Rental Application Form Template

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Updated Apr 2, 2025
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A rental application is a document used by landlords or property managers to screen potential tenants by collecting essential personal, financial, and rental history information. Its primary purpose is to help landlords identify responsible tenants, reducing the risk of late payments, property damage, or disputes. Customize and download your rental application PDF to simplify your leasing experience today.
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Document Types
Rental Application Approval Letter
This letter serves to express a landlord's acceptance of a tenant’s rental application.
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Paper titled "Rental Application"; woman and man shaking hands near the house with the living room interior: TV set, sofas, pictures, window, floor lamp

A rental application form is a document used by landlords and property managers to assess tenants before approving them for a lease. The primary goal of the blank rental application is to minimize risk for property owners. Landlords want tenants who are financially stable, responsible, and respectful of rental agreements. Submitting a complete and accurate rental application increases the chances of getting approved for a lease quickly.

When Is a Rental Application Form Used?

A rental application template is typically used during the initial stages of renting a property. Before offering a lease agreement, landlords require interested tenants to fill out a rental application PDF. It helps property owners determine if a person is suitable for renting the unit.

Typical scenarios where a rental application is used include:

  • Private landlords vetting tenants. Independent property owners often require tenants to complete a rent application form before signing a lease.

  • Property management companies screening multiple applicants. In highly competitive rental markets, management companies may receive numerous rental applications and use these forms to select the best-suited tenants.

  • Subletting agreements. Sometimes, tenants looking to sublet their apartments need to provide details to the original landlord.

  • College students renting for the first time. Young renters, often without a rental history or a steady income, may need a guarantor or co-signer when applying for a rental property.

What Happens After a Rental Application Is Approved?

Once a landlord reviews and approves a rental application PDF, the next step is to confirm the decision through a rental application approval letter. This formal notification informs the tenant of their acceptance and outlines the next steps in finalizing the lease agreement.

How To Fill Out a Rental Application: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to complete the rental application form accurately.

Step 1: Provide property and rent details

The first section of the sample rental application identifies the rental property and the proposed rent amount.

  • Enter the property’s address.
  • Fill in the rental fee (weekly or monthly).
Example:

Property: This Rental Application serves as a request to rent Sunset Apartments, Unit 4, located at 456 Pine Street, San Diego, CA.

Rent fee: $1,800 per month.

Make sure the information in the generic rental application matches the listing details for the rental property you are applying for.

Step 2: Specify desired rental terms

The rental period and move-in date help the landlord determine if your timeline aligns with availability.

  • Enter the time you want to rent (e.g., 12 months, 6 months).
  • Provide the date you wish to move in.
Example:

Desired rental period: 12 months
Desired move-in date: June 1, 2024

Step 3: Fill in personal details

  • Enter the number of people who will live in the rental.
  • Indicate whether there are any minor children.
  • State if there will be any pets.
  • Answer questions about smoking, felony convictions, or prior bankruptcies.
Example:

Number of occupants: 2
Minor children: 1
Smoking: No
Pets: One cat
Conviction of a felony: No
Bankruptcy within the last ten years: No

If you have pets, confirm that the property allows pets before submitting your printable rental application.

Step 4: Provide employment information

Stable employment is essential for most landlords as they assess your ability to pay rent. You need to provide this information in the printable rental application.

  • Enter your employer’s name.
  • Specify your job title.
  • State your monthly income.
  • Include your supervisor’s name and phone number for verification.
Example:

Employer: BlueTech Solutions
Job title: Software Engineer
Income: $6,500 per month
Supervisor’s name: Mark Reynolds
Phone number: (619) 555-6789

Step 5: Provide rental history (if applicable)

If you have rented before, the landlord may request details about previous rentals to assess rental history reliability.

  • List your current or previous rental addresses in the rental application form.
  • Provide your landlord’s name and contact details.
  • State the length of rental and reason for leaving.
Example:

Address: 789 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Landlord’s name: Robert Taylor
Landlord’s phone number: (310) 555-7890
Rent term: From June 2022 to May 2024
Rent amount: $1,600 per month
Reason for leaving: Relocating for a new job