create a new one in a text editor, or use a PDF template.
Second, complete it accurately. You can do it either on a computer or smartphone. While many people prefer the first option due to its convenience, the latter one is more flexible. It allows you to adjust and resend your application at any moment, whether you’re in your car, walking your dog, or traveling.
Any app that comes with PDF scanning and editing features should work. For instance, iScanner combines both. It also lets you enhance scan quality, e-sign documents, and merge multiple files into one. That’s especially convenient when you need to send everything to your landlord straight away. Plus, you can reuse an old filled-out paper application to save time by editing it directly in the app.
If you’re using a template,
1. Open the app or download it if you don’t have it;
2. Tap Plus—Import Files and select the template;
3. Select the Text button at the bottom of the screen and tap where you want to add it. You can also adjust the font, size, and color;
Just in case: If the form includes checkboxes, you can add a checkmark instead of writing yes/no several times. Find the Shapes button at the bottom, choose the check mark, and tap the screen to place it.
4. Finally, sign your digital copy. Tap Sign, then Plus, and choose the option that works best for you. You can draw or type your signature in the app, or even scan it from another document. If you go with the last option, here’s a step-by-step guide to removing the background of your signature.
Once everything is done, your form will be automatically saved and be ready to share anytime.
If you’re using a paper copy of a previously sent application form,
1. Open or download the app;
2. Tap Plus—Camera and take a snap of your old application form;
3. Change the settings to make sure your scan looks perfect. Crop the scanned file if needed and enhance its quality by choosing Refine. Here, you can straighten the form, remove fingers if they accidentally appear in the frame, and polish it to get a sharp, clean, and professional-looking copy. Then tap Done.
4. Tap the Hide button at the bottom and carefully erase everything you’d like to change in the form.
5. Tap Text, then tap anywhere on the screen to add your text.
6. E-sign the form.
If you’re currently unemployed or it’s the first time renting a place, the sections in the form shouldn’t be left empty. If you don’t want to raise concerns, simply explain the reasons. For instance, if you’re not working right now, mention that you’re actively looking for a job and attending interviews. If you have a sufficient amount saved on deposit, this can be a plus as well.
If you’ve never rented on your own, mention that too. You can also include your family members as references.
If you have a pet, it’s a good idea to mention that in the application form. To increase your chances, you can also include a cute photo of your dog or cat in their current living space. This helps show the landlord that there’s nothing but pure friendliness in that lovely face—and that it’s not their first time living in an apartment. Who could resist it?
To do that, scroll your application form till the end in iScanner, and tap Add Page.
You can add the image right from the Gallery (Add Pages from Photos) or insert a picture on a new page (tap Add Blank Page—Image—Photos).
When all is said and done, it’s time to send your documents to the landlord. And the way you do it also matters. To save time and ensure the landlord doesn’t waste theirs, gather all the copies into one file. Sending them separately is fine, but there’s a chance you might forget to attach something or that the landlord will miss an important document, which can add more fuss to this already challenging process.
You can merge PDFs using an online tool or the iScanner app. Just tap the Check Mark button in the top right corner, select the docs, tap the Three Dots button, and choose Merge.
