Rental Application - Landlord Forum thread

Rental Application by Anonymous (VA) on July 15, 2012 @21:35

I was wondering if I could legally ask someone on a rental application these questions: If they have a criminal history, if they have pets, and if they have ever had problems while renting. I'm not really seasoned at this, and want to make sure that I am not breaking any laws in the state of Virginia.

Thanks!

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Re: Rental Application by Anonymous on July 15, 2012 @21:45	[ Reply ]

You may ask those questions on an application. Hopefully, for the criminal history, you will do a criminal background check of your own and not rely on just what an applicant tells you. Same goes for rental history. You should look to see if they have past evictions on their record as well as getting/contacting previous LL references.

Re: Rental Application by Jake on July 15, 2012 @21:46	[ Reply ]

It is legal to ask all three questions. If you do ask them, do not expect to hear the truth on any of them. Some landlords have a sheet for the tenant to fill out asking if they have ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor of felony with space to give details. 1. Some criminals will say no. Others will admit to a minor possession of drugs like it is normal and everybody does it. None will admit to a bad check. However, a fair number will admit to crimes that have not made their way into the public record yet. Use a service like publicdata.com to check them out. When you deny the application you may simply say there was some criminal activity they forgot to tell you about. 2. Most renters will have Pit Bull dogs they will try passing off as Boxers or Boxer mixes. All will keep them inside no matter what they tell you. 3. Have they ever had trouble renting? Of course not. They will all be model tenants and can give you a friends number who will pretend they are the previous landlord when you call to check.

Re: Rental Application

Re: Rental Application by NY-LL on July 16, 2012 @01:09	[ Reply ]

Use the LPA Rental Application, it is thorough. Use the LPA Lease Agreement and other forms, they are worth the investment.

Re: Rental Application by Jack Klein (NY) on July 16, 2012 @01:13	[ Reply ]

I use the LPA Rental Application. It asks the right questions and gives you the ability to make better screening decisions. And yes. The LPA forms are SO worth the small investment!