If you want to get started on a rental application form in Chicago, the most important thing is to understand the laws in the area and make sure you’re abiding by all regulations. Chicago has its own landlord-tenant and housing authorities that lay out the standards for rental properties, including what information needs to be included on the application form. To ensure your rights as a landlord are protected and to ensure you’re complying with all applicable statutes, it’s wise to consult with a local business lawyer who understands the specific laws in the region.

Rental application forms can be lengthy and complicated documents, especially when you’re applying for a multi-unit rental. However, understanding the sections and information required will make the process much more manageable. From contact information to rental history, income verification and criminal background checks, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to know. Additionally, we’ll discuss the advantages of enlisting the help of a business lawyer to make sure your rental application is legally sound.

Contact Information

The most obvious information on your rental application should include tenant information. This includes the full name of the applicant, their current address, and their previous address if applicable. Additionally, you should ask for the tenant’s email address and phone number, date of birth, and social security number. In some cases, you might also ask for an emergency contact, although this might not be necessary for tenants as a tenant.

Rental History

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re asking for rental history in the form of references. This should include contact information for previous landlords, the length of the lease, and the amount of rent they paid every month. You can also request contact information for employers if you’re looking for information about the tenant’s ability to pay rent on time.

Income Verification

Making sure tenants can afford to live in your rental unit is an important part of the rental application process. You may require they make a certain amount of money in order to be eligible for the rental. To verify their income, you’ll need to ask for proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or bank statements. This will help you make sure the tenant can afford to pay rent.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are another important step in the rental application process. You have the right to review an applicant’s criminal background before allowing them to move into your rental unit. It’s important to make sure you’re abiding by your local laws when conducting these background checks. In some regions, you may be required to inform the tenant that a background check will be conducted or to provide them with a copy of their criminal record.

Why You Need to Hire a Business Lawyer

When you’re dealing with legal issues related to rental applications, it’s always best to enlist the help of a knowledgeable business lawyer who understands the specific laws in Chicago. A business lawyer can help you craft a legally sound rental agreement that meets the landlord-tenant laws in the region and help you make sure your applicant is qualified to live in your rental unit. Additionally, a business lawyer can help protect your interests in the event of a disagreement between you and the tenant.

UpCounsel is the perfect resource for business owners and rental property owners looking for legal assistance. Whether you need a one-time consult or an entire freelance legal department, UpCounsel’s network of experienced lawyers has you covered. From small businesses to the Fortune 1000, groundbreaking companies of all sizes trust UpCounsel and its attorney community to provide high quality, cost-effective legal services. Access to high quality attorneys on demand, business attorneys with an average of 14 years of experience, and profiles of our online attorneys that display client ratings and reviews of recent work, are just a few of the advantages that UpCounsel provides.

Topics:

Rental Application,

Chicago,

Local Regulation