Simple rental application template

We break down some common elements of rental application forms in more detail below, and explain why they might be included on a rental application. Vehicle Information For rental units with parking lots, to ensure that only authorized vehicles tenants are using the lots. Pet Information 1 To assess the appropriate pet deposit.

Note: Tenants are not required to give this information to potential landlords. Landlord Contact Information So applicants have a way of contacting the landlord, if necessary, and know whether the landlord is onsite or in another location. That means there are certain questions landlords cannot ask potential renters on a rental application form. However, the Act does not apply to landlords who own three or fewer single-family rental homes, or to landlords who live in the rental property and rent the rest of the living areas within that property to four or fewer families.

For those landlords covered under the Act, they may not discriminate against someone for any of the following reasons:. That means a rental application cannot ask what race or color a prospective tenant is, what their religion is, their sex, whether or not they are pregnant, have children, or plan to have children, or what their nation of origin is. Tenants may also simply choose not to rent from a landlord who would include discriminatory questions on their rental application forms. Those with criminal histories.

While landlords may believe that including criminal history questions on a rental application form protects themselves and other tenants, the way the question is asked or handled could open them up to a discrimination lawsuit.

People with those convictions may be lawfully excluded from rental units. The national law is silent on people who are required to be on the National Registry of Sex Offenders, and it is currently legal to deny rental housing to registered sex offenders.

State-specific protected classes. In addition, state and local governments may add their own protected classes to the federal list above. The chart below lists additional protections for tenants in each state if there are any , which means landlords should avoid questions on a rental application related to the following in their state:. Typically, rental applications are available at the rental unit or apartment complex, although some landlords may have applications available online, or may only mail out an application once the tenant has expressed interest in the unit.

If a landlord feels comfortable enough with the discrimination laws and any state or local laws regarding the collection of fees and personal data, they can create their own form , as long as they use the same form for all applicants. Many landlords use online templates and just change a few things to fit their specific state or rental unit. These templates may be available through realtor or landlord associations, state or local agencies, or on the web.

Although it probably goes without saying, tenants should return their rental application as quickly as possible. If there will be a delay in returning the application through no fault of the tenant, it might be a good idea to alert the landlord and explain why there may be a delay in returning the form. Tenants should also ask how the landlord wants the rental application to be returned.

Some larger rental companies may have an online rental application that can be submitted online, while other landlords may want an application sent via certified mail or returned in person. A few states do have specific laws on what landlords must disclose upon receiving a rental application, or how long they should be kept, which we examine in more detail below. In Delaware, landlords are required to keep applications on file for six months, even if the application was denied.

In Washington, D. Some states also have requirements related to fees, the screening process itself, and falsifying information on the application, all of which are discussed below. Some states set a cap on how much this fee can be. Landlords are not required to charge a rental application form fee, but most states allow them to collect a rental application fee, though this varies from state to state. Interestingly, application fees are not refundable in at least 34 states, and this is not addressed at the state level in several others, so be sure to confirm whether fees are refundable in your area or not.

There are also few limits on what a landlord is allowed to charge for an application fee; however, no matter what amount is charged, it must be the same fee for ALL applicants, regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, color, religion, or family status. States or municipalities may have additional protected classes this applies to, as noted in the state-by-state anti-discrimination chart above.

In Colorado, Minnesota, and Washington, landlords can only charge the actual amount spent on the screening process. Residential Rental Application Template — A lease involving a residential property requires the owner to issue this kind of rental application template to the prospective tenants interested on the residential lease.

Property Rental Application Template — To those interested in leasing properties, like land for commercial purposes, you are to issue this kind of rental application template to your potential tenants. Landlord Rental Application Template — The rental application templates under this category provides general rental application forms a landlord can use for its prospective tenants. Corporate Rental Application Template — No matter what type of template it is, whether they are the basic job application templates or merger agreement templates, corporations are sure to be in want of them.

The same goes for leasing contracts as here are instances in which corporations enter into leasing agreements with its employees, particularly those availing the housing benefits of the corporation that undergo an application process with the use of this kind of rental application template. Commercial Rental Application Template — Commercial spaces are the most common choices for aspiring business owners to start their desired business. They get into the rental agreements on this spaces by applying for the lease with the outline presented on this kind of rental application template.

With the aid of the sample rental application templates on this website, the following are the steps on how to apply for a residential application: Fill out the Rental Application. Once you have found the residential property fit for your needs, you need to fill out the rental application form. You can take the form issued by the owner or you can use a rental application form template that is appropriate for the lease application. Pay the necessary deposits and fees.

The next step to provide initial payment and security deposit on the residential property. There might be additional fees which you have to pay that is relevant to the residential lease. General Questions — Anything else the landlord deems as relevant, withstanding the prohibited questions listed below. To ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act, landlords and property owners should avoid asking questions from the following topics on a rental application: Relationship status — No questions regarding marriage, sexual preferences, etc.

Disabilities — Questions regarding whether or not an applicant is disabled should be avoided at all costs. Arrest Records — Unlike convictions which were proved in a court of law , arrests cannot be inquired as they do not infer guilt. Additionally, the running of a background check will provide information on any prior convictions if they exist. Rental Application FAQ The following are commonly asked questions regarding rental applications: Is a rental application legally binding?

A rental application asks for a signature for two 2 main reasons: It confirms the answers on the application are true and correct, and It gives the landlord permission to file a background check. Who should be referenced on a rental application?

How long does it take to process a background check?