How to run background check and rental application

[Ana Meals]

Hello everyone, I know that there is a rental application to be filled by each person 18+ and a fee to go with that as well as a background check that must be done. How or where do I get the application for the potential renters to fill out also how is the background check done? I have some clients wanting me to list their property for rent but I have never done this and the Residential Property Management Essentials course I took didn't really cover this part.

Appreciate any help, thanks!

[Julie Hartman]

We created our own application because other sources we have seen are not thorough enough. We had ours approved by our local LL attorney. Howver, there are many variations to be found online for free and you can customize them to your needs. As far as a background check goes, we use a local service, (RSI Screening), but I am sure you have something similar in Florida you can locate. We also use the Colorado Bureau of Investigation which can do a quick online criminal history for about $7. I will bet that Florida has an equivalent especially since it is a landlord friendly state. Make sure you comply with state law with regard to the amount you can charge for the applicaton fee. For example, we are limited here to the exact amount we pay for the background check; no mark ups permitted.