BROKEN LEASE TEAM: RENTER PREPARATION KIT Updated October 11, 2026 https://brokenleaseapartments.com/renter-resources/preparation-kit/ These templates help you start a conversation. They aren’t legal demands, and they don’t promise approval. Fill in every bracketed spot and check that each line is true for you. Keep your copy private. Nothing gets sent for you. ASK FOR SCREENING CRITERIA Send this before you pay an application fee. Share only the facts the leasing office needs. Subject: Screening criteria before I apply Hello [leasing contact], I’m interested in [community / unit] for a move on [move date]. Before I pay anything, could you send me your written tenant selection criteria and a list of your application charges and refund terms? My last lease ended in [month/year]. The balance on my record is [amount / unknown], and its status is [unpaid / payment plan / paid / settled / disputed]. Would your community look at an application with this history? What documents would you need from me? If you accept a third-party guarantor or a similar program, which provider and product do you take? What other conditions would I still need to meet? Thank you, [Name] -------------------- EXPLAIN YOUR RENTAL HISTORY Keep it short and factual. Cut anything you can’t back up with a document, and leave out medical or family details they don’t need. Subject: A note on my rental history, [application reference] Hello [leasing contact], My lease at [prior community] ended in [month/year]. [One or two factual sentences about what happened.] Right now the balance is [status]. I can send [specific supporting documents]. Since then, [where you’ve rented since, or another real change, described accurately]. Please let me know which documents you need and a secure way to send them. I understand you’ll review my application under your current criteria. Thank you, [Name] -------------------- REQUEST A RENTAL REFERENCE Ask a past landlord to confirm facts they can back up. Don’t write the reference for them. Subject: Could you confirm my rental history? Hello [prior landlord / manager], I’m getting a rental application ready. Would you be willing to confirm the dates I rented [property], my payment history in your records, and how the lease ended? Please tell me how you handle reference requests and whether you need written permission from me. Once I’ve confirmed the new community’s contact details, I can send them to you. Thank you, [Name] -------------------- REQUEST BALANCE DOCUMENTATION Use this to get records. It isn’t a settlement offer, a debt validation notice or a legal dispute letter. Subject: Records for my rental account Hello [property / account contact], Could you send me an itemized statement for [account reference]? Please include the charges, any payments or credits, the current balance, and who is handling the account now. If your records show the account as paid or settled, please send written confirmation of that and any amount still owed. If another company handles records requests, who should I contact? How can I confirm my identity and get the records sent to me securely? Thank you, [Name] -------------------- ASK ABOUT RECONSIDERATION Send this once you have new or corrected information. It doesn’t replace a dispute with the reporting company. Subject: Updated information for [application reference] Hello [leasing contact], I got your decision on [date]. I now have [new or corrected information] about [specific issue]. Would you take another look at my application? If so, which documents do you need, and how can I send them securely? Would I need a new application or fee, and is the unit still available? I understand that new information doesn’t guarantee approval. Thank you, [Name]