South Carolina Rental Application Laws
- Rental Application Fee – No maximum amount.
- Security Deposit Limit – No maximum amount. [1]
Rental Application Form
💵 Rental Application Fees
As of January 1, 2024, Rhode Island law prohibits landlords, brokers, property managers, or designees from charging any rental application fee—including background checks, credit reports, screenings, or administrative fees. [1]
✅ Exceptions — Pass‑through Costs Only
Landlords may only charge applicants for the actual cost of an official state criminal background check or credit report if the applicant does *not* provide their own reports dated within 90 days. If the landlord charges for these costs, they must provide a copy of the report to the applicant. [1][2]
📜 Tenant Copy Requirement
If an applicant is charged for a background or credit report, the landlord is required to furnish the applicant with a copy of that report. [1]
💰 Security Deposit Limit
Under Rhode Island law, landlords may charge a security deposit **up to one (1) month’s rent** only. [3]
🚫 Unauthorized Fees & Scams
Despite the law, some landlords attempt to charge “application” or viewing fees. Tenants report:
“Application fees are pretty common, but that’s for once you’ve seen the place…and it’s now illegal for landlords to charge application fees.”
And:
“Landlords are now charging $35 background checks…Should not be passed on to tenants.”
If you encounter unexpected fees during the application process, this may violate state law — Rhode Island’s Attorney General has taken enforcement actions against noncompliant landlords.
Sample Rhode Island Rental Application Form
🔍 Legal References
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34‑18‑59 (prohibiting application fees; allowing pass‑through costs with tenant-supplied 90‑day reports)
- Partridge Snow & Hahn summary (explaining effective date and exceptions)
- Tenant handbook interpretation (security deposit = 1 month’s rent)
Rental lease agreement – Once the applicant’s approved by using the rental application form then the PA residential lease agreement contract can be signed.
Laws ⚖️
- Application Fee – There are no maximum amounts for the application fee.
- Security Deposit Amount – Two-months rent is the maximum amount Landlords can charge for security deposits. [1]
Sources
Sample Pennsylvania Rental Application Form
Sample Oregon Rental Application Form
Sample Oklahoma Rental Application From
Ohio Rental Lease Agreement – The Ohio rental lease agreement form can be signed if the applicant’s employment and income are approved with the Ohio rental application form.
Application Fees
No fee cap in Ohio – Ohio law does not regulate rental application or holding fees therefore landlords can set any amount they want.
Get it in writing
Before paying, applicants should receive a written statement explaining the following:
- The nature of the fee (application or credit check)
- Conditions under which it may be refunded
Receipts Required
Landlords should provide itemized receipts showing what the rental application fee covers.
Sample Ohio Rental Application Form
Sources:
Laws ⚖️
-
- Application Fee – No limit on the amount and they also can be non-refundable.
- Security Deposit Amount – Up to one (1) months rent unless there are pets then can charge two (2) months rent or $2500 (the lessor of the two).
- Application Fee – No limit on the amount and they also can be non-refundable.
Sample North Dakota Rental Application Form
Sources
Sample North Carolina Rental Application Form
Sample New Mexico Rental Application Form
Rental lease agreement – Once the applicant’s employment and income are approved, the New Jersey rental lease agreement form can be signed.
Laws ⚖️
- Application Fee – No limit on the amount.
- Security Deposit Amount – Up to one and a half (1.5) months’ rent. [1]