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The process of Renting out a Beacon Hill apartment in 2021

First, contact a Boston Beacon Hill apartment broker. I would say about 90% of all Beacon Hill apartments are owned by small Beacon Hill investors. Unlike other cities Boston has very few high-rise apartment buildings that you can go to the leasing office, thus it’s important to select a Beacon Hill broker you’re comfortable with.

If you’re not familiar with any Beacon Hill brokers, check Google Reviews if you find one on the internet and check the companies reviews from past clients.

Okay, once you found the apartment you want to call home. The next step is getting all of your information together for your apartment application. If you don’t have much rental history, providing sufficient information is crucial to show that you’re a trustworthy tenant who can pay your apartment rent on time. Here’s what you need for your apartment application.

1. Personal information

The Beacon Hill broker and eventually the landlord will need to communicate with you, so make sure you are responsive and provide the easiest way to reach you, be it your phone number, email, or another method.

2. Your social security number

You will need to provide your social security number.  This information is necessary for a background check.

3.  A copy of your driver’s license number or state ID

This information is not always required but it shows proof of your identity.

4. Current and previous address/rental information

This information is also needed for your background check. The landlord may also want to check in with your previous landlords for referrals.

5. Current and previous employment information

Your occupation, company name, and phone number so that your landlord may verify your employment. Pay stubs, tax returns, or some other proof of income is going to be required for your application. If you just been hired a letter from your employer can suffice as long as it includes your income.

If you’re a student, a college ID may be required. In addition, you will need your parents to fill out a standard Boston apartment rental application as a co-signer.

7. Personal references

A potential landlord will likely want to speak with your previous landlords to verify your rental history and demeanor as a tenant. They may also ask for personal references, such as your boss, to confirm your employment and character.

9. Emergency contacts

In case the landlord is unable to reach you or a medical emergency takes place, they may need to contact someone close to you, so choose wisely.

10.  An Approved Credit Check

The Beacon Hill real estate office, property management company or landlord will require you to authorize a credit check for them to proceed with your rental application.

They conduct a credit score check to make sure that you are a financially responsible person. A landlord may see a low credit score as an implication of poor dependability. Typically, ~600 is the minimum credit score needed to rent an apartment.

Make sure you don’t have open bankruptcy cases on your file, as this too can lower your chances of success in getting the rental property you’ve applied for. In case this applies to you, consider finding a cosigner or talk to your roommate about using their credit score.

If you have anything in your past that may raise questions, you might want to explain ahead of time.

11. Funds and Deposits

Upon providing your application to the Beacon Hill agent you will need a check to hold the Beacon Hill apartment. Usually, this is equal to one month’s rent.

Once you have been accepted you will need to provide additional funds within a strict time frame. This would include:

• First month’s rent
• Last months rent
• Security Deposit ( The initial deposit you provided when submitting your application could be applied to the security deposit.)

Additional Information For Your Apartment Application

You’ve gathered all of the documents need to rent an apartment, now what? Here are the next steps that may or may not apply to you on the apartment application process.

Find a Cosigner (If Needed)

In case your credit score or income is not high enough for you to secure the apartment, consider asking a trusted person to be your cosigner. A cosigner is someone who signs the lease with you and agrees to pay your rent and fees in case you fail to do so. Having a cosigner is a legal way to increase your landlord’s trust in you.

If you have a Pet

Not all Beacon Hill apartments allow pets. As of the time of the writing of this Boston real estate blog post, I would say approximately only 25% allow pets. Many units may allow cats but no dogs. Also, some landlords require a pet security deposit.

Boston Real Estate and the Bottom Line

So how long does it take to get approved for an apartment? Typically, the waiting time for an apartment application approval is 24 to 72 hours. In some cases, you can be approved the same day you applied.

Keep in mind, at the end of the day it will depend on the individual landlord or property management company.

Make sure to ask this question before submitting your application, especially if you are in a hurry to move out of your current apartment.

You can try to speed things up by providing copies of your credit report and rental reference letters from your employer and previous landlords.

For additional information on Beacon Hill apartments for rent please call or text me at 617-595-3712.

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Updated: Boston Real Estate 2021

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