Last Updated March 25, 2024
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What is a Residential Tenancy Agreement?
A Residential Tenancy Application is a form used by rental property owners, property managers, and landlords to gather information on potential tenants looking to lease a living space.
Typically, the information collected in applications is used to find reliable and reputable renters. Information provided on a Residential Tenancy Application can help with reference checks, criminal background checks, and more.
Why should I use LawDepot's Residential Tenancy Application?
Our Tenancy Application template makes the tough task of finding a tenant a breeze. A Residential Tenancy Application allows you to:
- Collect information from each applicant, such as their name, contact info, rental history, proof of income, etc.
- Screen applicants to ensure they’re suitable for the property and can meet their financial obligations.
- Obtain an applicant’s authorization to conduct a credit history check and criminal background check.
- Verify the information provided by the applicants by checking landlord references, credit reports, and more.
- Propose lease terms such as the rental amount, bond, lease duration, and availability date.
What can a landlord ask for on a Residential Tenancy Application?
Landlords can ask applicants for any information that is directly related to their future role as a tenant. Our template allows landlords to ask for contact information, residential rental history, employment details, banking information, and more.
However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: any personal information collected by landlords through a Residential Tenancy Application must be used in a way that complies with any anti-discrimination legislation. For example, if you are a landlord in New South Wales, it is illegal to deny a rental property on the grounds of race, sex, marital or partner status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
How to create a Residential Tenancy Application
Creating a Residential Tenancy Application is easy when you use LawDepot’s template. Simply answer a series of questions and you’ll receive an application form that is custom-built for your specific rental property.
First, provide some information about the property in order to prepopulate the template. This might include:
- The property’s address
- The availability date
- If parking is provided
- If pets, smoking, or marijuana are allowed in the unit
- Any additional lease details that you would like to provide
Next, we’ll ask you what kind of applicant details you would like to collect. This might include:
- Past rental history
- Employment details
- Proof of income
- Background check authorization
Once you provide this information, our template will include blank fields that applicants can use to provide their details. Additionally, we’ll automatically include blank fields for the applicant’s name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and desired move-in date.
Additionally, LawDepot’s Residential Tenancy Application includes a statement that authorizes a reference check, criminal background check, and credit check, once signed by the applicant.
Finally, we’ll ask you for your name, phone number, and email address. This information will be included on the application form so that prospective tenants can get in touch with you.
Then, once you’ve collected applications and determined the best possible tenant, you can proceed with creating a Residential Tenancy Agreement.
Residential Tenancy Applications and Tenant Privacy Rights
Although collecting personal information from prospective tenants makes the rental process easier, it is important to treat this sensitive information with care.
Australia Privacy Principles state that landlords and real estate agents can only collect personal information that is necessary for rental purposes. Under this legislation, personal information can only be shared for the reason it was collected, after receiving a tenant’s consent.