Tips for completing a rental application

Searching for a place to rent is hard. And even after you’ve found the place you want to call home, you’ll still have a few more hoops to jump though—namely, the rental application. For a typical application, the landlord will want to call your current employer, a previous landlord, and perhaps run a credit check.

On this page, we’ll explain the basics of completing a rental application. Plus, we surveyed property managers on their top tips for applicants trying to succeed in a competitive rental market.

---

Understanding the basics of rental applications

When you contact a landlord about renting a home, they may do an initial telephone screening before you even see the property. They’ll want to know how many people would be living there, what you do for a living, whether you have any pets, and so on.

If you pass the telephone screening, you can arrange to see the property. After viewing the property, you’ll likely be asked to complete an application form.

During the application process, landlords can ask questions to help assess the suitability of a tenant. But, they can’t ask questions that infringe on the rights of the tenant under Fair Housing.

Landlords can ask for:

• Where you work

• Your annual income

• How many people will be living in the residence and their names

• Whether you have pets or if you smoke

• If you will give permission in writing for them to obtain a credit check

• Your references

Landlords cannot ask about:

• Your age

• Your citizenship or immigration status

• Details about your ethnic background or religion

• Your sex, your gender identity or expression, or your sexual orientation

• If you plan to have children, more children, or if you’re pregnant

• If your family will be visiting

• Your current or planned marital status

• Whether you’re on any form of social assistance

• If you have a disability

• Your social insurance number

As mentioned earlier, landlords can obtain, with your consent, a credit check from Equifax or TransUnion. They can also contact Rent Check Credit Bureau, a credit bureau strictly for the housing industry. As you’ll see below, many property managers consider the credit check a valuable part of the screening process.

Property managers also emphasize the importance of references. They may wish to speak to an applicant’s previous landlords, employers, or both.

Common questions the landlord may ask your employer and references:

The landlord may contact your employer to confirm your employment status, and ask such questions as:

• How long have you been employed at that company?

• What is your current position?

• Do you work full or part time?

• What is your annual salary?

• Do you always come to work on time?

You will need to provide references, including, if applicable, the name of your last landlord, and possibly 2 or 3 previous landlords. Your prospective landlord will be looking for some of the following information:

• What period of time you were a tenant?

• Were you late paying the rent at any time?

• Did you own any pets?

• Was the home damaged while you lived there, beyond normal wear and tear?

• Did you give proper notice when moving out?

• Would they rent to you again?

Being prepared

All counties have various forms you may need as a tenant, including a rental application, residential tenancy agreement, and more. Before you start looking for a place to rent, take some time to familiarize yourself with the rules for these topics.