Use this checklist to prepare for your Atlanta apartment search and application process.

1. INCOME & AFFORDABILITY
☐ Confirm gross monthly income
☐ Verify income meets 2.5-3x rent requirement
☐ Decide target rent range
☐ Gather recent pay stubs (last 30-60 days)
☐ Collect 2-3 months of bank statements
☐ If self-employed: last 2 years tax returns

2. IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENTS
☐ Government-issued photo ID
☐ Social Security number or ITIN
☐ Proof of current address
☐ Vehicle information (if parking needed)
☐ Pet records (if applicable)

3. RENTAL HISTORY
☐ List of past addresses (last 3-5 years)
☐ Previous landlord contact information
☐ Dates lived at each property
☐ Reason for leaving each property

4. EMPLOYMENT & REFERENCES
☐ Employer name and contact info
☐ Job title and start date
☐ HR or supervisor contact
☐ Offer letter (if new job)
☐ 1-2 personal/professional references

5. UPFRONT COSTS
☐ Application fees budget
☐ Security deposit funds ready
☐ First month's rent
☐ Admin/move-in fees
☐ Budget for movers and utilities

6. APARTMENT PREFERENCES
☐ Preferred neighborhoods
☐ Ideal move-in date
☐ Bedrooms/bathrooms needed
☐ Must-have features
☐ Nice-to-have amenities

7. QUESTIONS FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS
☐ Income and credit requirements?
☐ Total move-in cost?
☐ Lease term options?
☐ Late fee policy?
☐ Utilities included?
☐ Pet policy and fees?
☐ Maintenance response time?
☐ Current specials or discounts?

8. BEFORE YOU APPLY
☐ All documents scanned clearly
☐ Credit unlocked for screening
☐ Comfortable with monthly cost
☐ Read online reviews
☐ Visit area at different times