Lisa O
Searching for an apartment can be stressful, and the waiting game after submitting your application can make things even more nerve-wracking. The process can sometimes feel like a guessing game, especially when the landlord or property manager isn’t communicating clearly. Let’s take a look at 15 signs that suggest you didn’t get the apartment so you can spot them early and move forward in your search with confidence.
Lack of Communication
If the landlord or property manager stops communicating with you, it might be a bad sign. Landlords generally stay in touch with applicants they’re considering, so if days or weeks go by without a follow-up, they may have moved forward with someone else. It’s always good to send a polite follow-up email, but if you still don’t hear back, it’s a sign to start looking elsewhere.
No Request for Additional Information
Most landlords ask for more documents after receiving an application, such as pay stubs, employment verification, or references. If they’re seriously considering you, they’ll need these details. If no one reaches out for more info, it could mean they’re not interested or have already found a different tenant.
No Credit Check
Almost every landlord runs a credit check as part of the application process. If you weren’t asked for permission to run one or didn’t receive any notice that it’s been pulled, it could mean they aren’t moving forward with you. Since creditworthiness is a major factor, a missing credit check is a big sign that your application isn’t being processed seriously.
The Apartment Gets Relisted
If you see the apartment you applied for getting reposted online, especially with new photos or an adjusted price, that’s a sign that the landlord is still searching for tenants. This often means your application wasn’t strong enough, or they have chosen to go with another candidate but haven’t secured them yet.
Unfavorable Responses to Follow-Up Emails
If you’ve followed up and the responses are vague or non-committal, such as “We’ll let you know” or “We’re still deciding,” it could mean they are stalling while processing other applications. A lack of enthusiasm or specifics in their responses often hints that your chances aren’t looking good.
They Inform You of Other Applicants
If a landlord starts mentioning other applicants or how competitive the market is, this could be a subtle way of preparing you for rejection. They might bring up the fact that other people are applying to suggest that you’re not their first choice, and someone else may already be ahead in the process.
No Lease Offer
Once a landlord decides on a tenant, they typically offer the lease relatively quickly. If you haven’t received any lease documents to sign or any discussions about move-in logistics, it’s likely that someone else has been chosen. An extended waiting period without mention of a lease is a bad sign.
No Request for a Security Deposit
A landlord will ask for a security deposit once they’ve decided to rent the unit to you. If you haven’t been asked to submit one, that’s a red flag that you’re not being considered anymore. Asking for the deposit is typically one of the last steps before confirming the rental, so if it hasn’t happened, you might not have gotten the apartment.
You Don’t Get Invited for a Second Viewing
Many landlords will invite their top applicants back for a second viewing, especially if the first one was rushed or done virtually. If other people are invited for another look and you haven’t been, it’s a strong sign that they are leaning towards other candidates.
The Move-In Date Passes Without a Word
If the move-in date has come and gone without any communication from the landlord, it’s safe to assume the apartment has been rented out to someone else. They might not have notified you out of courtesy or due to administrative oversight, but in any case, it means you didn’t get the place.
The Ad Disappears and You Haven’t Heard Back
If the apartment listing vanishes from real estate websites, and you still haven’t heard anything, it usually means the property has been rented out. Landlords often take down ads once a lease is signed, so if the listing is gone and your inbox is empty, it’s probably time to move on.
You Hear About the Apartment Going to Someone Else
It’s common to hear through the grapevine or from mutual connections that the apartment has been rented to someone else. If you find out from a neighbor, a friend, or social media that the apartment is no longer available, this is a clear confirmation that you didn’t get it.
A Long Gap in the Process
If it’s taking weeks to hear anything after submitting your application and you’ve been met with silence, it’s likely that your application didn’t go through. Usually, landlords move quickly to fill vacancies, so a long gap without any updates suggests that someone else may have been chosen.
Poor Timing on Your End
Suppose you took too long to submit your application, provide additional documents, or respond to follow-up questions. In that case, the landlord may have chosen to move on with another applicant who was quicker to act. Timing is crucial in competitive rental markets, so any delays on your part could be a deal-breaker.
Direct Rejection
The clearest sign of all is when the landlord directly informs you that they’ve chosen someone else. While this might feel disappointing, it’s also a good opportunity to learn from the experience and prepare for the next application. Landlords may offer feedback or encouragement for future applications, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.