Renting 101: How to Apply for an Apartment From Search to Move-In
Apartment applications feel much easier when you know the sequence
Most rental stress comes from uncertainty: What happens next? What documents will be requested? How quickly do I need to respond? What does screening include? A clear process gives you more control and helps you avoid losing time because one paystub or email address is missing.
The exact criteria vary by housing provider, but the basic path usually follows the same order: set a budget, compare homes, tour, review qualifications, apply, complete screening and verification, receive a decision, sign the lease, provide move-in items, and collect keys.
To apply for an apartment, begin by setting a complete housing budget and choosing a home that meets your needs. Next, review the rental criteria, complete the application accurately, authorize screening, submit the required identification and income documents, review the decision and lease, and complete all move-in requirements.
Step 1: Determine your complete apartment budget
Begin with the monthly rent, then add recurring costs such as utilities, internet, renters insurance, pet rent, parking, storage, and transportation. Also identify one-time costs: application fees, administrative fees, deposits, pet fees, moving services, utility deposits, and basic household purchases.
A home that technically fits the rent budget can still feel uncomfortable if the full monthly cost leaves no room for groceries, savings, transportation, medical needs, or fun. Use a realistic number before touring.
Once you know your comfortable monthly housing budget, compare Preston Park’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment floorplans based on current pricing, space and availability.
Step 2: Compare apartments and schedule tours
Bring a checklist and ask about availability dates, lease terms, deposits, income requirements, screening, utilities, pet policies, insurance, parking, package handling, maintenance, and move-in procedures. Review the written rental criteria before paying an application fee whenever possible.
At Preston Park, the website currently states that applicants must be at least 20 years old and generally earn three times the monthly rent. Applicants should confirm the complete and current rental criteria before applying.
Step 3: Review the rental qualifications before applying
Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your identification. Enter accurate addresses, employment dates, income, and contact information. Incomplete or inconsistent information can slow verification. If you recently changed jobs or moved, provide context and supporting documents rather than hoping the discrepancy will explain itself.
Many housing providers use third-party tenant screening reports that may include identity, credit, rental history, eviction records, or other information. When a landlord makes an unfavorable decision based partly or entirely on information in a tenant screening or consumer report, federal law generally requires an adverse action notice. That notice provides information about the screening company and explains the applicant’s rights to request a free copy of the report and dispute inaccurate information. including receiving an adverse action notice and information about the reporting company.
Before paying an application fee, review the community’s written qualifications, including age, income, employment, roommate, credit and pet requirements. Applicants considering Preston Park can review the current application qualifications before beginning the online application.
Apartment application checklist
When you are ready, visit Preston Park’s online apartment application page to review the qualifications, begin an application, learn about preferred-employer benefits and complete pet screening.
Before submitting an application, make sure you have:
- Chosen the correct apartment and anticipated move-in date
- Reviewed the rental qualifications
- Entered your legal name and current contact information correctly
- Gathered identification and proof of income
- Provided employer or HR contact information
- Reviewed fees and deposits
- Completed pet screening when applicable
- Confirmed how and when supporting documents must be submitted
Step 4: Complete the apartment application accurately
Income verification may include paystubs, offer letters, benefits documentation, government-approved income, or other records permitted by the property’s criteria. A valid photo ID is commonly required. Some communities also verify rental history and employment directly.
Learn more about tenant background checks and applicant rights through the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer guide.
What if you are applying with a roommate?
Each adult applicant may need to submit a separate application and complete screening. Roommates should coordinate their identification, employment information and income documents before starting so that one incomplete application does not delay the household’s review. Review Preston Park’s current rental criteria for its requirements concerning roommates and combined income.
Preston Park asks applicants to provide supporting documents within four days. The community accepts document uploads through the resident portal’s Documents section or by email to the leasing team at Liam@AptDynamics.com. The separate Preston Park Application Checklist explains the exact steps.
What documents does Preston Park require?
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- A valid photo ID
- An official employment offer letter on company letterhead, when applicable
- Consecutive pay stubs covering one month
- Two pay stubs when paid monthly
- Documentation of government-approved income, when applicable
- A valid email address for an employer or human resources representative so employment can be verified
Preston Park asks applicants to provide the required documents within four days. Documents may be uploaded through the Preston Park portal under Documents or emailed to Liam@AptDynamics.com.
Step 5: Submit identification and income documents
Approval may be subject to deposits, additional documentation, or conditions based on the published criteria. Read the lease, community rules, pet addenda, insurance requirements, utility responsibilities, renewal language, notice requirements, and move-out terms before signing.
Ask questions in writing when a section is unclear. A lease is a legal agreement, not a software update you should accept while making coffee.
Step 6: Complete screening and review the lease decision
Complete renters insurance, utility setup, required payments, pet screening, and any remaining forms before your scheduled move-in. Confirm key pickup, parking instructions, package procedures, and the method for documenting the apartment’s condition.
A smooth application is not about rushing. It is about being ready. Review Preston Park’s full checklist next, then contact the leasing team with questions before submitting your application.
Step 7: Prepare for your apartment move-in
After approval, carefully review and sign your lease and any required addenda. Complete all required payments, set up renters insurance, confirm utility responsibilities, finish PetScreening when applicable, and provide any remaining forms requested by the leasing team.
Preston Park also provides a move-in concierge who walks approved applicants through the entire move-in process. Your move-in concierge can help you understand what still needs to be completed, coordinate important next steps, and prepare for your scheduled move-in date. This added guidance helps keep lease documents, insurance, payments, utilities, pet requirements, and move-in details from becoming one very long game of “What am I forgetting?”
Before moving day, confirm:
- Your lease has been signed by all required parties
- Required deposits and move-in amounts have been paid
- Renters insurance has been established and submitted
- Utilities have been arranged as instructed
- PetScreening and pet documentation are complete, when applicable
- Your move-in appointment, key pickup, and parking instructions are confirmed
- You know how to document the apartment’s condition after receiving the keys
- You have saved copies of your lease, receipts, insurance policy, and other important records
Respond promptly when your move-in concierge or leasing team requests information. Completing each item by its deadline will help make your transition into Preston Park smoother and allow you to focus on settling into your new Burlington home.
Relocating from another area? Explore our guide to moving to Burlington, NC as you prepare for move-in.
Ready to apply for this apartment?
Review the Preston Park Application Checklist so you know which documents to prepare and how to submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Apartments in Burlington, NC
What documents do I need to apply at Preston Park?
A valid government-issued photo ID, appropriate proof of income and an employer or HR email address should be prepared. Additional documents may be requested based on the applicant’s circumstances and current rental criteria.
How long do I have to submit my documents?
Applicants are currently asked to submit requested documentation within four days.
Where do I upload my income documents and photo ID?
Documents may be uploaded through the Documents section of the Preston Park portal or emailed to the leasing team as instructed.
What should I submit if I am paid monthly?
Applicants paid monthly should currently provide two consecutive pay stubs.
Do roommates need separate applications?
Yes. The current rental criteria state that each roommate must complete a separate application and qualify according to the published requirements.
Is PetScreening required?
Preston Park’s published pet policy states that animals must be registered through its third-party PetScreening process.