I wouldn't assume that. I have taken as long as two weeks simply because I want to get a fair number of choices to review; and then I need to wade through the credit reports and start calling references. Sometimes it can take a day or three for all of a person's references to get back to me, phone tag sometimes happens! You can always contact the landlord and tell them, "I really like your place the best, but I do have a couple of other options, and I just wondered if I might be in the running for yours. Have you been able to reach my references without trouble?" In my opinion, you don't want to sound too hard up, but simply that if you do love their place, you are letting them know it is YOUR personal first choice. Of course there ARE other options out there, and a smart landlord will be willing to at least let you know if they are interested in having YOU. I'll admit, someone who says they love my little house and would like to take good care of it, woos my heart! I prefer someone who appreciates the Craftsman era and I want them to be HAPPY living there, to feel comfortable and at home. They are paying me, so they deserve to have that, in my opinion.

Are you renting from an individual or a corporation? It makes a BIG difference. Corporation: If they go by your credit rating, you should have already heard something long before now. If they check references then it could be awhile before they get in touch with everyone. But 5 days is too long! Call them and see what's wrong. Individual: This really could take a little longer. Some lessors take their time (reviewing all apps once they are comfortable with the number they've recieved), often forgetting that the person contacted them because they are looking for a place to live! I advise against renting from an individual who does this. It is indicative of a person who does not place enough value on the needs of others.