You’ve done your research, applied for apartment townhomes for rent, and got approved. Congratulations! Next up is signing your lease so you and your family can start moving into your new home and making it your own. This part of the lease process can be stressful, especially if you’ve never signed a lease. Often, renters forget to bring vital documents to their lease signing.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the documents you’ll need when signing a lease for one of our spacious and stylish rentals. Keep reading to learn more, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
1. Proof of Employment
When renting a luxury townhome, most city landlords require proof of employment or income to ensure their residents can consistently make rent payments on time. These documents can include recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your salary or hourly wage.
If you are a new hire and just moving to the area, an offer of employment letter with your pay will suffice. For self-employed renters, income tax returns will be needed. Providing proof of employment helps ensure that you will be able to afford the monthly rent payments. You’ll want to enjoy your new community without stressing over paying the bills; proof of your pay rate can help solidify that.
2. Photo ID
You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity when signing a lease. It’s important to be sure that this identification is not expired. This identification helps confirm your identity and is a big part of security requirements. Landlords take the safety and security of their residents very seriously, and having a photo ID ready at your lease signing for luxury townhome rentals helps protect both the rental properties and residents.
3. Reference Letters
While you may have an excellent rental history, not all individuals can boast of that. That’s why you should bring at least two reference letters with you when signing a lease. Ideally, they are from previous landlords, but other professionals, such as your manager, would suffice. These letters help show your landlord what kind of tenant you will be based on how you have acted in the past. Be sure to have these letters dated and signed by the person recommending you.
4. Vehicle Registration
You’ll also need a copy of your vehicle registration when signing a lease for apartments and luxury townhomes. All vehicles parked on the property must be licensed and insured. Your property owner wants to ensure all vehicles are legally allowed to be there and are up-to-date with state and local regulations.
If you don’t have your registration handy, be sure to bring at least the following information about your vehicle:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Color
- License plate number
- Registration number
5. Social Security Card
A copy of your Social Security card can help your property owner verify your identity and ensure that all information on your lease agreement is accurate. This information is a standard requirement in most rental application processes and helps maintain the integrity of rental agreements.
6. Past Rental History
You may be asked for information about your past rental history, including your previous address and contact information for your previous landlords. This information helps give a better idea of what kind of tenant you have been in the past and what can be expected from you as a resident moving forward. Landlords take rental history very seriously, so it helps to have a list of where you lived, how long you lived there, why you left, and your landlord’s name and phone number. The past two to three rentals should suffice.
7. Money
You’ll also need your security deposit and the first month’s rent when signing. Be sure to bring cash or money order made out to the name designated by your landlord. Some places may require last month’s rent as well at this time, so double-check the amount with your new property owner before the lease signing. These monies ensure that you are committed to the rental property and help cover any damage that may occur during your tenancy.
8. Guarantor’s Documents
If you have a guarantor who will be co-signing your lease, they may need to bring documents with them as well, such as proof of income or a credit check. This requirement is standard practice in the rental industry and helps ensure that all parties involved in the rental agreement are financially stable. They should also bring copies of the same documents you are bringing, in case your new landlord needs them.
9. Information About Debts
You may also be asked for information about any outstanding debts or financial obligations you have to assess your ability to make rent payments. Financial situations can change quickly, so your new property owner needs to understand your current financial situation clearly. Providing information about debts, declared bankruptcies, or financial obligations can help create a transparent relationship between you and your new landlord.
Looking for Luxury Townhome Rentals in Central PA? Contact Us!
Now that you know the critical documents needed when signing a lease for luxury townhome rentals, it’s time to take the next step. At Burkentine Property Management, we make the rental process as smooth as possible by providing all the necessary information upfront. We understand that the paperwork can be overwhelming, but following our guide will make you well-prepared and confident when signing your lease.
But if you haven’t quite gotten to the lease-signing portion of the rental process, we can help you too! Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a viewing today. Our team is ready to help you find your perfect rental home. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to live in one of our spacious and stylish luxury townhome rentals!
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