Rental Applications

An online rental application is a standardized rental document form that landlords or property managers can use to evaluate prospective renters looking for a place to rent.

Typically, a rental application form collects data like:

• Personal and household information
• Residential history
• Employment and income
• Background information

What are the Benefits of Online Rental Applications?

• Tenant Evaluation: By reviewing the applicant’s personal, financial, and residential history, property managers can determine whether a potential tenant is a good fit for the property.
• Reduce the Risk: Verifying the applicant's credentials with the help of background and credit checks minimizes the risks associated with renting properties.
• Property Safeguard: A thorough online rental application process helps protect rentals. With tenant application forms, you will reduce the risk of leasing to destructive or unreliable individuals.

Make informed decisions that protect property investments, provide legal adherence, and create a stable, peaceful, and financially secure rental environment.

Yes, as long as you use reputable property management software. TenantCloud takes online security seriously. So, when you fill out an application through TenantCloud, your personal and sensitive data remains safe and protected.

Here's why you can trust us:

• Encrypted Data: 256-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect your data.
• Secure Data Centers: Information stored in highly secure AWS (Amazon Web Services) data centers.

Yes, TenantCloud’s rental application templates are easy to customize. You can easily add, edit, or request additional information from applicants through the online rental application. We also include up to 40 pre-screening questions in the rental application form, helping you vet tenants and identify potential concerns.

These fees cover the costs of submitting an application for a rental. While application fees are usually non-refundable and range from $20 to $100, some state regulations may apply.

Application fees are not a source of profit but a tool to cover expenses related to tenant screening and background checks. Transparency and honesty are essential during the screening process. For example, charging application fees without the intent to conduct background checks could lead to legal issues. Certain states may restrict a landlord's maximum screening fee and require landlords to provide an itemized receipt.

In most states, a landlord does not have to refund the rental application fee, but exceptions exist.

• Massachusetts prohibits charging an application fee.
• Minnesota mandates that you refund the applicants any surplus funds beyond the screening service costs.
• Vermont does not allow landlords to charge an application fee.
• Washington requires the application fee to match the exact cost of the screening service.
• Wisconsin limits landlords to charge a maximum of $20 for an application fee.

In some states, including additional expenses such as processing or administration fees is acceptable. For example, it is not uncommon for some landlords to charge $50 for a $40 screening. The additional fee of $10 in this scenario is typically an administrative fee.

Transparency and honesty are essential during the screening process. For example, charging application fees without the intention of conducting background checks could lead to legal issues. Application fees are not a source of profit but a tool to cover expenses related to tenant screening.

TenantCloud provides landlords with several tools to streamline the leasing process. With eSignatures and a variety of landlord templates, landlords and property managers can sign leases and other important documents online—simplifying rental management. Here's a brief explanation of how they work:

• eSignatures: Allows users to digitally sign documents, like leases, on electronic devices. When creating a lease through TenantCloud, you can request eSignatures from your tenants, speeding up the signing process while reducing paperwork.
• Secure Storage: Your eSignatures are stored securely, eliminating the need for physical document storage.

Landlord Forms:

• Versatile Selection: Our property management software offers a wide range of universal landlord forms, including pet addenda, move-in inspection reports, and notices to enter.
• Customization: Landlords can customize these templates and add property-specific information.
• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like setting up lease renewal reminders to save time and strengthen tenant-landlord relationships.

Your rental application form depends on your rental criteria. While tenant screening can cover the basics, an application is also a helpful way to pre-screen tenants before the background check.

TenantCloud’s online application forms allow users to include additional pre-screening questions. We recommend avoiding simple yes/no answers and encouraging tenants to provide detailed explanations. Here are some questions to consider on your application:

1. When do you plan to move in?

Pay close attention to those who express a desire to move in "immediately,” as it may be a yellow flag.

2. Do you have any pets? If yes, please specify the type, weight, and breed.

Whether you're pet-friendly or not, knowing the kind of pet is crucial. You want to make sure the applicant does not have a pet that's on your restricted list.

3. Parking Requirements. How many parking spaces do you need?

Ensure the applicant is aware of any restrictions or limitations associated with the rental.

4. Are you willing to submit a background and credit check as part of the application process?

5. Does anyone in your household smoke?

6. What is your monthly income?

7. Can you pay the first month's rent and a security deposit?

8. Have you ever broken a rental lease agreement? If yes, please provide details.

9. Have you ever been evicted? If yes, please provide details. While prior evictions are a natural cause for concern, it is important to consider that pandemic-related circumstances may have influenced the situation. Gathering all the necessary details is crucial when making a decision about a rental applicant.

It's essential to request relevant information while complying with the Fair Housing Act's prohibitions. These include questions related to race (FHA, 42 U.S. Code §§ 3601-3619, 3631), religion, familial status, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, income sources, and criminal history in some regions.