Every rental application will have an app fee. Anyone 18 and older is required to fill out an application even if they will not be paying rent. Sometimes a property management company may waive it if conducting a special. Rental applications will also require all pertinent information to be filled out such as:
Full name Address
Birth Date
Driver’s license information
Social Security or other government-issued photo identification that shows a lawful presence in the
Employment and other income sources
Once the applicant turns in the form along with the fee, if not waived, to the leasing professional the following will occur.
The company will use a third party source to conduct screenings to see if the applicant qualifies.
Credit Screening
Unsatisfactory credit report
Excessive collection accounts including utilities
Applicants who have more negative than positive credit history
Bankruptcy (regardless of discharge) or repossession.
Rental housing evictions and collections.
Unresolved tax liens.
An additional security deposit may be required or a co-signer may be requested depending on what is found on the credit report.
Criminal History Screening
All convictions do not result in an automatic denial of an application or lease renewal. However, the following will be reviewed:
Sexual crimes
Physical crimes
Financial crimes
Terrorism
Wanted Fugitives
The application process should be easy. Meeting rental criteria is mandatory. Property management companies are well aware of Fair Housing Laws. If you should feel you are being discriminated against despite meeting the criteria, contact your local Fair Housing Rights Office and file a complaint immediately.
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of many nonfiction books located on Amazon.
