Denver Rental Application Guide
Everything you need to submit a winning rental application
👀 What Landlords Look For
💰 Income
- 3x rent rule: Most require income 3x monthly rent
- Verifiable employment
- Pay stubs (last 2-3 months)
- Tax returns if self-employed
📊 Credit Score
- 700+: Excellent, likely approved
- 650-699: Good, usually approved
- 600-649: Fair, may need co-signer
- Below 600: Extra deposit or guarantor needed
📜 Rental History
- Previous landlord references
- No evictions (7 years)
- On-time rent payments
- Clean move-out history
🚫 Background
- Criminal background check
- No recent felonies
- Misdemeanors reviewed case-by-case
- Fair Housing laws apply
📄 Required Documents Checklist
Have these ready before you start applying to speed up the process:
✅ Proof of Income
- Last 2-3 pay stubs
- Employment verification letter
- W-2 forms or tax returns (if self-employed)
- Bank statements showing regular deposits
- Offer letter (if new job)
✅ Identification
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Social Security number (for credit check)
- Birth certificate or passport (sometimes required)
✅ Rental History
- Previous landlord contact information (last 2-3 places)
- Proof of on-time rent payments (bank statements, receipts)
- Move-in/move-out inspection reports (if available)
✅ References
- Personal references (2-3 non-family contacts)
- Professional references (supervisor, colleague)
- Complete contact information for each
✅ Application Fee
- $30-$75 per applicant (typical in Denver)
- Credit card, check, or money order
- Non-refundable (even if denied)
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
View the Apartment
Tour in person, ask questions, take photos/notes. Don't apply for a place you haven't seen.
Complete Application
Fill out completely and honestly. Lies or omissions can lead to denial or lease termination.
Pay Application Fee
Usually $30-75 per person. Non-refundable. Only apply if seriously interested.
Submit Documents
Provide all required documentation promptly. Delays can lose you the apartment.
Wait for Approval
Typically 24-72 hours. Don't stop your search until you sign a lease.
Review Lease
Read EVERY line before signing. Ask questions about anything unclear.
Pay Deposits & Sign
First month's rent + security deposit (usually 1 month's rent). Get receipt for all payments!
⭐ How to Stand Out from Other Applicants
1. Apply Fast
In Denver's competitive market, good apartments go within 24-48 hours. Have documents ready to apply same-day.
2. Write a Cover Letter
Brief letter introducing yourself, explaining why you're a great tenant, highlighting stable employment and good rental history.
3. Offer Additional Deposit
If your credit/income is borderline, offer extra security deposit (e.g., 1.5-2 months vs. standard 1 month).
4. Bring References
Printed reference letters from previous landlords, employers showing you're responsible and reliable.
5. Show Proof of Savings
Bank statement showing 3-6 months rent saved demonstrates financial stability.
6. Be Professional
Dress nicely for tours, communicate promptly, be polite. First impressions matter.
7. Offer Longer Lease
Offering 15-18 month lease vs. standard 12 shows commitment and reduces landlord turnover.
❌ Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete application: Missing info delays processing and looks careless
- Lying or omissions: Will be discovered in background check and lead to denial
- Bad references: Giving references who'll speak negatively about you
- Applying without viewing: Never apply sight-unseen, could be a scam
- Multiple applications: Wasting money on application fees for places you don't really want
- Poor communication: Not responding to landlord emails/calls promptly
- Unrealistic budget: Applying for apartments you can't afford (need 3x income)
- Not reading lease: Agreeing to terms you haven't read or don't understand
🔄 What to Do If You're Denied
- Ask why you were denied - Landlords must provide reasons in writing
- Check your credit report - You're entitled to free copy if denied due to credit
- Correct any errors - Dispute inaccuracies on credit report
- Consider a co-signer - Someone with good credit/income who guarantees your lease
- Look for individual landlords - Often more flexible than large companies
- Offer larger deposit - Sometimes compensates for lower credit
- Build credit/income - May need to wait and improve finances before reapplying
⚖️ Know Your Rights: Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. If you believe you were denied unfairly, contact Colorado Fair Housing at (303) 321-1105.