I own a home free and clear in the Midwest and signed a lease Nov.1 for an apartment in upstate NY, in a professionally-managed large complex. I was worried about not having rented in many years and in not having a mortgage payment for almost twenty years, and also not having a recent work history, although my income is secure and easily verified. No debts, no payments on anything. Have a dog. They rented to me very quickly--I think they just verified my credit score and shot off an acceptance letter with some info about changing utilities and such, and when to come up and sign the lease. Much easier than I expected.