Sometimes apartment complexes will let you save an apartment with a holding deposit until you sign a lease. Depending upon the complex, you can do it before, during or after your application is approved. The amount that you paid to “hold” a specific unit will normally be credited to the amount due upon move-in.
As soon as you find the apartment complex that you want to live in, it's time to fill out an application. Be prepared to pay a small application fee and/or a fee to check your credit. You'll be providing income information, past rental history, current employment information and other basic information about yourself. These applications can be filled out online through the apartment complexes websites or on paper by getting an application at the complex office. Every complex is different with its own requirements to becoming a resident which means the applications process can be different as well.
When you turn everything into the office of the complex that you're wishing to apply to, it's time to wait. The wait time can vary between a couple days to a few weeks. It really just depends on how long it takes to verify your information and to deem you worthy of becoming a resident of that specific community.
Once you get approved you'll set up a move-in date. On this date, it's common for you to view the unit that you'll be calling home, giving first and last month’s rent, along with signing the rental agreement. Make sure you understand what is expected of you and ask any questions that you have about the lease, any flaws you see in the apartment, the services that you'll be utilizing etc. It's important for you to get to know your complex!
Because the rental process is different depending on which apartment in Chico or Redding you're applying to, take a look at these specific rental resources and forms.