Tenant application checklist?
The recent topic on credit checks was helpful, but I’m wondering if any landlords could share a quick list of everything that you ask for in a tenant application. I haven’t done it myself in a long time, and the last time I did it, it didn’t work out well. This time, I’ll do a…
The recent topic on credit checks was helpful, but I’m wondering if any landlords could share a quick list of everything that you ask for in a tenant application. I haven’t done it myself in a long time, and the last time I did it, it didn’t work out well. This time, I’ll do a credit check, although I know it doesn’t tell the whole story. I’ll also get their social security number, in case things go south like last time. But what if they don’t have an ss#? What do you get as a substitute? Is it unreasonable to ask for a copy of a recent bank statement, especially if they’re newly employed and don’t have 3 recent paystubs saved? And what if they need a guarantor, what do you ask for from them?
In general, if anybody has a checklist of all the things you ask for in a tenant application, or can point me towards a good website that has such info, that’d be incredibly helpful.
Thank you all so very much for the input! This is extremely helpful advice.
As to the people who are concerned about giving your social security number, I understand, but honestly, I tried it your way once. And ended up with tenants who never paid after the first month, and who I couldn’t track down ever again. I can’t afford to get burned like that again. The mortgage company sure has my social security number, so, sadly, that means I’d better have yours. Most tenants dont skip out, but I know from experience that if one does, it’s practically impossible to collect without a social security number.
you other landlords are crazy with all the stuff you ask for. Credit score is the most important thing though and I would not give somebody a lease without one unless they paid up front. Credit scores are the most important thing then prior landlord . I dont care how much money they make as long as they have above a 720.
You can’t do a credit check w/out a social security number, so anyone who doesn’t have one or won’t give you access to it cannot have a credit report pulled. In that case get a good guarantor (in the tri-state area, with a social security number, and annual income equal to at least 80x one month’s rent). Get the following documents from all parties (applicant and guarantor): Last year’s tax returns and forms W-2 or 1099; letter of employment confirming title, salary, and dates of employment (CPA letter for self-employed); last two or three pay stubs; current landlord’s contact info; copies of six months’ cancelled rent checks (or last mortgage statement if guarantor owns); lat month’s bank and/or investment account statements. If you are uncertain about the applicant for any reason, get additional rent and/or security up front.
northsloperenter- I think identity theft is a good reason to refuse. Do I get to have the landlord’s ss# ?
The following sites all have their strengths and weaknesses, but when used intelligently will give you enough input and information to develop your own application: http://www.blumberglegalforms.com/Forms/71.pdf
http://www.ilrg.com/forms/rentlapp.html
http://www.ezlandlordforms.com/documents/application_forms/
http://www.nestseekers.com/Guides/Renters
http://www.nolo.com/products/every-landlords-guide-to-finding-great-tenants-FIND.html
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/faqEditorial-29137.html
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tenants/index.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2162916_application-rent-form-background-check.html
Do not rely on the sites above as sources for word-for-word applications. Be sure that your questions do not violate the landlord’s obligations and tenant’s rights under NYC’s fair housing laws: http://www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/html/fairbook.html
http://www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/pdf/fairhousingEng.pdf
BKred looking for 40times rent in Brooklyn is a sure way to have a high vacancy rate. The buildings in Manhattan are not even asking for that anymore.
bxgrl — you may be right about that, but it has become so common place and accepted that while you are trying to explain why you don’t think you should have to give up your SS# to get an apartment, someone else will sign the lease.
It is my understanding that anyone is entitled by law to refuse to give you their soc sec number. Am I wrong on this? I’ve had totally inappropriate requests for my ss# and I have refused to pass it around like candy.
I got this info from a local rental agent:
Last 2 pay stubs
Last 2 bank statements
Credit report/credit should be in good standing.
Contact info for current employer and previous landlord/s
A personal ref letter wouldn’t hurt either.
Salary should be at least 40 times the rent.
If there’s a guarantor involved, you need all that info for them as well.
If you’re considering renting to someone without a SS#, I think you’d want a copy of their passport and visa. That situation may call for a larger security deposit, as you really have no legal recourse if something goes south.
You might want to consider a larger security if the guarantor is out of state: I’ve heard that makes legal recourse more difficult.