How to Prepare a Rental Application (Landlords)

As a Landlord, the most important step in placing a Tenant is the application process. Requiring completed applications and verifying all information is the final step of renting your property after preparing, advertising, and showing your property.

Instructions

1. Make it easier. You may choose to print out several paper applications, but another way to better reach Tenants is to keep a copy on your computer in a program such as Microsoft Word. This way, the form can be emailed and returned by mail or fax.

2. Ask for personal info. In order to process the application fully, require the applicant to provide you with the following: full name, current address, Social Security Number, driver's license number and birth date.

3. You need the history. Ask for the applicant's current and previous Landlord information, be sure that they provide you will a phone number so that you can easily reach them.
   You will also need to ask the following simple but extremely important questions:
   Have you ever been late paying rent? Have you ever been evicted? Have you ever refused to pay rent?

4. Require references. Ask for at least 2 references; one personal and one professional.

5. Income and Job verification. The applicant must currently have a job or some form of income. A general rule of thumb is to look for at least 2 years steady work history and an income of 3 times the rent.

6. Signature needs. Make sure the applicant signs the application. This authorizes you to use the information and contacts provided to verify that all information is correct.