What to Expect After Filling out a Rental Application

Since there are rules in every state, do check out what are the requirements in yours.  This post provides a general list of what to expect after you turn over your application to a property manager or leasing consultant. 

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 United States

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.

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Other Apartment Rental Fees: Why Pay a Rental Application Fee?

When you have visited so many properties, those application fees can add up quickly!  This is why it is better to order your credit report in advance and know what it has on it.  Clear up any discrepancies and then place an application only with the property you like the most.  All others are best left on the “just in case” list.  Basically, you are putting those properties aside if you can’t for some reason qualify for the one you like the most.

Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify.  Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property.  Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18.  Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.

When you have visited so many properties, those application fees can add up quickly!  This is why it is better to order your credit report in advance and know what it has on it.  Clear up any discrepancies and then place an application only with the property you like the most.  All others are best left on the “just in case” list.  Basically, you are putting those properties aside if you can’t for some reason qualify for the one you like the most.

Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify.  Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property.  Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18.  Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.

The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site.  Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.

The rental application fee is used to cover the costs of the credit report and background check.  If most of the information comes back positive, you are approved and then any additional fees owed will be calculated.  If there are no rental specials, those fees might include:

Administrative Fee

Security Deposit

Prorated Rent (if you are moving during the middle of the month)

1st Month Rent

All are due upon move-in.  Other fees renters will incur over the duration of the lease may include:

Water, Sewer and Trash

Electricity and Gas

The lease should list all of what the renter pays for.

As you see the application fee is the start of other fees ahead.  However, it is very important to pay this fee if one wants to be considered for an apartment.  You can always ask if this fee could be waived.  The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site.  Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.

Happy Apartment Shopping!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

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