What determines how long a Memphis rental application takes — and which delays you can remove yourself.
How Long Does Approval Take?
The honest answer, and the parts of the timeline you actually control.
There is no fixed number, and anyone who gives you one is guessing. What there is, is a fairly predictable set of things that make an application fast or slow.
Most of them are within your control, which is the useful part.
What drives the timeline
How complete your file is
A complete application with every document attached moves immediately. An incomplete one waits.
How fast references respond
Previous landlords and employers are the most common bottleneck, and the easiest to fix — warn them in advance.
Whether all adults applied
Adding an occupant later restarts work. List everyone from the start.
Income documentation
Standard pay stubs are quick. Self-employment, stipends and offer letters are all workable, but ask what is accepted first.
The unit itself
A unit that is ready differs from one still being turned. Ask what the realistic move-in date is.
When you apply
Applications submitted going into a weekend naturally sit longer than ones submitted midweek.
Working to a deadline? Tell us your move-in date and we will tell you what is realistic.
How to make yours fast
- Gather documents first
Before you find a unit, not after. - Warn your references
A two-line message saves days. - List every adult
Everyone who will live there is part of the application. - Raise anything unusual early
Self-employment, a credit gap, an international move — ask what is required rather than hoping. - Apply midweek if you can
Purely practical, but it helps. - Answer follow-ups quickly
Most stalls after submission are waiting on the applicant.
What we can actually tell you
We will not give you a number, because the honest answer depends on your file and how quickly third parties respond. What we will do is tell you exactly what is outstanding at any point, so you know whether the delay is with us, with a reference, or with you.
If you are working to a hard deadline — a start date, a lease ending elsewhere — say so at the outset. It changes which units we would even suggest, because a unit still being turned is a different proposition from one that is ready now.
Have these ready before you apply
- Photo ID for every adult applicant
- Proof of income, or a written offer letter
- Rental history with landlord contact details
- References who know to expect a call
- A realistic move-in date
- Written answers on utilities, parking and pets
Current ELM rentals
Our Memphis rentals include apartments in the Raleigh area of northeast Memphis. Availability changes frequently, so the listings page is the current source of truth.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tell me exactly how long it will take?
No, and be cautious of anyone who does. What we can tell you is what is outstanding on your file at any point.
Does applying guarantee approval?
No. Applications are reviewed against the property’s criteria.
Can I speed it up by paying more?
No. Completeness is what moves an application, not urgency.
What slows applications down most?
Unreachable references and missing income documentation, in that order.
Related guides
- Documents needed to rent an apartment in Memphis
- Renting in Memphis with a new job offer
- How to rent before moving to Memphis
- Moving to Memphis: the full guide
Ask Lia
Lia is ELM Property Management’s leasing assistant. If you are working to a deadline, tell us and we will be straight about it. Send your question through our contact page, email info@elmpropertymanagement.com, or call 901-350-5502, and a member of our team will follow up.
Applying soon?
Check what is available and apply with your documents ready.