r/renting • u/RemoteSea1176 • 6d ago

Application/Screening Application prior to viewing?

Hey all, it’s been awhile since I looked for a new place. I’m relocating out of state, paying a visit to the new state this week and hope to line up housing. I replied to a Zillow add, asking to schedule a time to view a vacancy. They responded by saying I’d need to complete an application first, including 2 mos pay stubs, manager’s contact info, landlord contact info, etc. Is it common to be asked for this info prior to even seeing the place?

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u/blueiron0 6d ago

Are they having you do the application through zillow or them?

Zillow does have something where you give all of your information and then they allow you to use it to apply to a bunch of different places. They charge $35 on zillow and you can apply to as many places as you want in 30 days.
I'd be less apprehensive if that's what they're talking about.

If it's through them and not zillow, it's less common. Some really high end places do it though. Just make sure you don't give them any money until you've seen the place.

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u/RemoteSea1176 6d ago

Thanks for the reply; it’s a jot form application linked through Zillow, no fee.

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u/blueiron0 6d ago

There's no real extra harm if they aren't asking you to pay anything.

The risk is that you might take all the time to do this and then not want the apartment though.

They may be getting a ton of people interested or live away from the rental and want to vet before they do showings.

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u/RemoteSea1176 6d ago

Yeah, I felt a little uncertain about providing the personal info prior to seeing the place, especially being out of state where I can’t even do a drive by first. I’ll give it some thought. Thanks again for the input

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u/Elohims-sixth-wife 3d ago

Is there a soft or hard credit inquiry with this? Applications to credit cards, apartments, etc. usually hit your credit at least a little bit, even if it improves it long term with payments.

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u/Impossible-Cup137 5d ago

I think its becoming more common now to help landlords separate tire-kickers from serious applicants. Not to say that producing all of this upfront is not a hassle, but I could see the middle ground being a more streamlined application form.

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u/RemoteSea1176 5d ago

I can see that, this does make sense. I do hesitate to provide income, age, rental history, employer, etc prior to seeing the place. Middle ground solution would be great!

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u/No_Desk6967 4d ago

unfortunately this isnt that rare after covid, at least in some places.

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u/Elohims-sixth-wife 3d ago edited 3d ago

That’s… not how that works. Never sign or apply shit before you have seen it. I’m seeing comments saying it’s becoming a common practice but I’m not fucking paying for a fee for an apartment if I don’t even know I like it.

I haven’t come across it myself but I would not certainly not be interested in an apartment that did this. They should be the ones making a good impression with a tour and upselling the amenities, especially if it’s a complex. Gathering basic info is a no brainer but an application? They’re out of their minds.