Submit your first rental application
A clean, complete application replied to within 24 hours is the difference between a viewing and a 'sorry, taken'. Here's exactly what to attach and what to write.
How applying actually works on DomuHQ
Applying isn't a single button, it's a four-stage flow that combines a property chat with a structured pipeline. Knowing how the stages relate keeps you from missing a step or sending the host the same question twice.
Stage 1: Discovery & Connection
Find a listing on Explore, filter by location, price, layout. When one looks right, tap Connect on the listing. This sends a property-specific connection request to the host. When they accept, a property chat opens on your Messages page.
Important: the Connect button is property-specific. You're not adding the host as a general contact, you're starting a thread tied to that one listing. If you're interested in two of the host's listings, send two Connects.
Stage 2: Chat with the host
The new conversation opens with the property pinned at the top:
- Header, property photo + listing title (e.g. "Rent · Room in shared apartment · 2+1 · 25 m² · Vinohrady"), host's online status, and a property card showing location, price, and an Available / Reserved / Rented badge.
- Action buttons (before applying), Schedule a Viewing and Apply for Apartment.
- Sidebar tabs to filter your conversations, All, Unread, Squads, Roommates, Listings, Archived.
Use this stage to ask the host anything before formally applying, heating costs, neighbors, pets, viewing timing. Most rentals are decided here, before paperwork.
Stage 3: Apply for Apartment
When you're ready, tap Apply for Apartment in the chat. The button changes to Application Pending, and a status card appears in the chat confirming your submission. DomuHQ pre-fills most fields from your profile and verification, you'll add:
- Proof of income or guarantor, recent payslip, employment contract, or signed guarantor letter. Students typically use a guarantor.
- Move-in date, specific, not a range. Hosts strongly prefer "June 15" over "late June".
- Length of stay, 1+ year is the strongest signal.
- Number of occupants, including any pets.
- A personal note, 3-5 sentences. Why this flat specifically, who you are in one line, when you can view.
Stage 4: Accepted & Tracking
When the host accepts, the chat button changes from Application Pending to Track Application, and a card invites you to track your progress. From here on, everything formal, viewing scheduling, contract upload, signing via DigiSign, payment, move-in approval, happens on the Track Application page (/explore/properties/track-application).
Chat stays alive for conversation; Track Application owns the paperwork. See [Chat vs Track Application](/help/chat-vs-track-application) for the split.
Speed matters more than people think
Prague's rental market moves in hours, not days. A good listing in a hot district (Vinohrady, Karlín, Letná) gets 20-60 enquiries on its first day. Applications that reach the host within hours of listing publication close at roughly triple the rate of applications waiting two or three days. That said, don't ship a half-done application just to be first, a complete, well-written application sent six hours after listing beats an empty "I'm interested" sent six minutes after listing.
Step-by-step
- 1
Open a listing you want
5 secondsFrom Explore, tap a listing card. Read the description, photos, and host's profile before you tap Connect.
- 2
Tap Connect
5 secondsOn the listing detail page, tap Connect. This sends a property-specific connection request. The host's chat opens on your Messages page when they accept.
- 3
Ask questions in chat first
variesUse the property chat to confirm heating costs, neighbors, pets policy, viewing windows. Most rentals are decided here, before formal paperwork. The Schedule a Viewing and Apply for Apartment buttons stay visible at the top of the chat throughout.
- 4
Tap Apply for Apartment
5 secondsWhen ready, hit Apply for Apartment in the chat. The button changes to Application Pending; a status card lands in the chat.
- 5
Attach proof of income or a guarantor
2 minutesUpload a recent payslip or employment contract. If you don't have local income yet, use the Guarantor flow, fill in their details and DomuHQ sends them a one-click consent form.
- 6
Write the personal note
5 minutes3-5 sentences. One specific thing you like about the listing, who you are in one line, when you can view. Avoid templates.
- 7
Submit and watch the status
10 secondsHit Submit. The chat shows the application card; the chat-header button reads Application Pending. When the host accepts, that button becomes Track Application, tap it to enter the structured pipeline.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Connect and Apply?
Connect opens a chat with the host. Apply submits the formal application for the unit. Most users Connect, ask a couple of questions, then Apply once they're sure. You can Apply without much chat if you're sold on a listing, but a brief introduction first usually helps.
What does the Available / Reserved / Rented badge mean?
It's the listing's current status. Available means you can apply. Reserved means another applicant has signed a reservation contract, you can still Connect to be next-in-line if their deal falls through. Rented means the lease is signed and the unit is off the market.
Can I withdraw an application I've sent?
Yes. In the chat, tap Application Pending → Withdraw application. The host is notified; you can re-apply later if circumstances change.
What to do next
Related articles
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IntermediateChat vs Track Application: where do I do what?
DomuHQ splits the conversation from the paperwork. Chat is for talking, Track Application is for doing. Here's the rule of thumb and what belongs in each.
BeginnerSchedule and prepare for a viewing
Viewings are the moment most rentals are decided. Here's how to book one through DomuHQ, what to bring, what to look for, and what to ask.
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