Last updated March 27, 2024
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What is a Residential Tenancy Application?
Landlords often use rental application forms to collect information from potential tenants. They use this info to evaluate who may or may not be a suitable tenant for their rental property.
You can use LawDepot’s Rental Application for various residential properties, including houses, apartments, rooms, and more.
Anyone that is directly dealing with tenants can use LawDepot’s Rental Application template, including:
- Landlords
- Property managers
- Property owners
Simply customise the template to suit your rental property. Then, ask prospective tenants to complete the form and return it to you for evaluation.
Use LawDepot’s Rental Application template to create a custom document that includes the following:
1. A description of the rental property
Specify the available rental unit’s address and whether it’s a house, apartment, room, or another type of property.
2. Details about the tenancy
Set clear expectations by stating the proposed terms of the Rental Agreement, including:
- When the rental unit is available
- Whether the tenant may move in early
- The rent amount and payment dates
- Whether you require a security deposit, and if so, its amount
LawDepot’s Rental Application template also states that extended guests, pets, animals, and smoking are not allowed without permission from the landlord. You can use LawDepot’s document editor to specify otherwise.
Give contact information in case the applicant has questions about their application status, the property, or the Rental Agreement.
You can list your contact details, or you can direct the applicant to your property manager or personal representative.
LawDepot’s Residential Rental Agreement template addresses the general information needed for tenant screening, including:
- The applicant’s name and contact details
- Their permanent account number/Aadhaar number (optional)
- Residential history
- Employment history and sources of income
- Vehicle and banking information
- An emergency contact
- Two references
The template also includes a space for the applicant to comment on any negative issues that may arise from a credit history or criminal background check.
If some of this information doesn’t apply to your situation (e.g., there are no extra parking spots available, so there’s no need to ask for vehicle information), you can use LawDepot’s document editor to make further changes to the rental application. It's also best practice for landlords to avoid collecting more information than what's needed.
How do landlords verify income?
LawDepot’s Rental Application template includes a request for contact information of the people who can verify the applicant’s income. For example, there is a space for the applicant to record their work supervisor’s name and phone number.
Plus, if the applicant gets student loans, pension benefits, social assistance, or any other income source, they must list a contact person to confirm the income.
The template also asks for the applicant’s salary.
If needed, a landlord could also request evidence of income from items such as:
- Tax return from the previous year
- An employer’s letter or certificate
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
Who can be a personal reference in a Rental Application?
LawDepot’s Tenancy Application template asks for two personal references. Ideally, a reference should be able to attest to the applicant’s character and ability to pay rent.
Applicants can include the contact info of a family member, friend, neighbour, flatmate, manager, or another relevant acquaintance.