Typical apartment applications (Chicago, Normal: rental, mortgage, credit check)

[ChicagoGuy37]

What is typically required for most apartment applications in Chicago? I'm used to providing copies of most current pay stubs as income verification, current employer info, current and previous landlord info and then they run credit and criminal background checks. I recently looked at a place that wants all of the above as well as 3 months of bank statements and personal references. I understand the references, but aren't pay stubs and contacting my current employer enough to verify income?? Hell, this is more than what you provide when applying for a home loan.

Does anyone know if this has become standard on all apartment applications now? Maybe it's just me, but I feel this is just too much.

[knitgirl]

3 months bank statements really is a lot! I work as a mortgage loan processor and you're right, 90% of the time I only need 1 month. I guess the pro to that is they are also screening your neighbors as thoroughly as you, so hopefully you don't move in next door to some low life.

[aragx6]

I would not provide bank statements to someone just to fulfill their idle curiosity. Eff that.

[rparz]

I'm pretty sure the purpose isn't for curiosity as much as it is to show that you're financially responsible.

IE, you didn't take out a loan last week just so you could inflate your savings to get an apartment while you're really in debt.

[ERS-One]

Originally Posted by ChicagoGuy37

What is typically required for most apartment applications in Chicago? I'm used to providing copies of most current pay stubs as income verification, current employer info, current and previous landlord info and then they run credit and criminal background checks. I recently looked at a place that wants all of the above as well as 3 months of bank statements and personal references. I understand the references, but aren't pay stubs and contacting my current employer enough to verify income?? Hell, this is more than what you provide when applying for a home loan.

Does anyone know if this has become standard on all apartment applications now? Maybe it's just me, but I feel this is just too much.

I just submitted an application yesterday, and everything you mentioned was apart of the process except the 3 months of bank statements. That's a new one for me.

[rca215]

I've never been asked for any official bank statements, including with the application I submitted yesterday. I have been asked about my bank balances but have never needed to "prove" them.

[Lorielicious]

Bank statements? The **** out of dodge with that. Normal applications are like what you've experienced, that is, income/employer information and verification, plus references from previous landlords. What's next? Retina scans and peeing in a cup?

[ChicagoGuy37]

What's next? Retina scans and peeing in a cup?

I got the impression that they absolutely would have had me pee in a cup if they thought it would be legal. It was such overkill. They should be able to learn everything they want to know about me with a credit check, criminal background check, copies of pay stubs and previous landlord info.

[rparz]

Are you renting from a corporation / property management company, or a owner occupied apartment?

[ChicagoGuy37]

This was a two flat where the owner lived next door. I believe it's the only rental property he owns.