Incoming MS1 with housing question: what documents will I need to sign a lease on an apartment?

[M.MD]

In two weeks I'll be flying to Chicago from California to do some apartment hunting, so I want to make sure I have all the necessary documents to sign a lease for an apartment while I'm there. I know it's not all that complicated, but I would hate to show up unprepared and missing some important.

Current list of items to bring:

• Financial aid award letter to prove income (will this be enough?)
• Driver's license and another state-issued ID

I don't have pay stubs, tax returns, proof of employment, etc. that most people use to sign a lease, and I imagine a lot of med students are in the same boat.

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[HopefulReapp]

In two weeks I'll be flying to Chicago from California to do some apartment hunting, so I want to make sure I have all the necessary documents to sign a lease for an apartment while I'm there. I know it's not all that complicated, but I would hate to show up unprepared and missing some important.

Current list of items to bring:

• Financial aid award letter to prove income (will this be enough?)
• Driver's license and another state-issued ID

I don't have pay stubs, tax returns, proof of employment, etc. that most people use to sign a lease, and I imagine a lot of med students are in the same boat.

If you're a traditional student, worst comes to worst the landlord will just require your parents to cosign the lease. They'll run a credit check on you and your cosigner and require any past landlord contact information.

 

[NickNaylor]

I can't imagine you will be denied a lease for not having the appropriate documents if you don't live in the area. As long as you're able to scan or copy and mail the relevant information, you will likely be fine.

Also make sure to have your checkbook as you will likely have to pay an application fee or potentially a deposit (= one month of rent) if you do actually get everything set up.


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[shiftingmirage]

An ID and a checkbook or access to $ (my first apt required credit check fee and security to be a money order). They may/will likely want a cosigner so you may have to have your parents provide proof of income.

 

[M.MD]

Thanks for the replies. I'll add my checkbook and parent's proof of income to the list. I should be good with all that.