Ready to move out of your old rental? You’ve started the process of looking for available houses and apartments but what do you really need in order to ensure that you land a great new home? How will you make sure you stand out in this competitive rental market? A simple and easy way to guarantee that you impress your potential landlords is to have a renter’s resume.
What is a Renter’s Resume?
A renter’s resume is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Think of any other resume you have made for potential jobs in the past. It consists of a brief overview of what you are bringing to the table. But in this case, it will include more of your rental history and preferences instead of your work experience.
What Do I Include?
Drafting a renter’s resume is a relatively easy process. Always start off with a header containing your name, phone number, and email to make it as easy as possible for landlords to get in touch with you. Next, add a brief objective statement detailing what you are looking for in a new home. Be sure to include why you are moving and what type of home you are hoping to move into. Talk about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you are looking for and how much rent you expect to pay. Do you need to be within walking distance from work or shops and restaurants? What type of neighborhood are you looking for? Be sure to include how long you plan to rent so the landlord can have a clear idea of what to expect. Round off your rental goals with some personal background, including current employment, education, pets, spouses, children, and/or roommates.
Follow your objective up with a more detailed explanation of your job status. Include your job title, company, and how long you have been working there. It also may be a good idea to list previous jobs as well. Landlords want to know you will be able to pay rent in a timely manner. If you have any larger debts, it may be a good idea to mention them. Be sure to also include contact information for your employer just in case your landlord wants to verify the information you give them.
Next, include some background on your previous rental history. List any past rentals, your monthly rent, and your reasons for leaving. Landlords will definitely want to know why your past rentals didn’t work out – even if it is just because you were looking for a bigger place with more space, be sure to add this information!
Just like the job application process, you will be expected to provide references when you are looking into a new rental. List 2-4 references that can put in a good word for you if a landlord decides to reach out to them. This list can include previous landlords and past or current employers or roommates. Be sure to include their name, relation to you, their phone number and address.
Lastly, it may be helpful to put a small statement at the bottom of your resume to let landlords know you can provide any additional documents they would need. A simple “Additional Documents Available Upon Request” should do. Be ready to provide proof of employment, letters of recommendations, or proof of financial reserves. If you are interested in seeing an example of a resume, visit this website.
Why is Renter's Resume Necessary?
Creating a renter’s resume may seem like a burdensome step in the rental process. However, it can give you that valuable competitive edge, helping you stand out from other people who may be looking at the same property. Additionally, it shows you are interested, motivated, and responsible – all qualities that landlords look for in a tenant. With your renter’s resume in hand, a potential landlord’s decision on who to rent to will be made significantly easier.
Looking for additional help during your next move? Check out RentAssist. Let’s make moving easier. Happy renting!