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Best way to get an apartment:

1/2 Don't put the words "desperate," "ASAP" "Homeless" "Please Help" in your ad. Your landlord is not your social worker.

1. Check ads in newspaper, Craigslist, Zillow, etc. Read the ads.

2. Call number in ad or go to website listed

3.If calling, know what the ad said about the unit. Do not waste evryone's time asking questions clearly printed in the ad. Have a pen and paper handy to take notes. Do not yell at anyone in the background while on the phone, and do not have anyone yell at you. Ditto barking dogs.

4. Ask the questions you want, but also answer all of the landlord's questions fully and accurately. Do not lie. It will be found out and "instant rejection"

5. Have a job of other source of verifiable income.

6. Have the entire security deposit, first month's rent, etc. available before you call. Don't expect the landlord, a perfect stranger to you, to loan you money, or waive their requirements to meet your needs. You are not that good a tenant.

7. Be a good renter now. Make sure your current and past landlords can give you favorable references. Never get an eviction on your record. Most decent units in your town will never be available to those who have past evictions.

8. If you have pets, be honest about them. Some landlords allow them, some do not. Do not try to bager the landlord or try to convince him that your pet is special. Your pet is not special to anone else. No pets means no pets.

7. Don't smoke. When you say "I only smoke outside" a landlord hears "I smoke inside when I want to."

8. If you get an appointment to view the unit, call 30 minutes before to confirm. Be on time for the appointment. Bring everyone who will be living in the unit with you to te appointment. DId I mention to be on time?

9. Don't say "I love it, I want to rent it," etc. before stepping inside. It reeks of desperation.

10. Thank landlord for taking the time to show the unit. Take an application.

11. Fill the application out completely and accurately. Ask if you have questions.

12. Be available to answer any follow up question the landlord may have in evaluating your application. Answer your phone, ad not with a "who's this?"

13. If approved, rush to pay all move in funds and get the lease signed.

What did I miss?