What should I bring to an affordable apartment tour?

Bring a photo ID, recent proof of income such as pay stubs, a benefits letter or a tax return, and the names and ages of everyone who would live in the unit. If you rent now, bring your landlord's name and phone.

What questions should I ask the leasing office?

Ask which unit sizes are open and which have a waitlist, what rent includes, and whether parking and pets are allowed. Also ask about the application fee, how long approval takes, and how waitlist applicants are contacted.

How do I book a tour of an apartment?

Send an inquiry from any property page on the apartments page and choose Schedule a tour. Having your documents and questions ready lets the office tell you sooner whether you are likely to qualify.

What to bring when you tour an affordable apartment

Last updated October 26, 2026

Bring a photo ID, proof of income and a list of questions. Small-town offices are often staffed by one or two people, so a prepared visitor gets through the visit faster.

Bring with you

A photo ID
Recent proof of income: pay stubs, a benefits letter or a tax return
The names and ages of everyone who would live in the unit
A note of your current landlord’s name and phone, if you rent now

The office may not need all of this on day one. Having it on hand lets them tell you right away whether you are likely to qualify. For how income is checked, see how income-based apartments work.

Ask about the unit

Which unit sizes are open now, and which are on a waitlist?
What does rent include? Heat, water and trash vary by property.
Is parking included?
Are pets allowed, and is there a fee?

Pet rules differ across our listings. Parkside Apartments in Coleman lists a pet-free community, and Fife Lake and Kingsley Arms lists service animals only. Many others, including Oakwood Manor in Baldwin, describe themselves as pet-friendly. Check the property page, then confirm with the office. To compare rents before you go, see listed rents.

Ask about the process

Is there an application fee?
How long does approval take?
How are people on the waitlist contacted?

Look at the building

Walk the hallways and the laundry area. Check the unit’s windows, heat source and storage. Look at how far the property is from groceries and a pharmacy.

Your rights on a tour

Fair housing law covers showings as well as leases. An office may not treat you differently because of race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability or other protected traits, and in Michigan that includes a lawful source of income, such as a voucher. You may ask for reasonable changes for a disability. If you think you were treated unfairly, the Fair Housing Center of Michigan has information on your options. This is general information, not legal advice. If you hold a voucher, read what Section 8 means on a listing.

Book the tour

Send an inquiry from any property page on the apartments page and choose “Schedule a tour.”

Questions people ask

What should I bring to an affordable apartment tour?: Bring a photo ID, recent proof of income such as pay stubs, a benefits letter or a tax return, and the names and ages of everyone who would live in the unit. If you rent now, bring your landlord’s name and phone.
What questions should I ask the leasing office?: Ask which unit sizes are open and which have a waitlist, what rent includes, and whether parking and pets are allowed. Also ask about the application fee, how long approval takes, and how waitlist applicants are contacted.
How do I book a tour of an apartment?: Send an inquiry from any property page on the apartments page and choose Schedule a tour. Having your documents and questions ready lets the office tell you sooner whether you are likely to qualify.

Browse every listing on the apartments page, or see all renter guides.