A rental application is a form that you fill out for a landlord so they can make sure you’ll be a reliable tenant.
It helps them in the screening process so they can get an idea of what kind of tenant you would be if you were to live in their rental property.
1. It requires proof that you really are who you say you are
Rental applications will usually ask you for some type of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, to establish your identity. That way, someone can’t apply pretending to be you and vice versa.
2. You may need to show that you have a stable income
Landlords want to know that you have a consistent flow of income and will be able to pay your rent on time every month. They may ask you to provide proof of this via pay stubs, bank statements or a letter from your employer.
3. A rental application may be required by the landlord
Some landlords require a rental application or else they may not accept a tenant and let them live in the rental property. It serves as a form of protection for both the tenant and the landlord and may help avoid issues in the future.
All rental applications are not the same
Rental applications may vary from state to state and landlord to landlord. Some applications may only ask for a few details, while others might require more extensive personal information. Be prepared to provide whatever a rental application asks for if you want to get approval from a landlord to rent their property.
