Question about leasing an apartment

[Nitewaif]

So, it's been ten years since I actually rented a place.  I've had this travel gig for a decade now, but now I'm thinking I'll settle down for a year or so until the job market picks back up.  The companies have cut benefits so much that right now, it makes more sense for me to stay put.

Anyway, I found a place I liked and brought home the reference/application form.  It seems damn intrusive.  It's been a long time, but I don't recall the process being more than pulling a credit report, proof of income, and listing past addresses.  In addition to all that, this company is asking for my bank and checking account numbers, my drivers license number, automobiles and thier license numbers as well as make/model/color, etc. and extensive work history with supervisor names and all that jazz.  This just seems overly intrusive to me.  Have things changed that much?

[Mother]

jbubble and I just did the same thing and they asked all the same questions. I guess it is all standard now.

but I do agree that it is a bit much.

a colonoscopy would have been less invasive

some legal type on here pro'lly has some perfectly legit reasons why it is necessary

[ducpainter]

They didn't ask that many questions when I bought my house.

Times change.   

[jdubbs32584]

Yup, it was a bit much but remember you'll be giving up the bank info with any check you give them anyways.

I didn't have to give up that info a couple years ago when I rented here in Charlotte but I guess its on there now. 

[erkishhorde]

If you fill out the stuff in person you can ask them which parts are really necessary. They don't actually NEED all of it.

The car info is likely for parking enforcement. Some places do resident only parking or assigned spot parking and it's to prove that you're where you are allowed to be.

[cyrus buelton]

They are protecting the downside if you miss your rent payments, as eviction is costly and time consuming for the rental agency.


As the times worsen, so does the income of rental units, therefore, by performing such checks they are making sure you are truthful in your statements and can afford to make rent each month.

[Popeye the Sailor]

They asked me all of that stuff.

I sat down and explained I would provide previous addresses, proof of income, personal info, and moto license plate number. Other than that, no bank info, drivers license info, supervisors name etc.

They were okay with it.

[red baron]

They asked me all of that stuff.

Like they're gonna get any info from your super.

[cyrus buelton]

If I rented out my condo, I would also include a background check on that form.

[IZ]

We hadn't rented in awhile but when we started our movement from AZ a couple years ago..all three places we've rented from have asked for the same info..plus shot records on the pet(s).  I agree..they want a ton of info!  I'm surpised they didn't ask for our birth certificates!


CB mentioned tough times right now..in regards to that.  We broke our lease early in FL.  We gave them 60 days notice so all they did was keep our deposit.  The place here in TX..OTOH..wanted to charge us about $4000.00 to break this lease!!    They don't want empty apts and right now..they have a few.  The place is pretty full though with families that have either lost their homes in a another state or here.    

[cyrus buelton]

I have only rented one apartment in my life and I signed the lease in the late fall of 2003 for occupancy beginning Jan 2 2004.

They required all that information and the complex was at 95% occupancy.

If I would have broke my lease, I would have owed them about 3400$

[IZ]

I have only rented one apartment in my life and I signed the lease in the late fall of 2003 for occupancy beginning Jan 2 2004.

They required all that information and the complex was at 95% occupancy.

If I would have broke my lease, I would have owed them about 3400$

We broke our lease in Flagstaff back in '95.  30 days notice..had to pay 1/2 a month's rent ($400) and lost security deposit ($250).  Wasn't too bad when I look back but we had just gotten married and that was a lot of money to lose at the time.  We made it all back though renting the next place since it was a house AND it was cheaper rent!

I guess it all depends on where you rent and what the contract says. 

[cyrus buelton]

a lot of the lease break fees center around what sort of "deal" you got when you moved in.

I got 2 free months, so I would have had to pay that back along with losing my security deposit.

[Nitewaif]

Ok, well I guess I'll just ask and see how little I can get away with giving them.  Sounds like times have changed, though.  I pretty much get the colonoscopy bit to work as a nurse anyway.  I have had more background checks than I can recall, and I've been fingerprinted more times than a petty criminal. 

[redxblack]

My job requires me to get fingerprinted every 5 years. I guess that's so if my prints should happen to change or something...