What Is a Rental Application Form?
Updated 21 days ago (March 6, 2026)
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.
Legal Disclaimer: Tellus provides this content for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and regulations may have changed since this article was published. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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