City of Takoma Park: Department of Housing and Community Development


               GUIDE TO RENTAL APPLICATION PROCESS
                         Tenant Selection

     Selecting the right tenant can often be a tedious process,
however careful screening of each candidate can help avoid
considerable trouble in the long run.  Every landlord should
develop an application form that requests key information to assist
in tenant selection.  A sample application is included on the back
of this page.  A landlord should always:
     
     1.  Request and verify the applicant's tenant history
     2.  Verify income
     3.  Make a general credit check

     A landlord should develop a policy when screening applicants
by treating and evaluating each person similarly.  This will ensure
that there is no violation of the fair housing laws.  To prevent
misunderstandings, it should clearly state on the application any
requirements such as minimum income, the number of occupants
allowed for that size apartment, utility responsibility, pet
policies, etc.  

     By checking references from current and previous landlords, it
can be determined if a tenant pays rent on time or whether there
have been other problems such as noise or damage complaints.

               Application Fee and Rental Deposits

     A fee is sometimes charged for processing an application.  In
accordance with Takoma Park Code, this fee should be commensurate
with the costs for processing the application and can be no higher
than $50.  The following are issues that should be clarified in
writing to reduce misunderstandings when a prospective tenant is
required to put money down on an apartment.

     1. Is the application fee refundable if it is found that the
        applicant is not qualified for the apartment?  
     2. Does the money paid down represent the security deposit or 
        the first month's rent?  
     3. Does the payment of the money take the apartment off the  
        market?  
     4. If the applicant changes his/her mind about renting within 
        24 or 48 hours, will the money paid be given back? 

     It is good business practice to retain for at least two years
all rental applications and comments regarding references.
                              (over)
                  Sample Rental Application Form

The undersigned is hereby making application to rent Apt. #____
located at__________________________ beginning on _______, 19___,
for a period of _______ months, at a monthly rent of $__________

Name____________________________________________________________
Current Address_________________________________________________
Home Phone_______________________Work Phone_____________________
Previous Address________________________________________________

List names of other people who will be living in this apartment:
________________________________________________________________

Name and Phone Number of Current Landlord_______________________
How long have you been living at your current address___________

Name and Phone Number of Previous Landlord______________________
How long did you live at previous address_______________________

Name, Address and Phone Number of Current Employer_______________
_________________________________________________________________
Position________________How long have you worked here____________
Monthly salary___________________________________________________ 
Other Sources of Income__________________________________________

Name, Address and Phone Number of Previous Employer______________
_________________________________________________________________
Position_______________How long did you work there_______________
          
Bank Account Number______________________________________________
Name and phone number of Bank____________________________________

Make, year and license number of your car(s)_____________________
Driver license number____________________________________________

Name and phone numbers of two personal references (no family
members)_________________________________________________________

I am attaching an application fee of $____, which is non-refundable
and a deposit of $______, which represents the security deposit for
the above-stated apartment.  I understand that this deposit takes
the apartment off the market for rental.  If I should decide not to 
rent the apartment even though my application has been approved,
then I understand that part or all of my security deposit may be
forfeited to cover actual expenses involved in finding another
tenant.

The above information is true and accurate to the best of my
knowledge:

Signature:________________________________Date:___________________