What to include in a rental application

A rental application is a form that potential tenants fill out when applying to rent a property. It is an important tool for landlords and property managers because it provides information about the potential tenant that can help to determine whether they are a good fit for the property. Here are some things that should be included in a rental application for a potential tenant:

Personal information: The rental application should include the potential tenant's full name, date of birth, and contact information, including their address, phone number, and email address.

Employment and income information: The rental application should also include information about the potential tenant's employment and income. This can include their current job title, employer, and income.

Credit report: The rental application should include a request for a credit report. The credit report will raise any red flags on the potential tenant’s financial status. You not only want to see their credit score but also what other debt obligations they have. The higher the debt obligations, the higher the risk of non-payment.

Rental history: The rental application should include information about the potential tenant's rental history, including the addresses of any previous rentals, the dates they lived there, and the names and contact information for their previous landlords.

References: The rental application should also include the names and contact information for at least two personal references. These can be friends, family members, or previous landlords who can provide information about the potential tenant's character and rental history.

Consent for a background check: The rental application should include a section where the potential tenant gives their consent for a background check. This will allow the landlord or property manager to perform a credit check, criminal background check, and verify their employment and income.

By including all of this information in the rental application, you can make an informed decision about whether the potential tenant is a good fit for your property. It can help to protect your investment and ensure that you are renting to responsible and trustworthy individuals.