Rental Application Fees: A Landlord and Renters Guide

In most states, rental application fees are paid by individuals interested in renting a house or apartment during the screening process. This fee typically covers the cost of background checks and screening services performed by landlords to ensure that tenants are a good fit for their property.

When you hear the word “fee”, you’re probably less than excited. When it comes to rental application fees, we know that renters don’t like paying for them and landlords dislike charging them. However, it’s important to know the fees aren’t just a price-gouging tool used to collect money from renters, but rather they add value and security to the rental application process and cover the administrative costs of screening a tenant.

How Much is a Rental Application Fee?

Rental application fee laws vary by state, but they can cost anywhere from $30 – $75 per applicant. These fees are in place to allow landlords to screen their tenants, and going through this process will save everyone time and money in the future.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about rental application fees:

• Why Are Rental Application Fees Important?
• Average Rental Application Fee
• Do’s and Don’ts of Rental Application Fees
• Rental Application Fee Laws by State
• FAQs for Rental Application Fees

Why Are Tenant Application Fees Important?

Rental application fees may seem like an unnecessary and greedy part of the landlording process – especially since moving can be costly for renters in many ways. But just having tenants fill out a rental application form isn’t enough; there are more precautions landlords should be taking.

Rental application fees are generally used for tenant screening, which protects landlords and all prospective tenants. Tenant screening is essential for landlords to know the criminal background, credit history, and possible evictions of applicants. Landlords must ensure that their properties, other tenants, and the general community around the rental are protected from a variety of situations. As a tenant, you’ll feel better knowing your future neighbors and other tenants living on the property are responsible and trustworthy as well.

What do Rental Application Fees Include?

The rental application fee is usually used for tenant screening which includes a background check, credit check, and often an eviction report. This is essential information for landlords to be aware of before they sign a lease agreement with a tenant – they need to know of any red flags beforehand and trust that their tenants will be able to pay rent on time each month. To receive a background and credit report, landlords must go through third-party service. Sometimes application fees will cover the administrative fees as well, but this can vary from state to state.

Average Rental Application Fee

The average rental application fee is $45, but there are a variety of factors that go into deciding the fee price. There are sometimes different levels of tenant screening that would cause the screening fee, and therefore the application fee, to cost a little more. For example, some just include background and credit reports while others also include past eviction reports.

Rental application fees minimum and maximum caps vary state by state. Most states have no limits or regulations on what a landlord can charge for an application fee, but some have strict rules. Make sure you check your local rental fee application laws in advance to avoid any trouble.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rental Application Fees

It can be challenging to navigate rental application fees, especially since renters incur many different moving costs and landlords prefer not to charge for them. However, following best practices can smooth the process for everyone involved.

Rental Application Fees for Renters

Before you pay an application fee, you want to make sure you know all the details and your rights as a tenant. Hopefully, the landlord is transparent and honest, making it easier to understand the involved fees.

• Do know that landlords are entitled to charge a fee – they aren’t doing it just because, but to protect their business and renters.
• Do ask if the rental application fees will be refunded – since this can vary from state to state, it’s ideal to know this info from the get-go so you aren’t surprised if you aren’t refunded.
• Do clarify the price of the rental application fee – know exactly what you are paying and why you are paying it.
• Don’t get scammed – fraudulent landlord activity is out there, so make sure you are going through secure platforms and people when applying to properties.

Rental Application Fees for Landlords

There are several things landlords should remember when it comes to application fees to make sure you are running a professional and successful business:

• Do be upfront about rental application fees – it’s beneficial to remain transparent with potential tenants from the start to build a positive and respectful relationship.
• Do include the exact fee amount in the application – it’s important to be upfront about application fees so tenants can budget properly and not feel blindsided.
• Do specify if the fee is refundable or not – tenants might not want to apply for a property that doesn’t have a refundable application fee, so make sure to specify this so there are no surprises.
• Don’t profit on rental application fees – use the fees for tenant screening – in the long run you will save more money by having responsible and trusting renters.
• Don’t set a rental application fee without checking your state laws – every state has different laws regarding rental application fees, so it’s important to know yours. For more information about state and local rental application laws, see below.

Rental Application Fees by State

For most states rental application fees are allowed, however, in some they are illegal, and in many, there are certain limits or maximums that must be followed. Not only are there state laws, but regulations can vary across local regions, so make sure to complete thorough research before you set your fees.

You can check your state’s rental application laws here – however, make sure you check official websites and also local statutes. Laws can and will change.

FAQs for Rental Application Fees

DISCLAIMER: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.