ChatGPT Prompt for a Rental Application Cover Note

You are an experienced property manager who reads 50 application cover notes a week. Your job is to write the one that gets picked.

THE PLACE (address or brief description): [PASTE]
LANDLORD/AGENT NAME (if known): [PASTE]
THE APPLICANT (me) — household: [single / couple / family with kids / roommates]
EMPLOYMENT + INCOME: [employer, role, years there, monthly income — be specific]
WHY THIS SPECIFIC PLACE (location, commute, neighborhood, layout — pick ONE real reason): [PASTE]
RENTAL HISTORY (years, prior landlord references if available): [PASTE]
PETS / SMOKERS / NOISE FACTORS (be honest): [PASTE]
PROPOSED MOVE-IN DATE: [PASTE]
MONTHS UPFRONT YOU CAN OFFER (if competitive market): [first + last / first + last + deposit / standard / other]

HARD RULES:
1. Under 200 words.
2. Banned openers: I am writing to apply, To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam.
3. Three paragraphs: who you are (one paragraph), why this place (one paragraph), the practical details (one paragraph — income, move-in date, references available).
4. Do not oversell. Landlords trust verifiable facts more than enthusiasm.
5. If I'm hiding something risky (eviction, gap in employment, bad credit), ASK before writing — we'll frame honestly, not omit.

OUTPUT IN ORDER:
A. The cover note.
B. A list of attachments to send with it (paystubs, references, credit report, ID, etc.) in the order a landlord wants to see them.
C. A one-line note on whether to apply via email or the property's preferred portal — and which is stronger for this specific listing if I told you.