A Rhode Island rental application is essential for property owners and management companies to screen prospective tenants thoroughly, identify potential applicant history issues, and ensure reliable rent payment while safeguarding the property.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable
- Fee Limits –No limits
- Security Deposit – § 34-18-19 – Landlords cannot charge more than a month’s rent for a security deposit.
State Laws
For Landlords
Landlords must collect the necessary information to vet their applicants properly. Some of the information they may want to collect includes:
- Employment: Landlords must ensure their renters can pay them on time. That is why looking into employment history is critical. Landlords should ensure their renters are gainfully employed and/or have the financial resources to pay rent.
- References: Landlords should also collect references from their applicants. Ideally, these references should be from prior property owners, ensuring they rent to someone who will take care of the property.
- Credit Check: Landlords should also conduct a credit check. That way, they know the renter can pay the rent on time.
Other Resources
- Sex Offender Registry – landlords can check the state’s sex offender registry to be aware of any registered sex offenders applying as tenants.
- Fair Housing Laws – landlords must adhere to the state’s Fair Housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or source of income.
For Tenants
It is also essential for tenants to know their rights as well. Some of the most critical points include the following:
- Application Fee: There is no limit on the fee, but landlords must disclose the amount to the tenant upfront.
- Security and Pet Deposit: As per § 34-18-19, landlords can collect a security deposit but cannot charge more than one month’s rent. Rhode Island has no laws governing pets and pet deposits about rental properties.
Sample
