What Does Residency From And To Mean In Apartment Application?

Last Updated on July 17, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

In an apartment application, “residency from and to” refers to the period during which the applicant intends to occupy the apartment. It requires specifying the desired start date (“from”) and end date (“to”) of the lease or rental agreement. The applicant should indicate the intended duration of their stay, whether it’s a fixed-term lease (e.g., one year) or a month-to-month arrangement.

What Do You Fill For Residency From And To In Apartment Application?

When filling out an apartment application, there may be several sections that ask for specific information regarding your current and previous residencies. These usually pertain to the length and location of your residencies, as well as other pertinent details. Here are some points to guide you on how to complete these sections accurately and effectively. 

1. Length of Residency:
   • ‘From’ and ‘To’ Fields: This directly pertains to the duration of your stay at a particular residency. Mention the starting month and year in the ‘from’ field and the ending month and year in the ‘to’ field.
2. Current Address:
   • Make sure to fill out your current address accurately and completely. This typically includes your house number, street name, city, state, and zip code.
3. Previous Addresses:
   • You will usually be asked to provide information about your last two or three previous residencies. Include the complete addresses and the duration of your stay in each.
4. Landlord’s Information:
   • You may also be asked to provide details on your current and previous landlords. This usually includes their full names, contact information, and the address where they resided.
5. Reason for Leaving:
   • Some applications may inquire why you left or are planning to leave your current or past residencies. Examples include needing more space, relocating for a job, etc.

Here is a representative tabular format for accurately filling in your residential information:

	Current Residency	Previous Residency 1	Previous Residency 2
Duration (‘From’ and ‘To’)	From: MM/YYYY To: Present	From: MM/YYYY To: MM/YYYY	From: MM/YYYY To: MM/YYYY
Address	[Current Address]	[Previous Address 1]	[Previous Address 2]
Landlord’s Name and Contact	[Current Landlord’s information]	[Previous Landlord 1’s information]	[Previous Landlord 2’s information]
Reason for Leaving	NA	Reason	Reason

How Long Does The Apartment Application Approval Take?

Finding the perfect apartment is only half the battle. Once the application is submitted, the waiting game begins. The length of time the application approval process takes can vary depending on several factors. But how long does it typically take for an apartment application to be approved? Here’s a breakdown of the process timeline:

1. 24 to 72 Hours: The Average Time

• Most applications will take between 24 to 72 hours for a decision.
• Landlords are keen to fill their vacancies quickly, so they aim to process applications as soon as possible.
• However, this timeline can change depending on certain factors like the volume of applications they have and their own personal timings.

2. A Week: Longer Wait Times

• In some cases, the approval process may take up to a week.
• If a landlord has numerous applications to sift through or needs to cross-check information on the application, the wait time can extend.
• Similarly, if they are waiting on background check results or references to respond, this can also add to the delay.

3. A Snapshot of The Approval Process Timeline

Stage	Typical Time Frame
Preliminary Application Review	24 Hours
Credit and Background Checks	48-72 Hours
References Validation	72 Hours – 1 Week
Final Approval/Denial	Up to 1 Week

What Is The Apartment Application Process?

After finding the apartment that suits your needs, you must complete the application process. Only by doing so do you get closer to settling down into your new home. Below is a guide on the apartment application process.

1. Filling out the application forms; is the most basic thing throughout the process. You need to reach out to the landlord or the apartment management of the property that interests you and get a rental application form. For those planning to have a roommate, ensure they co-sign. Some places have online platforms where you can access their application forms. It is the best choice, especially for busy individuals. As much as these forms may be different, some information is basic in all of them. Such details include your name, phone number, email, current address, income and employment information, pets, landlord references, background information, and personal references. 

2. Payment of apartment application fees; paying the application fee helps cover the funds used to investigate your background checks and credit abilities. In most states, it is non-refundable whether you take the apartment or not. Other charges, such as processing fees, are refundable when you fail to get the apartment.

3. Provide proof of your rent-paying abilities; It should not come as a surprise since no one wants to deal with fights and quarrels due to late payments. Providing the documents for this purpose is the most important step during the application process. Some landlords request for latest bank statements. These checks take the longest to verify and may delay the approval process.

4. Provide references from previous landlords; the type of references a landlord gets about you can make or break your application. Even without a rental history, they carry background checks and make calls for people to vouch for your character. One landlord’s positive response is enough to facilitate your rental abilities in other properties. 

At this stage, you also get to show your potential landlord the type of renter you are. Some people are noisy, harsh and rarely agree with the building’s policy. Here you show them your good side and ability to cohabit with other people. 

5. Sign the lease agreement; once you have gone through all the steps, checked the premises, and are sure it suits your needs, sign the agreement. Before doing so, talk with the landlord for more details, such as security deposits and other associated fees. It is also when you ask how and when you can get your apartment keys.ss

Remember to go through the lease carefully before signing. It is essential to understand all the details, including the consequences of breaking the agreement before your move-out date. Once you are satisfied with the apartment features, rules, and regulations, go ahead and sign.

What Are The Requirements During The Apartment Application Process?

All the requirements needed for your apartment application process serve as references. Others prove your rent-paying abilities and that you are suitable to rent an apartment. Some of these requirements include;

Bank Statements

Some people are self-employed and do not have pay stubs. In this case, bank statements serve as an alternative. Landlords request the last two months’ bank statements which show the amount of money you have to determine your ability to pay rent.

Pay Stubs

Some people are desperate and willing to do anything to get an apartment. They act desperate to the extent of lying about their employment status. For these reasons, landlords made it a tendency to request a pay stub as part of the application process. Due to the increase in fraudsters, there is a lot of keenness applied when checking pay stubs. In most cases, an applicant needs to provide two latest pay stubs.

Identification Documents

These include your photos and identification card copies. They serve as proof of you being who you say you are. At this point, you bring in any documents showing your identity. A driver’s license can also serve the purpose. Most landlords are strict and have made these documents a must-have for the application. For non-US residents, you can produce other documents like the 1040-NR and nonresident alien income tax. It shows that the state is aware of your legal presence in the country.

Social Security Number

It is unwise to share your social security number with anyone. However, when renting an apartment, you must provide it. The property manager and landlords use it to carry out credit checks. With this, they can determine how good a tenant you are and how efficient you are with paying your bills. People without social security numbers can have someone co-sign their application form. For security purposes, avoid leaving it in visible places since malicious people might use it against you.

The table below shows other documents required and their use during the application process;

Document	Use in the application process
Pet formation	Shows the behavioral attributes of your pet
Resume	To show your job holding abilities
References	To provide information about your attributes
Vehicle registration	It shows proof of insurance

Conclusion

During the application process, the residency details confuse most people. They do not know what to write in the form for the ‘From and To’ options. The required information is your last place of residency and the dates you expect to move into your new apartment. You also provide the date you plan to end your tenancy. This information helps the landlord plan ahead for their property, like when you move out.

References:

https://www.rent.com/blog/apartment-application/
https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartmentliving/tips-tricks-renters/know-rental-application-process/