Article Guide
The Equal Housing form is a crucial document in the rental process, ensuring that all potential tenants have an equal opportunity to apply for housing regardless of their background. This form gathers essential information about the applicant, such as personal details, residential history, credit history, and employment status. It prompts applicants to provide information about their living situation, including current and past addresses, reasons for any relocations, and rental costs. Credit evaluation becomes necessary, as applicants must disclose any bankruptcy, eviction history, or late payments, allowing landlords to assess financial reliability. Employment information is also pivotal; the form requires applicants to outline their current job status, salary, and any additional income sources. Moreover, the Equal Housing form invites references from banks and personal contacts, enhancing the landlord's ability to evaluate an applicant's character and responsibility. Finally, it includes an authorization section, permitting landlords to conduct background checks, thereby safeguarding both parties in the rental agreement. By standardizing this information, the form serves as a key tool in fostering fair housing practices while also clarifying the expectations and responsibilities of tenants.
Form Sample
RENTAL APPLICATION
Equal Housing Opportunity
The undersigned hereby makes an application to rent the following property:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Anticipated move date of _______________at a monthly rent of $_____________ and security deposit of $_____________.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF |
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Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( |
) ________________________ |
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Date of Birth_________________________________ Social Security #__________________________________________ |
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Email Address:__________________________________________(optional) Other Phone ( |
) ____________________ |
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Dependents Date of Birth_______________________________________________________________________________
List All Pets__________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE GIVE RESIDENTIAL HISTORY (LAST 3 YEARS)
Current Address _______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Month/Year Moved In______________________ Reasons for Leaving ___________________________ Rent $__________
Owner/Agent__________________________________________________Phone ( ) ____________________________
Previous Address (last 3 years)_________________________________________________________Rent $____________
Owner/Agent__________________________________________________Phone ( |
) ____________________________ |
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PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR CREDIT HISTORY |
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Have you declared bankruptcy in the past seven (7) years? |
Yes___________ No____________ |
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Have you ever been evicted from a rental residence? |
Yes___________ No____________ |
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Have you had two or more late rental payments in the past year? |
Yes___________ No____________ |
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Have you ever willfully or intentionally refused to pay rent when due? |
Yes___________ No____________ |
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PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Your Status: _____Full Time _____Part Time _____Student _____Unemployed
Employer_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Dates employed_______________________________ Employed as______________________________________________
Supervisor Name______________________________________________ Phone ( )_____________________________
Salary $_________________ per________________. (If employed by above less than 12 months, give name & phone of
previous employer or school: ___________________________________________________________________________.)
If you have other sources of income that you would like us to consider, please list income, source, and person (banker, employer, etc.) who we may contact for confirmation. You do not have to reveal alimony, child support, or spouse's annual income unless you want us to consider it in this application.
Amount $___________________ Source____________________________________________________________________
Contact Name_____________________________________ Contact Phone_______________________________________
PLEASE LIST YOUR REFERENCES
Banking Accounts:
Name_________________________________ Type of Account_________________ Account Number_________________
Name_________________________________ Type of Account_________________ Account Number_________________
Personal Reference or Emergency Contact:
Name_________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________ Relationship__________________________________________________
Driver's License:
Your Driver's License Number_________________ State_________________
Vehicle Information:
Make / Model _________________Year _________________License Plate State_________________
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please give any additional information that might help owner/management evaluate this application?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Where may we reach you to discuss this application?
Day Phone # ( |
) ___________________________ Night Phone # ( |
)____________________________ |
I hereby apply to lease the above described premises for the term and upon the set conditions above set forth and agree that the rental is to be payable the first day of each month in advance. As an inducement to the owner of the property and to the agent to accept this application, I warrant that all statements above set forth are true; however, should any statement made above be a misrepresentation or not a true statement of facts, all of the deposit will be retained to offset the agent's cost, time, and effort in processing my application.
I hereby deposit $_______________ as earnest money to be refunded to me if this application is not accepted in three (3)
business banking days. Upon acceptance, this deposit shall be retained as part of the security deposit. When so approved and accepted, I agree to execute a lease for ___________ months before possession is given and to pay the balance of the
security deposit prior to the move in date. If the application is not approved or accepted by the owner or agent, the deposit will be refunded, the application hereby waiving any claim for damages by reason of
The above information, to the best of my knowledge, is true and correct.
Please sign: X__________________________________ |
_________________ |
Signature of Applicant |
Date |
AUTHORIZATION
Release of Information
I authorize an investigation of my credit, tenant history, banking and employment for the purposes of renting a house, apartment, or condominium from this owner/manager.
_____________________________________________
Name (please print)
Please sign: X__________________________________ |
_________________ |
Signature of Applicant |
Date |
APPLICANT: PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW (FOR OFFICE USE ONLY)
Deposit of $__________________ Received by ____________________________ Date_______________
OFFICE NOTES:
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Document Specifications
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Equal Housing Opportunity | The rental application promotes equal housing opportunities, ensuring compliance with fair housing laws. |
| Personal Information Required | Applicants must provide personal details such as full name, contact information, and date of birth. |
| Social Security Number | Providing a Social Security Number is necessary for the credit check process. |
| Pets Disclosure | The application requires a complete list of any pets the applicant may own. |
| Residential History | Applicants must detail their last three years of residency, including reasons for leaving previous rentals. |
| Employment Information | Current employment status and income details are necessary to evaluate financial stability. |
| References | Banking accounts and personal references are requested to assess reliability and history. |
| Deposit and Lease Terms | An earnest money deposit is required, refundable if the application is denied within three business days. |
| Authorization for Background Check | Applicants must authorize background checks, including credit and tenant history investigations. |
Steps to Filling Out Equal Housing
Completing the Equal Housing form is a critical step in the rental application process. This form collects essential information that landlords or property managers require to assess applicants. Below are the steps to accurately fill out the form.
- Begin by clearly writing the property address where you want to rent.
- Fill in your anticipated move date, expected monthly rent, and security deposit amounts.
- Provide your full name, home and other phone numbers, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Optionally, include your email address.
- If applicable, include your co-applicant's name and date of birth, as well as information about your dependents.
- List any pets you have.
- Enter your current address along with details of your residential history for the last three years, including reasons for leaving and rent amounts.
- Answer questions about your credit history, indicating any bankruptcies, evictions, or late payments.
- Provide employment information, including your status, employer details, and salary information.
- If you have other sources of income, list them along with the contact information for verification.
- Include details of your banking accounts and personal references or emergency contacts.
- Fill in information about your driver's license and vehicle, if applicable.
- Provide any additional information that might aid in evaluating your application.
- Indicate how and when you can be reached to discuss your application.
- Sign and date the application to certify that the information provided is true.
- Authorize the release of information necessary for processing your application.
After completing the form, review it carefully for accuracy before submitting it to the landlord or property management. Ensure that all required fields are filled and that you have signed where indicated. This process will help streamline the application review and decision-making.
More About Equal Housing
What is the Equal Housing form?
The Equal Housing form is a rental application that potential tenants use when seeking to rent a property. It collects essential information about the applicant and their co-applicants, including personal details, residential history, credit history, and employment information. The purpose of this form is to comply with fair housing laws, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunity when applying for housing.
Who needs to fill out the Equal Housing form?
Any individual or group who wishes to rent a property will need to complete the Equal Housing form. This includes not just the primary applicant but also any co-applicants or individuals who may share the lease. By gathering this information, property owners and managers can assess the rental applications fairly and without bias.
What information is required on the form?
The form requests a variety of details. Applicants must provide their full name, contact information, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with information about any co-applicants and dependents. Residential history for the past three years is also required, as is credit history that includes questions about bankruptcies, evictions, and late payments. Additionally, applicants must provide employment information, references, and any other relevant details to help in evaluating the application.
Can I apply if I have a bad credit history?
A bad credit history does not automatically disqualify you from renting a property. The Equal Housing form does ask about credit history, including bankruptcies and late payments, but property owners often take other factors into consideration. These may include a strong rental history, reliable income, or a co-signer. It's always best to disclose the truth in your application and discuss any concerns with the property manager.
Is there a fee for submitting the Equal Housing form?
While the form itself does not require a fee, applicants are typically required to submit an earnest money deposit, which is partially applied toward the security deposit if the application is approved. If the application is denied, this deposit is usually refunded. Ensure you understand the policies regarding any fees associated with your application.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting the form?
Once you have submitted the Equal Housing form and the corresponding deposit, property managers generally have three business banking days to process your application. During this time, they may conduct background checks, verify employment, and contact references. If accepted, you will be informed about the next steps in the leasing process.
What if the application is denied?
If your application is denied, you will receive your deposit back, and you will not be charged for any application fees. The denial will typically come with no claims for damages against the property owner or manager. It's beneficial to ask for feedback on the application process, as this may provide insight into areas for improvement in future applications.
Common mistakes
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Incomplete Personal Information: One common mistake is failing to fill out the entire section pertaining to personal details. Ensure full names, contact numbers, and other relevant data are entered completely.
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Missing Signatures: Applicants sometimes forget to sign the application or authorization sections. Your signature is essential to validate the application and confirm your agreement to the terms.
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Inaccurate Credit History: Providing incorrect information about your credit history can lead to complications. Double-check details such as bankruptcy filings, eviction history, and payment records.
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Omitting Employment Details: Some applicants neglect to include comprehensive employment information. It is crucial to provide full details about current and past employment, including salary and supervisor contacts.
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Underestimating Rental History: Applicants may leave out essential rental history or provide incomplete addresses. Include all previous addresses, rent amounts, and reasons for leaving each residence.
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Ignoring Additional Information: Failing to provide any additional information that could bolster the application is another frequent oversight. Use this section to share relevant details that may assist the landlord in evaluating your application.
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Miscommunication of Contact Methods: Some individuals may not provide accurate daytime or nighttime contact numbers. Ensure that these contacts are current, allowing landlords to reach you promptly.
Documents used along the form
When applying for housing, several forms and documents often accompany the Equal Housing form to streamline the application process. Each document plays a vital role in assessing the applicant's qualifications, background, and financial stability. Below is a list of common documents used alongside the Equal Housing form.
- Rental Agreement: This document outlines the terms and conditions between the landlord and tenant, including rent, lease duration, and maintenance responsibilities.
- Credit Report Authorization: Applicants provide permission for landlords to obtain their credit reports, which evaluate their financial behavior and reliability.
- Employment Verification Form: This form confirms an applicant's employment status and income level, helping the landlord gauge their ability to pay rent consistently.
- Proof of Income: Pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns serve as evidence of an applicant's income, facilitating a better understanding of their financial situation.
- Background Check Release: This document authorizes the landlord to conduct a background check, which may include criminal history or eviction records related to the applicant.
- Pet Policy Acknowledgment: If applicable, this form requires applicants to acknowledge the building's pet policy, ensuring they understand the rules regarding pet ownership.
- Rental History Verification: This document captures the applicant's previous rental experiences, providing insights into past landlord relationships and behaviors.
- Emergency Contact Form: This form collects information about a designated individual to contact in case of emergencies, improving the safety and communication aspects of living in the property.
Having these documents prepared can facilitate the application process and help landlords make informed decisions about potential tenants. Each document has its purpose, reflecting the complexities involved in the rental process.
Similar forms
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a foundational document similar to the Equal Housing form. Established in 1968, the FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Like the Equal Housing form, the FHA emphasizes the importance of equal opportunity in housing and aims to protect individuals seeking rental properties. When applying for housing, tenants should understand that landlords are legally required to comply with these anti-discrimination laws, ensuring a fair chance for everyone regardless of their background.
The Residential Lease Agreement is another document that bears similarities to the Equal Housing form. This legally binding contract outlines the terms of the rental arrangement between a landlord and tenant. While the Equal Housing form focuses primarily on the application process, the lease agreement details the rules of living in the property, rent payment schedules, and responsibilities of both parties. Both documents serve to protect the rights of tenants and landlords during the rental process, establishing clear expectations on each side.
The Tenant Background Check Authorization Form is yet another document akin to the Equal Housing form. This form allows landlords to assess the suitability of applicants based on credit history, rental history, and background checks. Like the information provided in the Equal Housing form, the background check form gathers essential details about the tenant to help landlords make informed decisions. Both documents emphasize transparency in the rental process and underscore the importance of verifying an applicant's qualifications responsibly.
The Rental Agreement Summary provides essential information similar to what is found in the Equal Housing form. This summary includes key details like the tenant's obligations and the rental property's conditions. By outlining similar contents to the Equal Housing form, the Rental Agreement Summary ensures that both parties recognize their commitments and expectations, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the rental period.
The Pre-Rental Application Form often serves a similar purpose to the Equal Housing form. This document serves as an initial screening tool that potential tenants submit before a full rental application is taken. The Pre-Rental Application gathers basic information such as income and rental history, much like the Equal Housing form. Both documents help streamline the rental process and give landlords a sense of an applicant's qualifications and readiness for renting the property.
Lastly, the Lease Termination Notice is comparable to the Equal Housing form as it is associated with the rental process and involves the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. This document specifies the intent to end a lease agreement under prescribed conditions. In doing so, it also emphasizes the understanding that both parties must adhere to established laws and agreements, ensuring a fair process for all involved, similar to the overarching goals of the Equal Housing form.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Equal Housing form, it’s essential to navigate the process with care and attention. Here are some important practices to consider:
- Do provide accurate information. Ensure that all personal details, including your name, address, and employment history, are correct to avoid any delays in the application process.
- Don't omit important details. Include all necessary information, such as previous addresses and dependent details. Missing information might lead to a rejection of your application.
- Do be honest about your financial history. If you have faced bankruptcy or evictions, it’s better to disclose this up front rather than risk discovery later on.
- Don't rush through the application. Take your time to read each section thoroughly. Ensure clarity and completeness to present yourself positively.
By following these simple guidelines, your application will be more robust and has a better chance of being approved. Taking the time to complete the form accurately will ultimately serve your interest in securing the rental property you desire.
Misconceptions
The Equal Housing form is a vital document designed to promote fair housing practices. However, several misconceptions about it persist. Below is a list of those misconceptions along with clarifications.
- Misconception 1: The Equal Housing form only applies to certain types of housing.
- Misconception 2: Providing personal information on the form is optional.
- Misconception 3: The Equal Housing form guarantees that an application will be accepted.
- Misconception 4: Landlords can deny applications based solely on income sources.
This form is applicable to all rental properties, including apartments, houses, and condominiums. It aims to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, regardless of the type of dwelling.
While some details, like an email address, may be marked as optional, many pieces of information are necessary for processing the application. Complete and accurate disclosure helps landlords assess an applicant's eligibility fairly.
The form does not ensure acceptance of an application. Landlords will review the information provided and make decisions based on their criteria. The application process may include evaluation of credit history, references, and rental history.
While income is an important factor, landlords cannot discriminate against applicants based on the source of their income. Fair housing laws protect individuals from being turned away for reasons unrelated to their ability to pay rent.
Key takeaways
Here are some key takeaways about filling out and using the Equal Housing form:
- Ensure Accuracy: Provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Read All Sections: Familiarize yourself with each section of the form. Each part is important for the evaluation of your application.
- Employment Details Matter: Clearly indicate your employment status and provide your employer's information. This helps landlords assess your reliability.
- Credit History Questions: Be honest when answering questions about your credit history. If you have a negative mark, it’s better to address it upfront.
- Rental History Is Key: Provide your previous addresses and reasons for leaving. This gives landlords insight into your rental behavior.
- Reference Contacts: List reliable banking and personal references. This can support your application and provide additional verification.
- Earnest Money: Understand that your deposit shows your commitment. If the application is accepted, it may go toward your security deposit.
- Authorization to Investigate: By signing the form, you allow the landlord to check your credit and rental history. Be prepared for this process.