Rental Application - Missing Anything? Too Much?

[Wenner Nunes]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to get your thoughts on the following rental application for a New Jersey property. This application covered most things - but I'm wondering if there's anything that was left out of if it's asking for too much information (i.e. credit card information / balances). I plan on also doing a credit check / background check after I receive the application back from prospective tenants.

Heres the link: http://www.nj.gov/treasury/dpmc/Assets/Files/Renta...

Also - do you guys usually charge application fees? Does a $25 fee seem sufficient?

Thanks for all the help!

[Christopher Giannino]

@Wenner Nunes

I would say that this is a pretty standard rental application.  I have heard of landlords including a basic questionnaire with their applications with questions like... How long do you expect to live here? How many vehicles do you own? etc.  It's really up to you though whether you feel like additional questions would help you screen better.

As for the application fees question, I think many landlords just charge the amount it will cost for the credit check.  Although it can be a revenue source, I think many landlords just charge an application fee so this way the potential tenant has enough skin in the game.  A lot of times, I see landlords advertise that the application fee will be applied either to 1st months rent or security deposit.