How to Write a Renter Profile That Landlords Fight Over

In the traditional rental market, you are just another email in a broker's overflowing inbox. You are anonymous, easily ignoreable, and competing against dozens of others for the same 15 minutes to view an apartment.

At get.apartments, we flipped that script. Here, you post a "Desire"—a profile detailing who you are and what you want—and landlords come to you.

But here is the reality: Landlords are busy. When they browse our database of renters, they are making split-second decisions about who to contact. Your profile isn't just an application; it is your personal marketing campaign.

If you want landlords to stop scrolling and click "Contact" on your profile, you need to look like a AAA tenant at a glance. Here is how to build a profile that landlords fight over.

1. Don't Be a Ghost: Upload a Friendly Photo

It sounds simple, but it’s psychological dynamite. In a sea of gray generic avatars, a human face stands out.

Landlords are ultimately people looking to entrust a valuable asset (their property) to another person. A clear, friendly photo builds instant, subconscious trust before they even read your stats. You don't need a professional headshot—a genuine smile goes a long way. Show them you are a real, approachable person, not just a set of financial data points.

2. Answer the Big Question First: Verify Your Income Upfront

Every landlord’s number one anxiety is: "Will this person pay the rent on time?" Don't make them guess the answer.

The biggest mistake renters make is being vague about their finances. On your get.apartments profile, use our secure verification tools to prove your income and creditworthiness immediately.

When a landlord sees that "Verified" badge next to an income that meets their requirements (typically 40x the monthly rent), you instantly jump to the front of the line. You’ve just removed their biggest risk factor before you've even spoken.

3. Be More Than a Credit Score: Write a Personal Bio

Your credit score tells them you are responsible, but your bio tells them who you are.

If a landlord has two applicants with identical incomes, the bio is the tiebreaker. Use this space to paint a picture of yourself as a stable, low-drama tenant.

• Good examples: Mention your steady job ("I've been a project manager at a tech firm for three years"), your lifestyle ("I'm a quiet professional who enjoys cooking at home and hiking on weekends"), or your reason for moving ("My partner and I are looking for more space now that we both work remotely").

• Keep it professional: Avoid oversharing, but give them enough to see you as a reliable human being rather than just a credit score number.

4. Be Specific About What You Want

Vague profiles get vague results. If your Desire just says "Looking for a 1BR in NYC under $3,000," you look like everyone else.

Landlords want to know that their specific unit is a perfect fit for your specific needs.

Instead of this: "I'm open to anything in Brooklyn."

Try this: "Looking for a pet-friendly 1-bedroom or large studio in Park Slope, Prospect Heights, or Clinton Hill. Must have good natural light for my plants and be within a 10-minute walk to the subway. Budget: $2,800."

When a landlord with that exact unit sees your profile, they know they have a slam-dunk match, and they will reach out immediately.

Summary

A complete, verified, and personable profile is the difference between chasing apartments and having them delivered to your inbox. Spend twenty minutes polishing your Desire today—it could save you twenty hours of doom-scrolling tomorrow.