Free Long And Foster Rental Application Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Long And Foster Rental Application

Filling out the Long and Foster Rental Application form is your next step towards securing your new rental home. This document provides your potential landlord with the necessary information to consider you as a tenant. It is crucial to fill out this form thoroughly and accurately to avoid any delays in processing your application. Below, you will find a detailed guide to help you through each step of the application process.

1. Ensure you have visited the property and have the showing agent's contact information handy, as it will be needed during the application process.
2. Confirm that each adult applicant, 18 years or older, has a valid Social Security Number.
3. Discuss and resolve all contingencies with the listing agent before proceeding with your application.
4. Keep in mind, an application must be submitted for each adult over the age of 18, whether they are employed and/or will be responsible for the lease or not.
5. Prepare to pay the NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $45 for each adult applicant. Arrange for payment at the time of submitting your application. Note, there is a $50.00 charge for each returned check.
6. Review the suggested requirements for application approval, such as the number of occupants, minimum credit score, income verification, pet policy, rental history, and criminal background checks. Adjust your application accordingly if you have any variances, and be prepared to explain these in the space provided on the application.
7. If your application is accepted, be ready to sign your lease within 72 HOURS and pay the first month's rent via certified funds at lease signing.
8. Thoroughly fill out the Applicant Information section for each adult. This includes personal details, employment history, rental history, and pet information if applicable.
9. For proof of income, attach the relevant documents directly to the homeowner as specified in the procedure checklist. This could include recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, offer letters, or tax returns for self-employed applicants.
10. Read and understand the Broker Relationship Disclosure to know your rights and the nature of the broker's representation.
11. Review, sign, and print the Consumer Information Statement (CIS) for your respective state, which needs to be provided to the listing agent.
12. Complete the authorization section, allowing Long & Foster and associated parties to investigate your credit, employment, rent history, financial responsibility, and criminal record. This part requires both the applicant and co-applicant's signatures.
13. Acknowledge receipt of a copy of the application by signing at the designated area.

Remember, filling out the application completely and accurately is essential for a smooth approval process. Take your time to review all sections and ensure all required documentation is attached before submitting the application to the Long & Foster Listing Agent/PM. Following these steps diligently will bring you closer to securing your rental home.

What is the application fee for the Long & Foster Rental Application, and is it refundable?

The application fee for the Long & Foster Rental Application is $45.00 for each adult applicant aged 18 and over. If a small business credit report is requested, the fee is $130.00. Please note that these fees are non-refundable, even if the application is not accepted or if you decide not to move forward with the rental.

Do all adults need to fill out a separate application form?

Yes, every adult over the age of 18, regardless of their employment status or if they will be responsible for paying rent, is required to complete their own rental application form. This is essential for processing and evaluating the application accurately.

What documents are required to prove income for the application process?

Applicants need to provide proof of income directly to the homeowner. Acceptable documents include the most recent pay stubs from the last two pay periods, the most recent W-2 form, a new employee offer letter or relocation letter dated within the last 30 days, the latest Leave and Earning Statement for military applicants along with relocation orders if this is a transfer to a new location, or the latest filed tax return and Schedule C for self-employed applicants. Documentation verifying Social Security, Disability, Public Assistance, or Retirement income is also acceptable.

Can I apply for a rental if I have a pet?

Pet acceptance is at the discretion of the individual homeowner. If you have pets and are interested in applying for a rental, it is recommended that you first contact the listing agent or Property Manager. They can provide information on the pet policy for the specific property you're interested in.

What are the credit and income requirements for application approval?

To be considered for approval, applicants typically need a minimum credit score of 600 and verifiable sources of income amounting to at least 40 times the monthly rent. The verifiable income should also cover the 12-month period preceding the application. However, individual requirements may vary depending on the specific property and landlord.

Are there any restrictions based on criminal history?

Yes, the application process includes a consideration of the applicant's criminal history. Individuals with felony criminal convictions in the last 10 years, particularly those related to violence, property theft, sexual offenses, crimes against minors, or drug-related crimes, may not be eligible for approval. Again, specific restrictions may vary by property and landlord.

What happens if my application is accepted?

If your application is accepted, you must sign your lease within 72 hours of acceptance. Failure to do so may result in the application being withdrawn, and the property will remain listed and available to other applicants. Additionally, the first month's rent must be paid at the time of lease signing using certified funds.

What should I do if I need to include a Section Eight / Housing Choice Voucher?

If you are applying with a Section Eight / Housing Choice (HOC) Voucher, you must include the valid voucher as part of your application package. This will be taken into consideration during the application process.

How can I submit the rental application and accompanying documents?

All documentation and checks must be provided to the Long & Foster Listing Agent or Property Manager handling the rental property. It's important to ensure that all sections of the checklist are completed and that your application is legible and signed to avoid any delays in processing.

What information is verified during the application process?

During the application process, Long & Foster and/or any investigative agency they employ will verify the information provided in your application. This may include credit checks, employment verification, rent history, financial responsibility, and criminal record checks. References listed in the application may also be contacted for additional information.

When filling out the Long and Foster Rental Application form, one common mistake many applicants make is not providing complete personal information, such as a Social Security Number, telephone numbers, and addresses. This oversight can lead to delays in processing the application, as the information is essential for conducting background and credit checks, which are crucial parts of the application review process.

Another frequent error involves applicants not ensuring that their rental application is legible and signed. The application form serves as a formal request for tenancy; hence, it must be readable and include a signature to verify the applicant’s compliance and agreement with the application procedures. A legible and signed application is also a reflection of the applicant's seriousness and responsibility towards the prospective tenancy.

Applicants also often forget to include the non-refundable application processing fee which is required at the time of submission. This fee covers the cost of processing the application, including background and credit checks. Failing to include this fee can result in the application not being processed until the fee is paid, thereby delaying the application.

Proof of income is another area where mistakes are commonly made. Applicants sometimes fail to provide adequate documentation that verifies their income, such as the most recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or other relevant documents like a new employee offer letter. Submitting comprehensive proof of income is critical for the homeowner to assess the applicant's ability to meet rent payments.

Not contacting the listing agent before submitting the application, especially to discuss any contingencies, is another mistake. Removing all contingencies or having an agreement about them with the listing agent is necessary before application submission. This ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms under which the application is being submitted, which can help avoid any misunderstandings or delays in processing the application.

Lastly, applicants often overlook the requirement to fill out a separate application for each adult over the age of 18 who will reside in the property, whether or not they are responsible for the lease or employed. This is crucial for the homeowner to have a complete background and credit check on all potential occupants. Ignoring this requirement can lead to incomplete applications and delays.

When submitting a Long & Foster Rental Application, it's important to understand that this form is just one part of a comprehensive rental application process. This process is designed to help landlords and property managers make informed decisions about potential tenants. In addition to the Long & Foster Rental Application, several other documents often play a crucial role in the application review, each serving its unique purpose to ensure a thorough assessment of the applicant's background and financial stability.

• Credit Report Authorization Form: This document authorizes the landlord or property management company to obtain the applicant's credit report from one or more credit bureaus. The credit report provides insights into the applicant's credit history, including any outstanding debts, payment history, and overall creditworthiness.
• Proof of Income Documents: Applicants are typically required to provide proof of their income to verify they can afford the rent. This can include recent pay stubs, tax returns, or verification letters from employers. For self-employed individuals, a copy of the most recent tax return or profit and loss statement might be necessary.
• Previous Landlord References: A form or letter requesting references from past landlords can provide valuable information about the applicant's rental history. This includes their reliability in paying rent on time, property maintenance habits, and any issues or lease violations.
• Government-Issued Identification: A copy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is commonly requested for identity verification purposes. This aids in screening processes like background checks and ensures the applicant is legally eligible to rent in the U.S.

Gathering these documents alongside the Long & Foster Rental Application form can streamline the rental application process. It enables landlords and property managers to conduct a comprehensive review of each applicant. By providing this information promptly and accurately, applicants can increase their chances of a favorable review, ultimately securing their desired rental property.

The Standard Residential Lease Agreement shares similarities with the Long and Foster Rental Application form, as both are foundational documents used in the rental process. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the tenant agrees to rent property from the landlord. It typically specifies rental amounts, security deposit terms, lease duration, and rules on property use, much like the application form sets expectations for the application process and tenancy.

The Credit Report Authorization Form is another document that closely resembles the Long and Foster Rental Application form in function. This form grants permission to landlords or property managers to check the credit history of potential tenants, which is a crucial step in the application process mentioned in the Long and Foster document. It’s designed to verify the financial reliability of the applicants, ensuring they can meet rent obligations.

Employment Verification Form is also akin to the Long and Foster Rental Application form, as it pursues a common goal of confirming an applicant's source of income. This document might be required by landlords to verify an applicant's employment status and income level—information that the Long and Foster form solicits to assess an applicant's ability to afford the rental property.

The Rental History Verification Form, closely related to the Long and Foster Rental Application form, is used to check a prospective tenant's previous rental experiences. Landlords or property managers use this to contact past landlords to verify an applicant's rental history, which aligns with the Long and Foster’s emphasis on a satisfactory and verifiable rental history as part of its application process.

The Co-Signer Agreement is similar to the Long and Foster Rental Application form since it involves an additional party in the rental agreement process. This document becomes necessary when an applicant might not meet the income requirements or has a less-than-desirable credit score, similar to the Long and Foster’s criteria for potential tenants, necessitating someone else to guarantee the rent.

A Guarantor Form mirrors the role of the Long and Foster Rental Application form by providing an extra layer of financial security for landlords. It's akin to a co-signer agreement, where a third party agrees to cover the rent if the tenant fails to pay, which is a safety net reflecting the financial scrutiny described in the Long and Foster form.

The Pet Agreement is a document pertinent to the rental process, much like the section of the Long and Foster Rental Application that inquires about pets. This separate agreement specifies the conditions under which a tenant can keep a pet on the premises, addressing concerns similar to those the Long and Foster form raises about pets, including number, type, breed, and size.

The Rental Application Fee Receipt documents payment of the application fee, directly relating to the Long and Foster Rental Application form's mention of a non-refundable application fee. This receipt serves as proof that the applicant has paid the fee required to process their application, an important step in the application sequence outlined by Long and Foster.

The Move-In/Move-Out Checklist could be considered an extension of the Long and Foster Rental Application form, as it relates to the condition of the rental property. This document is used at the start and end of a tenancy to assess any changes or damage to the property, paralleling the Long and Foster form’s emphasis on the premises being rented in its present condition unless otherwise indicated.

Finally, the Notice of Lease Termination resembles the Long and Foster Rental Application form in the broader context of rental agreements. While the application form is the beginning of the tenant-landlord relationship, the Notice of Lease Termination is often the end. It's a formal document that either party can submit to legally end the lease, typically requiring similar personal and property details as the application form.

When filling out the Long & Foster Rental Application form, it's important to follow guidelines meticulously to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are crucial do's and don'ts to consider:

• Do ensure that all personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), telephone numbers, and addresses are complete and accurately filled out.
• Do make sure the application is legible and signed by all adult applicants, as an unsigned or illegible application can cause delays.
• Do include the non-refundable application processing fee of $45.00 per adult applicant or $130.00 for a small business credit report, if applicable.
• Do provide proof of income directly to the homeowner, including the most recent pay stubs, W-2s, new employee offer letters, or other relevant documents.
• Do consider all contingencies and ensure they are removed or agreed upon before submitting your application. It's crucial to communicate with the listing agent about any contingencies.
• Do review the list of suggested requirements for application approval, including minimum credit scores, income verification, and rental history, to ensure you meet the criteria.
• Do include documentation for any subsidized housing assistance, like a valid Section Eight/Housing Choice Voucher, if applicable.

• Don't omit any sections or fail to place a check next to each section to confirm you've included all required information; missing information can delay the process.
• Don't forget to include the application processing fee at the time of submitting the application. Omitting the fee will result in the application not being processed.
• Don't provide incomplete documentation for proof of income. Ensure all relevant documents are current and fully reflect your financial situation.
• Don't neglect to read and understand the Broker Relationship Disclosure, as it outlines important information about how a broker can represent you during the application process.
• Don't hesitate to clarify any questions or concerns with the listing agent before submitting your application. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings.
• Don't include false or misleading information in your application. Honesty is crucial as any discrepancies can lead to the cancellation of the lease if discovered.
• Don't skip the authorization for Long & Foster and/or its agents to conduct a background and credit check as part of the application process. Consent is necessary for the application to proceed.

There are numerous misunderstandings about the process of filling out the Long & Foster Rental Application form. Below are ten common misconceptions cleared up for a better understanding:

• Only one adult needs to apply: Every adult aged 18 years or older must fill out their own rental application, regardless of their employment status or if they will be responsible for the lease.
• The application fee is negotiable: The non-refundable application fee of $45.00 per adult applicant is fixed and required at the time the application is submitted. In some cases, such as Small Business Credit Reports, the fee is $130.00.
• Personal visits to properties are optional: Applicants must visit the property and have the showing agent's contact information before submitting their application. This ensures the applicant has a clear understanding of the property they are applying for.
• Application fees are refundable: The application processing fee is non-refundable. It covers the cost of processing the application and is not returned, even if the application is not successful.
• Pets are automatically allowed: Approval of pets is at the homeowner's discretion. Applicants with pets should contact the listing agent or Property Manager before submitting their application.
• Income verification is not important: Applicants must provide proof of income directly to the homeowner. This can be through recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, new employee offer letters, or latest filed tax returns if self-employed.
• Credit score requirements are flexible: A minimum credit score of 600 is one of the suggested requirements for application approval, demonstrating the importance of a good credit history.
• Evictions and criminal records are overlooked: Applicants with evictions within the last 10 years or criminal convictions related to violence, theft, drugs, sexual offenses, or crimes against minors in the last 10 years may not be approved.
• Application approval guarantees property availability: The property remains listed and available to other applicants until all necessary steps are completed by the applicant, including signing the lease and paying the first month's rent.
• Verification of employment and residence is the applicant’s responsibility: Agents are instructed not to attempt to obtain verifications of employment and residence, indicating the process is handled internally or through designated channels.

Understanding these key points helps applicants prepare adequate documentation and manage their expectations when applying for a rental property through Long & Foster.

• Ensure every adult involved in the leasing process fills out their own Long & Foster Rental Application form to accurately process everyone’s background and income. This includes anyone 18 years or older living in the rental property.

• Application fees are non-refundable, costing $45 per adult applicant. Any small business owners applying will need to pay a separate fee of $130 for a Small Business Credit Report. Make sure these fees are factored into your budget when applying.

• Provide thorough proof of income, which can include recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, a new employee offer letter, or for self-employed individuals, the most up-to-date filed tax return and Schedule C. These documents are crucial in proving your financial stability and ability to pay rent.

• It's imperative that all provided information, especially Social Security Numbers, telephone numbers, and addresses, is complete and legible. Inaccuracies or hard-to-read applications can delay the entire process.

• The eligibility criteria for applicants include a minimum credit score of 600 and a verifiable income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. These requirements are in place to ensure tenants can comfortably afford the rental on a long-term basis.

• If you have pets, it’s essential to check with the property manager or listing agent regarding the pet policy before submitting your application. Each homeowner has different rules and may not accept pets.

• Before the application can be accepted and final arrangements made, all applicants must visit the property in question and remove or agree upon any contingencies. Also, having contact information for the showing agent will be requested during the application process.

• Approval notice: If your application is accepted, be prepared to sign your lease within 72 hours and pay the first month’s rent via certified funds. Delaying these actions might lead to the withdrawal of your application and the property being offered to the next in line.