In today's housing market, more people are choosing to rent rather than buy. Because of the high number of renters, especially in large cities, finding a great apartment can be competitive. In order to get the apartment you want you will need to be able to impress a potential landlord. It is almost like interviewing for a job. The landlord will need to quickly see that you are trustworthy and detail oriented. If they have doubts about you, they will move on to the next person waiting in line for your apartment. From the moment you first contact a landlord you will need to be professional. Landlords will want to know that you are serious about renting from them. If you really want to impress a potential landlord, make sure you have prepared to visit the property. Write down a list of questions you have about the apartment. This could include questions about how to pay rent or if they allow pets. This will show the landlord that you are seriously considering the apartment. You could also bring a rental résumé. The document could include previous addresses, credit score, current employment and salary, vehicle information, etc. It could also references from previous landlords. Bringing a rental résumé will show the landlord that you are organized and detail-oriented. These characteristics will be important to landlords who expect their tenants to pay their rent on time and take care of the property. A rental résumé will also give you a chance to explain things that may work against you on your rental application. For example, if you have a low credit score, you could write a note detailing what happened.  

When meeting the landlord for the first time, it is important to dress and behave professionally. While you may look at apartment hunting as something you do "off the clock," the landlord will be doing business and it is important for them to see that you are serious about what they are offering. It is also a good idea to make sure you have enough money to put down a deposit should you decide that it is the right property for you. Contracts are often sold on a "first come, first serve" basis. Even if you make a good impression, the landlord will not hold the property for you for long. They will sell the contract to the first person who meets the rental criteria and puts down the money. Apartment seekers need to show potential landlords that they are serious about their responsibilities as a renter. Make sure that you are prepared as you search for your next place.