Documentation is Key!
When you are applying for a rental housing unit there’s a lot of paperwork and documentation needed. You’re going to need copies of your Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Valid State ID (not expired), bank statements, pay stubs, Social Security award letter and if you have children that will be living with you, you will need documentation on their behalf as well.
Gathering this information and having it readily accessible is very important. Since deadlines are set by housing programs or landlords, we find that we often have a limited amount of time when supporting consumers to apply for a housing unit. Therefore, it is essential to have all the necessary documentation ready to submit in advance. Once you know a housing opportunity is available, getting your most recent bank statement or pay stub doesn’t take long at all. However, if you haven’t already gathered all the items listed above, it can take weeks to obtain it. It’s a much better plan to get a new copy of your birth certificate or Social Security Card or renew your Maryland ID now than when you have just a short time to submit all your documentation for a housing program or unit.
Below are links for information and processes for some of the important items you will need for housing:
