A rental application collects the information a landlord needs to evaluate tenants. Landlords should ask consistent questions and comply with fair housing and credit reporting laws.
Typical contents
- Names, contact information and identification.
- Employment and income.
- Rental history and references.
- Consent to a credit and background check.
- Number of occupants, pets and vehicles.
- Application fee, if any.
What landlords should avoid
- Questions that signal discrimination based on protected classes.
- Inconsistent screening of applicants.
- Using criminal records in ways that violate local fair chance laws.
- Collecting more personal data than needed.
Landlord tips
- Use written, objective criteria.
- Apply them to everyone.
- Provide adverse action notices when required.
- Keep applications secure and dispose of them properly.
Tenant tips
Provide accurate information and ask what criteria will be used. Keep copies of what you submit. See our guide to rental applications and background checks.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord charge an application fee?
Often yes, subject to state limits.
Can they ask about my immigration status?
Landlords generally should not ask in a discriminatory way. Check local law.