In Midland, MI, good rentals can move fast—so the best way to avoid losing a place you love is to apply with everything ready to go. This rental application checklist walks you through exactly what to bring (or upload), what landlords typically verify, and how to avoid the most common delays.

Most landlords verify identity, income, employment, rental history, and screening reports. If you bring your ID, proof of income, and landlord references upfront, you can often speed up approval by days.

Before you apply, it also helps to read our guide on Choosing the Right Rental so you’re applying to a home that truly fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

---

---

Key takeaways

• Have ID + proof of income ready before you tour—missing documents are the #1 delay.
• Use HR contact info (not a general company number) to speed employment verification.
• If you’re a first-time renter or relocating, a short renter note and a prepared guarantor can help.
• Don’t waste fees—ask the key questions first (income requirement, pets, move-in timing).

---

The 60-second checklist

Have these ready before you apply:

• Photo ID for every adult applicant
• Proof of income (or financial support)
• Employer contact info (HR preferred)
• Rental history + landlord/property manager contact info
• Pet info + records (if applicable)
• Vehicle info (if parking is assigned)
• Co-signer/guarantor documents (if needed)
• Funds for application/screening fee (if applicable)

---

What to bring with your rental application

Photo ID (for every adult applicant)

Most landlords need to confirm identity before moving forward with tenant screening.

Bring or upload one:

• Driver’s license
• State ID
• Passport

Tip: Use a clear, well-lit photo. Blurry ID images can put your application on hold.

---

Proof of income (choose what fits your situation)

This is the most important part of most rental application requirements. Landlords typically want to confirm you can afford rent reliably (many use a guideline like 2.5–3x rent, but it varies by property).

W-2 employee

• 2–4 recent pay stubs
• Offer letter (if starting a new job)
• Sometimes a W-2 (if requested)

Self-employed / contractor

• Recent tax return or 1099s
• 2–3 months of bank statements (as requested)
• Client contracts or invoices (optional support)

Retired / benefits income

• Benefits award letter (Social Security, pension, VA, etc.)
• Bank statements showing consistent deposits (if requested)

Student / first-time renter

• Proof of financial support (scholarship/stipend/support letter)
• Guarantor (if required)

Relocating for work

• Offer letter with salary and start date
• HR/hiring manager contact for verification

Quick win: Create a single folder named:
LastName_FirstName_Rental-Application
…and keep all files there for easy upload.

---

Employment details (so verification is fast)

Even with pay stubs, many landlords confirm your employment.

Have ready:

• Employer name + address
• HR phone/email (best)
• Job title + start date
• Approximate monthly/annual income

---

Rental history (addresses + landlord contacts)

If you’re wondering what you need to bring for a rental application, this section matters a lot—because landlords often can’t verify your history if your contact info is incomplete.

Prepare:

• Previous addresses and dates lived there
• Landlord/property manager name
• Phone number + email
• Reason for leaving (keep it short and neutral)

If you’ve never rented before: that’s okay. You can strengthen your file with proof of income, a renter note, and (if needed) a guarantor.

---

References (if requested)

Some landlords ask for references; some don’t. If requested, the best options are:

• Prior landlord/property manager (best)
• Employer reference (good)
• Personal reference (less common)

Pick people who respond quickly.

---

Pet information (if applicable)

Pet-friendly rentals often require:

• Breed/type, age, weight
• Vaccination records
• Pet fee/pet rent acknowledgment (varies by property)

Be honest about pets. It’s much easier to get approved with clear info than to fix issues later.

---

Vehicle information (often overlooked)

If parking is assigned or limited, have:

• Make/model
• License plate
• Number of vehicles

---

Co-signer/guarantor documents (if needed)

If your income is new, variable, or your credit history is limited, a guarantor can help—if they’re ready to move quickly.

Guarantor may need:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income
• Screening consent
• Signed guarantor form (property-specific)

---

What landlords verify

This is the tenant screening process in plain English—what landlords verify and why:

Identity verification

Confirms the application matches your ID and basic records.

Income + employment verification

They verify:

• Income amount (or support)
• Employment status
• Stability/consistency

Common delay: employer/HR doesn’t respond. This is why HR contact details matter.

Rental history verification

They may confirm:

• On-time rent history
• Lease compliance
• Noise/neighbor issues
• Proper notice given
• General care of the home

Credit screening

It’s not only the score. Many landlords consider:

• Late payments
• Collections
• Overall debt load
• How recent any issues are

Background and eviction screening (varies)

Depending on the property, screening may include:

• Criminal history search
• Eviction history (where available)
• Address history

Occupancy details

They confirm who will live in the home, move-in date, and policy items like pets/smoking.

---

Rental application timeline

If you’re asking, “how long does a rental application take?” here’s a realistic view:

Same day (fastest)

• Tour → apply → upload docs → pay fee (if applicable)

Next 1–3 business days

• Employment + landlord verification
• Screening results reviewed
• Approval / conditional approval / denial

After approval

• Lease signing
• Move-in funds due (deposit/first month/etc.)
• Move-in inspection scheduled

Want to plan costs confidently? See How Much Does It Cost to Move Into a Rental in Midland, MI?

---

Questions to ask before you pay an application fee

Avoid wasted fees by confirming these upfront:

• What is the income requirement?
• Does every adult (18+) need to apply?
• Are pets allowed, and are there restrictions?
• What is the earliest move-in date, and how soon do you need the home filled?
• What fees are due at lease signing vs at move-in?
• Do you require a guarantor for first-time renters or certain credit profiles?

If you’re still narrowing options, read Choosing the Right Rental before applying.

---

How to strengthen your application

These are simple steps that improve speed and approval odds:

1. Upload ID + income documents immediately
2. Use HR contact info (not a general number)
3. Don’t guess on addresses/dates—look them up
4. Keep voicemail greeting simple and professional
5. Respond quickly to follow-ups
6. Add a short renter note if you have any special situation
7. Be transparent about pets/occupants
8. If relocating, include your offer letter and start date
9. If self-employed, provide organized documentation upfront
10. Have your guarantor ready before you submit
11. Apply only when you truly want the home (fees add up)
12. Ask what the next step and timeline will be after submission

---

Copy/paste templates

Renter note (3–5 sentences)

Hi! My name is [Name]. I’m applying for [address/unit] with a target move-in date of [date]. I work at [company] as a [job title] and can provide proof of income and references right away. I take pride in keeping a clean, quiet home and I’m happy to answer any questions to help with the screening process. Thank you!

Employer verification heads-up (email/text)

Hi [HR/Manager Name] — I applied for a rental and they may contact you to verify my employment/income. If you receive a request, could you please respond when you have a moment? Thank you!

Prior landlord heads-up

Hi [Name] — I’m applying for a new rental and they may reach out for a reference. If you get a call/email, could you please respond when you can? Thanks so much.

---

Printable checklist

Rental Application Checklist

• ☐ Photo ID(s) for every adult
• ☐ Proof of income (pay stubs/offer letter/benefits/etc.)
• ☐ Employer contact info (HR preferred)
• ☐ Rental history + landlord contacts
• ☐ References (if requested)
• ☐ Pet records + details (if applicable)
• ☐ Vehicle info (if applicable)
• ☐ Guarantor/co-signer docs (if needed)

---

FAQ

Do all adults need to apply?

Most landlords require every adult (18+) to apply and complete screening, even if only one person will pay the rent.

What if I don’t have rental history?

That’s common for first-time renters. Strong proof of income, a renter note, and (if needed) a guarantor can help.

What do landlords verify?

Typically identity, income, employment, rental history, and screening reports (credit/background/eviction checks vary by property).

How long does approval take?

Many applications are decided within 1–3 business days. The most common delays are missing documents or hard-to-reach employer/landlord contacts.

What should I do if I’m relocating to Midland for a job?

Include your offer letter, start date, and HR contact info. Also consider reading our local guide: Moving to Midland, MI for Work: Housing Guide Near Major Employers

---

Ready to apply with confidence?

When you’re prepared, applying is simple—and much less stressful. If you have questions about what to bring, move-in timing, or what’s available now, visit Available Rentals or contact us here: Contact RentMid.