Rental applications: get approved & know your rights
Page last updated: August 22, 2026 · How we source & update
Six guides for the application stage: what to do after a denial, renting with an eviction record or bad credit, application fees, tenant screening reports, and what a landlord may and may not ask. Federal law gives you rights when a denial is based on a consumer report, and some states and cities limit fees and screening criteria — the pages explain both, and link to the official complaint paths.
Denied, or renting with an eviction or bad credit? It's harder, not impossible.
Application guides
Rental Application Denied? What to Do Next
A denial can come from many things — income relative to rent, credit history.
How to Rent With an Eviction on Your Record
An eviction on your record makes the search harder, but it doesn't close every door.
How to Rent With Bad Credit
Credit history is only one part of what a landlord looks at.
Adverse Action Notice: Your Rights When You're Denied
When a landlord denies your application, raises your deposit.
Cosigner vs. Guarantor: What's the Difference?
A cosigner signs the lease itself and becomes a co-tenant.
Rental Application Fees: What to Know
Application fees typically cover the cost of a background and credit check.