Typically, when a potential tenant turns in an application for an apartment, a landlord/property management team will collect an application fee. Used to run extensive tenant screening reports, this fee ranges between $30-$75 person.
What Are Apartment Application Fees Used For?
These fees ultimately go toward a landlord’s background check process to determine whether or not you are an ideal tenant for their property. Landlords use the fee to run credit checks, verify income, eviction reports, and any other relevant background information.
Landlords may have to provide the applicant with a list of exactly what this fee was used for, depending on your location. However, most landlords do follow a standard procedure when screening potential tenants.
Landlords use application fees to cover the following:
- Credit checks.
- Income verification.
- Employment history.
- Past addresses.
- Personal information verification.
- Past evictions.
- Criminal records.
How Much Is An Application Fee For An Apartment?
As mentioned above, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$75 in application fees, according to AZibo. There are some states, including Arizona, that have no cap on application fees.
All landlords are required to be clear and honest when charging a nonrefundable application fee. If “nonrefundable” is not put in writing, the tenant has the right to request their money back.
Apartment Application FAQs
What documents do I need to apply?
Usually, you’ll need a government-issued ID, proof of income, recent pay stubs, employment information, and sometimes bank statements or references.
What credit score do I need?
There isn’t one universal minimum. Each landlord or property management company may have different credit requirements.
Will my rental history be checked?
Often, yes. Landlords may verify previous addresses, rental payment history, and contact information for previous landlords.
Do apartments verify employment and income?
Yes, many landlords verify your employment and income to determine whether you meet their income requirements.
How much income do I need to qualify?
A common requirement is a monthly gross income of around 2.5–3 times the monthly rent, but requirements vary.
Can I apply if I have bad credit?
Possibly. Some properties may consider additional factors, such as income, rental history, a co-signer, or a larger deposit where legally permitted.
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