Rental Application Templates

Find out everything you need to know about rental applications. Learn about required information, consent for consumer reports, and the significance of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Disclosure.

Last updated September 16th, 2024

Find out everything you need to know about rental applications. Learn about required information, consent for consumer reports, and the significance of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Disclosure.

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When using the standard Rental Application, the landlord is required to gather the tenant’s personal information and employment details, and to obtain their consent to perform consumer reports such as credit reports and background checks. Additionally, the landlord must provide the tenant with a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Disclosure.

rental-application

Most Recent US Home Facts

  • Population (2023): 334,914,895
  • Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
  • Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
  • Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Rental Application Process Explanation

Tenant Completes a Rental Application

Non-Refundable Fee

Average amount charged by landlords: $30

Obtain a Credit Report

  • Credit score: Landlords usually want to see an above 670 credit score from applicants.
  • Rent-to-income ratio guidelines: Monthly rent should not exceed 30% of the monthly income.
  • Different rental markets: Certain places, for example, New York City may have higher rent-to-income ratios.

Recommended Screening Services

  1. Description and cost of limited consumer report: RentPrep.com ($21)
  2. Description and cost of detailed consumer report: MySmartMove.com ($39.99)

Verifying the Tenant

  • Methods for verifying tenant’s employment: Employment Verification Letter
  • Documentation required from tenants: Pay Stubs and Tax Returns

Communicate with Former Landlords

  • Reaching out to former landlords especially with applicants who have red flags on application.
  • Tenants with questionable history: Tenants who have multiple rentals in one year period.

Check the Sex Offender Registry

Legalities surrounding the verification process: Federal law prohibiting rejection based solely on sex offender status

Make a Decision

It is the Landlord’s responsibility in approving or rejecting the application. There are certain steps to be taken after approval or rejection.

Preview Rental Application PDF Template

Sample