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How to Find a Rental: Practical Advice

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with Reputable Realty # 01804752

How to Find a Rental: Practical Advice

Finding a rental can be challenging, but with preparation and strategy, you can improve your chances of securing the right place. Here’s how:

1. Define Your Target Area

Start by determining where you want to live. Consider your priorities, such as:

  • Proximity to schools (e.g., within a specific school boundary).

  • Distance to major landmarks, like Oak Hills Road and the I-15.

Use tools like Zillow to draw search boundaries and filter by location.

2. Set Your Budget

Establish your maximum price and filter listings accordingly.

Be prepared to compromise if necessary. For example, if you’re looking for a 4-bedroom rental but only 3-bedroom options fit your budget, decide whether to compromise on size or expand your search area.

3. Be Proactive

Don’t wait for opportunities—present yourself as a reliable, proactive tenant:

  • Deliver your rental résumé to rental agents and inquire about available properties.

  • Before applying, ask:

    1. Is there someone qualified ahead of me?

    2. Based on the information I provided, am I qualified for this rental?

4. Create a Rental Résumé

Treat your rental search like a job hunt. Prepare a professional résumé for landlords that includes:

  • Rental History: List previous addresses and how long you lived at each.

  • Income Information: Provide pay stubs, proof of income, or details of government assistance programs, if applicable.

  • Credit Report: Include a free annual credit report (available through major credit bureaus).

  • References: Obtain letters of recommendation from past landlords or employers, if possible.

5. Addressing Pets

If you have pets, finding a rental may require extra steps. Here’s how to make your application stand out:

  • Be Honest: Always disclose your pets upfront to avoid complications later.

  • Create a Pet Résumé: Include details such as your pet’s age, breed, size, and behavior. Mention if they’re spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and house-trained.

  • Provide References: If possible, get a letter from a previous landlord confirming your pet’s good behavior.

  • Offer a Pet Deposit: Show you’re responsible by being prepared to pay a pet deposit or pet rent, if required.

  • Seek Pet-Friendly Listings: Use search filters to find rentals that explicitly allow pets. Platforms like Zillow and Apartments.com often have pet-friendly filters.

Being transparent and prepared with pet documentation can help landlords feel more confident in renting to you.

6. Avoid Wasting Money on Application Fees

Before paying for credit checks or application fees:

  • Verify that no one ahead of you has already qualified for the property.

  • Confirm that you meet the property’s minimum requirements.

7. Stay Organized

Compile all necessary documents for every adult in your household, including:

  • Income verification.

  • Credit reports.

  • References.

Being organized and prepared helps you stand out as a dependable tenant.


Hope all this helps! 

I'm Karen Sanchez, REALTOR
Marketing your house like no one else will.

📞 760-684-0250
📧 karen@karensoldit.net

Licensed in California and Texas. Serving the Victor Valley, South Bay, other SoCal areas by request, and the Hill Country of Texas.

Karen L. Sanchez, Broker
Reputable Realty
CA License #01804752

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Don Johnson Realtors
New Braunfels, TX
📧 karensoldit@yahoo.com
📞 Cell: 760-684-0250 | Office: 830-624-8272

 

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Show All Comments Sort:
Raymond Denton
Homesmart / Evergreen Realty - Laguna Woods, CA
Laguna Woods Realtor®

That's a pretty through list KAREN SANCHEZ.  I include one more item in my rental list ... I request a Pet Resume if there will be pets. It makes life so much easier.

Jan 21, 2025 12:57 PM
KAREN SANCHEZ

Good point!  I'll edit it and add pets in. 

Jan 21, 2025 03:18 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello KAREN SANCHEZ very valuable helpful report practical advice for how to find a rental.

Jan 21, 2025 02:08 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Karen, as long as they don't call on Craigslist ads, those are usually scams.  Great post for renters.

Jan 21, 2025 03:42 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Loved your post KAREN SANCHEZ  ironically I have a lease listing and another one coming on the market and the landlord is asking why so little inquiries... should tell them because half of the points you mention we do not have:)Endre

Jan 21, 2025 10:25 PM
KAREN SANCHEZ

Thanks nuts!   Especially with the fires you would think all the rentals would be scooped up.  I'm waiting for the wave that will hit evidently.  By the coast there will be no inventory, then it will get to the IE with no inventory, then the HD will start getting multiple offers.

Jan 22, 2025 07:48 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

In my old state (NY), rentals were included in MLS so the first thing to do would be to find an agent to help in the rental search. In my state now (MT) finding rentals is not fun - there are so many different property management companies and websites that one needs to go to to find a rental. Following your steps would certainly help.

Jan 22, 2025 06:13 AM
KAREN SANCHEZ

Rental markets are so crazy!  Back before you signed buyer/broker in one of my areas they would  over a very low number to bring the renter.  It had 2 digits.   I don't have E and O in CA for rentals so I just give people advice and a prayer.

Jan 22, 2025 07:45 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Karen - proper preparation is as important (and perhaps more) in a search for a rental versus purchasing a property.  

Jan 22, 2025 07:58 AM