The Do’s and Don’ts on a Standard Rental Application

As a landlord, you have done everything you can to make your rental business a success. However, you need to know that there are quite a few do’s and don’ts to a standard rental application as well.

While your end goal with this application is to vet potential renters to make sure they’ll pay their rent on time and not destroy your property, you need to make sure that what you’re doing follows federal and state guidelines as well.

Do know what to ask for

Your rental application should have five main sections, which are listed below:

• Personal information
• Residence history
• Employment history
• References
• Miscellaneous information

Nowadays, it’s much easier to make sure you get everything you need on an application without overstepping on any questions, with landlord software available on websites like https://www.turbotenant.com to help you out. Once you know what is included in a rental application, it’s time to move into how to keep yourself out of any legal trouble.

Don’t discriminate on the application

There are many, many laws against discriminating on a rental application and discrimination when renting in general. Failing to follow these laws can land you in hot water, not only with the law but with the government as well. It can be classified as discrimination if the following are asked on an application:

• The birthplace of potential renter
• The sexual orientation
• Any disabilities the potential renter might have
• What religion the applicant is
• About the children of the applicant

Do investigate housing laws on rental limits in your state

Before you even rent your first property, take the time to investigate and research the housing laws on rental limits in your particular state. Each state has their own specific laws, and sometimes those differ from state to state.

It’s possible that there are restrictions on the amount of rent you can charge, the amount of the security deposit that can be asked for, and the screening criteria you’re allowed to use on your rental application. It’s best to know the laws and never need them, than to fail to learn them and end up in a lot of trouble. Be safe, not sorry, and do your research before renting to anyone.

Don’t ask discriminatory questions

While it’s certainly against the law to ask questions on your rental application that are discriminatory, you have to be even more careful when conducting an interview or talking to references. Once again, do not ask questions about race, sexual orientation, color, religion, their family, or any disabilities.

Do meet any prospective tenant

Never, ever rent to someone who has filled out an application, been approved, but you have only spoken to over the phone. Set up a time to meet the potential renter so that they can look through the property and ask any questions they might feel need to be answered. You also need to be careful how you answer their questions, as you don’t want to give out any information that could be considered to be misleading.

These are just a few of the do’s and don’ts of not only making a standard rental application, but of being a landlord who wants to find the right tenants to rent their property. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, as you have to protect not only yourself and your property, but your tenants as well.