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:___________________