Last Updated March 26, 2024

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A Residential Rental Application is a form used by rental property owners, property managers, and landlords to gather information on potential tenants looking to lease a living space. 

Typically, the information collected in applications is used to find reliable and reputable renters. Information provided on a Residential Rental Application can help with reference checks, criminal background checks, and more. 

If you want to collect applications for a commercial property, such as an office space, use our Commercial Lease Application. 

Whether you are a first-time landlord or a seasoned professional, our Rental Application template makes the tough task of finding a tenant a breeze. A Residential Rental Application allows you to: 

1. Collect information from each applicant, such as their name, contact info, rental history, proof of income, etc.  
2. Screen applicants to ensure they’re suitable for the property and can meet their financial obligations.
3. Obtain an applicant’s authorization to conduct a credit history check and criminal background check.
4. Verify the information provided by the applicants by checking landlord references, credit reports, and more.
5. Propose lease terms such as the rental amount, bond, lease duration, and availability date.

Additionally, LawDepot’s Residential Rental Application template is custom-built with your state’s specific regulations in mind, so you can rest assured that your application is legally compliant. If you have any questions or require further information, try talking to a lawyer.

Landlords can ask applicants for any information that is directly related to their future role as a tenant. Our template allows landlords to ask for contact information, residential rental history, employment details, banking information, and more. 

However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: when landlords and property managers collect personal information through a Residential Rental Application, they must follow the relevant state’s regulations and human rights codes. 

In the United States, landlords are subject to the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Any information collected on a Residential Rental Application should be collected with this in mind. 

Can landlords ask for Social Security Numbers (SSNs) on a Rental Application?

Yes, landlords can ask for a Social Security Number on a Residential Rental Application. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when doing so. 

Firstly, although it is common practice to use an SSN to conduct a background check, landlords should ensure that they are not violating the Fair Housing Act when using this information, as outlined above. 

Secondly, some prospective tenants may be reluctant to share this sensitive information due to privacy concerns. To avoid this, landlords should explain why they need the SSN, how they plan to use it, and outline their data security measures.

Creating a Residential Rental Application is easy when you use LawDepot’s template. Simply answer a series of questions and you’ll receive an application form that is custom-built for your specific rental property. 

1. Property information

First, provide some information about the property in order to prepopulate the template. This might include:

• The property’s address
• The availability date
• If parking is provided
• If pets, smoking, or marijuana are allowed in the unit
• Any additional lease details that you would like to provide

2. Applicant information

Next, we’ll ask you what kind of applicant details you would like to collect. This might include:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Past rental history
• Employment details
• Proof of income 
• Background check authorization

Once you provide this information, our template will include blank fields that applicants can use to provide their details. Additionally, we’ll automatically include blank fields for the applicant’s name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and desired move-in date. 

Finally, LawDepot’s Residential Rental Application includes a statement that authorizes a reference check, criminal background check, and credit check, once signed by the applicant. 

3. Contact information

Finally, we’ll ask you for your name, phone number, and email address. This information will be included on the application form so that prospective tenants can get in touch with you. 

Then, once you’ve collected applications and determined the best possible tenant, you can proceed with creating a Residential Lease Agreement.

Related Documents:

• Residential Lease Agreement: Outline the rights and responsibilities of a landlord and their tenant(s).
• Residential Sublease Agreement: Outline the terms of a sublease between an existing tenant and a subtenant.
• Rent Receipt: Keep track of full or partial rent payments.
• Residential Rental Inspection Report: Record the condition of a rental property before a tenant moves in and after they move out.
• Eviction Notice: Inform tenants why they're being evicted and when they must vacate the property.

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