Apartment hunting can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re stuck wondering: How long does apartment approval take? You’ve finally found the right place, submitted your application, and now every hour feels like a week as you wait to hear back.
This guide breaks down the approval process, what influences the timeline, and practical tips to help you speed things up.
How Long Does Apartment Approval Typically Take?
When you apply for an apartment, it can feel like forever until you hear back. The good news is that most landlords make a decision relatively quickly. Renters typically receive a response within 1 to 3 business days after submitting their application.
In terms of approval rates, approximately 83.2% of rental applications in the U.S. are approved, based on a national study by RentCafe. That means most applicants are successful, but nearly 1 in 5 may be denied due to incomplete information, credit issues, or high competition.
To improve your chances, ensure your application is complete, accurate, and supported with strong documentation like proof of income, references, and a solid rental history.
Average Apartment Approval Timeline
Most renters get approved within 24 to 72 hours, but the timeline can vary based on the lease vs rent type, location, and whether you’re dealing with a mortgage broker or a private landlord.
Why Does Apartment Approval Time Vary?
Landlords take different amounts of time to approve applications because not every apartment application is the same. Some landlords or property managers work fast, while others have a longer review process.
A busy market, slow responses from your references, missing paperwork, or delayed background checks can all slow down the landlord’s approval process. Even small issues, like missing documents, can add extra days to the wait.
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Key Factors That Influence How Long Approval Takes
Not everyone gets approved at the same speed. Some people hear back in a day, while others wait a week or more. Let’s look at the main things that can speed up or slow down your apartment approval.
Completeness of Your Application
Providing full documentation upfront, proof of employment, and a clean rental history, can prevent delays. Be sure your information aligns with what you sent.
Background and Credit Checks
Your credit report reveals whether you’ve previously held a secured loan, unsecured loans, or engaged in a cash-out refinance.
These insights help landlords assess if you can pay rent by proving you pay any loans or debts regularly.
Rental Market Demand
Landlords take longer to approve apartment applications in high-demand areas like student housing zones or popular neighborhoods because more people are applying.
With this, landlords often receive dozens of applications and take extra time to review them carefully.
In places with lots of vacation rentals or historic homes, the process can also be slower due to special regulations or zoning rules. These properties may require more paperwork or have restrictions that delay approval.
If you’re aiming to live in a competitive area, apply early, submit all required documents, and expect landlords to take longer to approve your application.
Responsiveness of References
Slow responses from employers or references can delay approval. If you have a roommate agreement or plan to sublet or sublease, make sure all parties are on the same page and reachable.
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What Does the Apartment Approval Process Look Like?
If you’ve never rented before, the approval process might seem confusing. Knowing what steps to expect can help you stay prepared and avoid delays. Here’s a quick look at what happens after you submit your application.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
The first step is filling out and submitting your rental application. To avoid delays, make sure you include all required documents upfront.
Most landlords will ask for:
- A completed rental application form
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns)
- Government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
- Employment verification (letter from employer or work contract)
- Rental history (contact info for previous landlords or reference letters)
- Credit report (sometimes provided by the applicant, sometimes pulled by the landlord)
- Application fee, if required
If you’re self-employed, include income proof like invoices, 1099s, or bank statements.
Providing all of this at once helps the landlord review your application faster and increases your chances of quick approval.
Step 2: Initial Review of Apartment Application
During this stage, landlords review your documents to make sure you’re financially stable and not taking on more than you can handle.
They’re looking for signs that you can pay rent consistently and on time.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Apartment Approval Review
- Keep your income-to-rent ratio strong: Aim to show your monthly income is at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent.
- Avoid red flags on your application: Double-check for missing information or typos, these can slow things down.
- Be honest about your financial situation: Inaccurate info can lead to automatic rejection.
- Minimize other debts: If possible, avoid applying right after taking on big loans or new credit cards.
- Have recent documents ready: Use the most up-to-date pay stubs or bank statements (from the last 1–2 months).
- Add a short cover note if needed: If you’re self-employed or recently relocated, clearly and briefly explain your situation to help the landlord understand your background.
The goal here is to present yourself as a low-risk, financially responsible tenant. A clean, complete, and truthful application helps speed up the decision.
Step 3: Background and Credit Checks for Apartment Approval
Most landlords review your background and credit as soon as they receive your application to assess your reliability as a tenant.
Here’s what landlords typically look for:
- Credit score and payment history: Shows if you consistently pay bills and debts on time.
- Outstanding debts or collections: Unpaid rent, loans, or utility bills may signal financial risk.
- Criminal record: Checked for safety reasons, depending on local regulations and property policies.
- Past evictions: A key red flag that may indicate issues with rent payment or lease violations.
- Rental history consistency: Frequent moves or broken leases can suggest instability or problems with previous rentals.
If your credit isn’t perfect, consider offering a co-signer, larger deposit, or proof of steady income to strengthen your application.
Being upfront about any issues can also help build trust with the landlord.
Step 4: Contacting References
After reviewing your application and background check, most landlords will contact your references to verify your rental and employment history.
Here’s how to make this step go smoothly:
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Ask for permission first: Let your references know ahead of time so they’re prepared to respond.
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Choose the right people: Use former landlords, property managers, or employers who can speak to your reliability.
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Provide accurate contact details: Double-check phone numbers and emails to avoid delays or missed calls.
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Let your references know to expect a call: A heads-up ensures quicker responses and fewer hold-ups.
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Be consistent with your info: Make sure your references’ accounts match what you’ve listed on your application.
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Avoid using friends or family: Stick to professional or rental-related references unless otherwise requested.
Strong, prepared references can speed up the process and boost your chances of getting approved.
Step 5: Approval or Denial of Apartment Application
Once your application, background check, and references are reviewed, the landlord will make a final decision, usually within a few days.
Here’s what typically happens next:
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Approval within 24–72 hours: If everything checks out, you’ll likely hear back quickly with an approval and next steps.
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Request for additional documents: Sometimes, landlords may ask for more proof of income, identification, or clarification before making a decision.
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Denial notice: If your application is denied, you’re usually notified by email or phone. The landlord may not always provide a reason, but you can ask.
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Conditional approval: You may be approved with conditions, such as needing a co-signer or paying a larger deposit.
If the landlord approves your application, sign the lease and pay any upfront costs, like first month’s rent or a security deposit, promptly to secure the unit.
The landlord decides to deny or approve the application. If they deny it, don’t get discouraged. Review what went wrong, improve your application, and keep applying.
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How to Get Your Apartment Application Approved Faster?
If you’ve never rented before, the approval process might seem confusing. Knowing what steps to expect can help you stay prepared and avoid delays.
Here’s a quick look at what happens after you submit your application to get approved faster.
1. Submit a Complete Application
Incomplete applications are the biggest cause of delays.
- Double-check that all forms are filled out correctly.
- Include all required documents: ID, proof of income, employment verification, rental history, and references.
- Pay the application fee promptly if required.
2. Strengthen Your Financial Profile
Landlords want to see that you can reliably pay rent.
- Improve your credit score if possible—pay off small debts and avoid missed payments.
- Provide bank statements to show savings or steady income.
- Offer to pay a larger security deposit or multiple months upfront if your credit is borderline.
3. Consider a Co-Signer
If your credit or income is weak, a co-signer can help boost your chances of approval, especially in competitive markets.
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Ask someone with a strong financial record to back your application. Good co-signers are usually:
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Parents or close family members
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Long-term friends with stable incomes
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Employers or mentors (if appropriate and willing)
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Make sure the co-signer understands their legal responsibility—they’ll be financially liable if you miss payments.
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Submit their documents (proof of income, credit score, and ID) along with your own to avoid delays.
4. Apply Early in the Week
Timing matters more than you think.
- Submit your application on a Monday or Tuesday to beat the weekend rush.
- Avoid applying late on Fridays or weekends when offices may be slower to respond.
5. Follow Up Politely
If you really want the place, contact the landlord or agent and follow up politely, but avoid checking in too often.
- Wait at least 48 hours before following up.
- Write a polite email or call briefly to ask if the landlord needs any additional information.
- Thank them for their time and consideration.
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What Should You Do While Waiting for the Apartment Application Approval?
Waiting for a response can feel stressful, but there are smart ways to use this time.
Here are some helpful things you can do while you wait.
Keep Exploring Other Apartment Listings
You might be surprised what you find, maybe a property with lower bills, or one that’s more aligned with your types of budgeting or goals to afford your dream home.
Prepare Your Moving Plan
While waiting for apartment approval, use the time to plan your move. Create a checklist, gather packing supplies, and start decluttering to stay organized.
Explore moving options, organize your important documents, and set a clear timeline so you’re ready to act quickly once the landlord approves you.
This way, you’re ready to move without unnecessary stress or delays.
Stay in Communication
While you wait, staying responsive shows you’re serious and reliable. Check your email and phone regularly in case the landlord needs more documents or clarification.
Responding quickly can help keep your application moving forward and prevent delays. Just be professional—avoid excessive follow-ups, but don’t miss important messages that could affect your approval.
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Final Thoughts
Landlords can approve your apartment application in as little as a day or take over a week, depending on how well you prepare, the rental market, and whether your application is complete.
By staying organized, proactive, and responsive, you can make the process faster and less stressful.
For more tips on managing your finances, preparing for big life moves, and staying ahead in today’s housing market, check out Financial Daily Update.
