What Is a Rental Application Form?

Before deciding to rent your property to a tenant, you can ask your applicant to fill out a written rental application form. Most landlords ask for the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number

• Social Security number

• Driver’s license number

• Bank account numbers

• Authorization to obtain a copy of credit reports

• Monthly or annual income

• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your applicant’s current and past employers

• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your applicant’s current and past landlords

• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your applicant’s references

• Other information that shows your applicant’s ability to pay the rent

Tellus TIP:

Good rental policies should be practical and legal. Implement solid screening requirements that do not violate Fair Housing Laws. Failing to adhere to the above requirements will waste everyone’s time and potentially open up the door to legal trouble.