Alabama Rental Application

Property Address: [[Property Full Address]], [[City]], AL [[ZIP Code]]
Monthly Rent: [[Monthly Rent]]
Desired Move-In Date: [[Desired Move-In Date]]
Application Date: [[Application Date]]
Application Fee Amount: [[Application Fee Amount]] (non-refundable)

Landlord / Property Manager: [[Landlord or Management Company Name]]
Contact: [[Landlord Phone]] | [[Landlord Email]]

This Rental Application is used to evaluate applicants for tenancy at the above-referenced property. All information provided will be used solely for screening purposes in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA, 15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604), and Alabama law (including Ala. Code §35-9A-303).

Important Disclosures Before Completing
- There is no statutory cap on application or screening fees in Alabama. The fee amount is disclosed above and is non-refundable regardless of approval decision.
- A consumer report (credit report, background check, eviction history, etc.) may be obtained.
- You have the right under FCRA to a copy of any consumer report obtained and to dispute inaccurate information.
- This application does not create a tenancy or guarantee approval. All decisions are based on objective, consistently applied screening criteria.

All user-supplied values are `[[Token Name]]` placeholders.

1. Applicant personal / contact information and residency history

Applicant Full Legal Name: [[Applicant Full Name]]
Date of Birth: [[Date of Birth]]
Social Security Number (last 4 for verification): [[SSN Last 4]] (full SSN required on consent page)
Driver's License / Government ID State & Number: [[DL State and Number]]
Current Phone: [[Applicant Phone Number]]
Email Address: [[Applicant Email Address]]
Current Address: [[Current Street Address, City, State, ZIP]]
How long at current address: [[Duration at Current Address]]

Previous Addresses (past 3 years, attach additional sheet if needed)

Emergency Contact
- Name: [[Emergency Contact Full Name]]
- Relationship: [[Relationship]]
- Phone: [[Emergency Contact Phone]]

Other Occupants (all adults and children who will reside in the unit)
[[List full names, ages, and relationship for all proposed occupants or state "None other than applicant(s)"]]

2. Government ID / SSN and consent / authorization for background and credit check (FCRA disclosure)

Authorization and Release for Consumer Reports

I authorize [[Landlord or Management Company Name]] and its screening agents to obtain consumer reports, including but not limited to credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, employment and income verification, and rental history, for the purpose of evaluating this rental application.

I understand that:
- This is a consumer report as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. §1681).
- If any adverse action (denial, conditional approval, or increased deposit) is taken based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report, I will be provided a copy of the report and a summary of my rights under FCRA.
- I may obtain a free copy of my credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com.
- I may dispute inaccurate information directly with the consumer reporting agency.

Full Legal Name (as appears on ID): [[Applicant Full Name]]
SSN: [[Full Social Security Number, will be redacted after screening]]
Date of Birth: [[Date of Birth]]
Current Address for Report: [[Current Address]]

Applicant Signature / Electronic Signature Authorization

By signing below (or checking the electronic consent box), I certify that all information provided is true and complete, and I authorize the procurement of consumer reports as described.

Applicant Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Application Date]]

Printed Name: [[Applicant Full Name]]

Co-Applicant (if applicable)
Co-Applicant Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Application Date]]
Printed Name: [[Co-Applicant Full Name]]

3. Employment and income verification (income multiple: [[Income Multiple]]× monthly rent)

Current Employment
- Employer Name: [[Current Employer Name]]
- Position / Title: [[Job Title]]
- Supervisor / HR Contact: [[Supervisor Name and Phone]]
- Employer Address: [[Employer Address]]
- Dates of Employment: [[Start Date]] to Present
- Monthly Gross Income: [[Monthly Gross Income]]
- Other Income Source 1: [[Other Income Source and Amount, e.g. "Social Security $1,200/mo"]]
- Other Income Source 2: [[Additional Income or "None"]]

Previous Employment (if current employment < 2 years)
- Employer: [[Prior Employer]]
- Dates: [[Prior Dates]]
- Monthly Gross: [[Prior Monthly Gross]]

Income Qualification Standard
Minimum monthly gross income required: [[Income Multiple]] × [[Monthly Rent]] = [[Calculated Minimum Income]]

Proof of Income to be Provided (check all that will be attached)
☐ Last 2 pay stubs
☐ Last 2 years W-2s or 1099s
☐ Most recent tax return (first 2 pages)
☐ Bank statements (last 3 months)
☐ Award letter (SSI, pension, etc.)
☐ Other: [[Other Proof]]

4. Rental history and landlord references (3 years)

Current / Most Recent Landlord Reference
- Landlord / Property Manager Name: [[Current Landlord Name]]
- Phone / Email: [[Landlord Contact]]
- Address of Unit Rented: [[Rented Address]]
- Monthly Rent Paid: [[Rent Amount There]]
- Dates Rented: [[From]] to [[To]]
- Did you give proper notice? [[Yes / No]]
- Any lease violations or unpaid balances? [[Yes, explain / No]]

Previous Landlord Reference (within 3 years)
- Landlord Name: [[Previous Landlord 1 Name]]
- Phone / Email: [[Contact]]
- Property Address: [[Address]]
- Dates: [[Dates]]
- Notes: [[Any issues or "None"]]

Second Previous Landlord Reference (if applicable)
- Landlord Name: [[Previous Landlord 2 Name]]
- Phone / Email: [[Contact]]
- Dates and Address: [[Details]]

Have you ever been evicted or asked to vacate? [[Yes, date, location, reason / No]]

Have you ever broken a lease or left owing rent or damages? [[Yes, details / No]]

5. Alabama-allowed application / screening fee (no statutory cap, disclose [[Application Fee Amount]] and non-refundability)

Application / Screening Fee Disclosure (Alabama)

Alabama law does not impose a statutory maximum on application fees or tenant screening fees. The fee charged for processing this application and obtaining consumer reports is:

Application Fee Amount: [[Application Fee Amount]]

Non-Refundable: Yes. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved, denied, withdrawn, or incomplete. The fee covers the actual costs of screening, including consumer report fees, administrative time, and verification expenses.

Payment Method: [[Cash / Check / Online Portal / Other, Receipt # [[Receipt Number]] ]]

Fee Paid By: [[Applicant Name]] on [[Payment Date]]

Landlord will provide an itemized receipt upon request.

6. Objective screening criteria (income multiple, credit score threshold, eviction/criminal per HUD fair-housing guidance)

All applications are evaluated using the same objective, consistently applied criteria. These criteria are designed to comply with HUD guidance on tenant screening and the Fair Housing Act.

Minimum Screening Criteria
- Income: Minimum [[Income Multiple]]× the monthly rent in verifiable gross monthly income (combined for all applicants if co-applying).
- Credit Score: Minimum [[Minimum Credit Score, e.g. 580]] (or explanation of mitigating factors such as medical debt, recent positive payment history).
- Rental History: No evictions within the last [[Number of Years, e.g. 5]] years; no more than [[Number]] late payments in the last 12 months without satisfactory explanation.
- Criminal History: Convictions for certain violent crimes, drug trafficking, or sexual offenses may result in denial. Individualized assessment will be conducted per HUD guidance; applicants will have opportunity to provide mitigating information.
- Other: No outstanding balances owed to prior landlords; no falsification of application.

Mitigating Circumstances
Applicants who do not meet one or more criteria may submit a written explanation and supporting documentation for individualized review. Examples of mitigating factors include: recovery from financial hardship, medical debt, improved income stability, or successful completion of rental readiness programs.

Denial or Conditional Approval Notice
If the application is denied or approved only with conditions (e.g., higher deposit, co-signer), applicant will receive written notice including:
- The specific reason(s) based on the consumer report or other information
- A copy of the consumer report (if used)
- A summary of FCRA rights
- Contact information for the consumer reporting agency

7. Fair-housing nondiscrimination notice (federal FHA + Alabama)

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Notice

[[Landlord or Management Company Name]] and its agents comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604) and all applicable Alabama fair housing laws. It is illegal to discriminate in the rental of housing on the basis of:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (families with children under 18)
• Disability
• Or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law

We apply the same objective screening criteria to all applicants. Reasonable accommodations and modifications will be provided for persons with disabilities upon request, consistent with applicable law.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may contact:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): 1-800-669-9777 or www.hud.gov
- Alabama Fair Housing Assistance (if applicable)

8. Pets / occupants / vehicles section

Pets
- Will you have pets? [[Yes / No]]
- Type, breed, weight, age: [[Pet Details or "N/A"]]
- Service or assistance animal (not subject to pet fees): [[Yes, describe / No]]

Vehicles
- Number of vehicles to be parked: [[Number]]
- Make/Model/Year/License for each: [[Vehicle 1: ... ; Vehicle 2: ...]]
- Will any vehicle be inoperable or stored long-term? [[Yes, details / No]]

Additional Occupants or Guests
- Any additional persons expected to reside or stay more than 14 days/month: [[Yes, names and relationship / No]]

Smoking Policy Preference
- Do you or any occupant smoke or vape? [[Yes / No]] (property policy: [[Smoking Policy]])

9. Signature, authorization, and certification block

Applicant Certification

I certify under penalty of perjury that all statements and information in this application (and any attachments) are true, complete, and accurate. I understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in denial of the application or termination of tenancy if discovered later.

I have read and understand:
- The Application / Screening Fee is non-refundable.
- Consumer reports may be obtained.
- My rights under the FCRA.
- The objective screening criteria.
- The Fair Housing notice.

Primary Applicant
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Application Date]]
Printed Name: [[Applicant Full Name]]
SSN (for verification only): [[Full SSN, redacted post-screening]]

Co-Applicant (if any)
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Application Date]]
Printed Name: [[Co-Applicant Full Name]]

Additional Applicant / Occupant (18+)
Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______
Printed Name: [[Name]]

10. Landlord / property manager decision record (approved / denied / conditional + reason code)

For Landlord / Property Manager Use Only, Do Not Write Above This Line

Application Received Date: [[Application Date]]
Fee Received: [[Yes, amount [[Application Fee Amount]] / No]]
Screening Ordered Date: [[Date]]
Consumer Reporting Agency Used: [[CRA Name]]

Decision
☐ Approved
☐ Approved with Conditions: [[Higher security deposit / Co-signer / Other, specify]]
☐ Denied

Primary Reason Code(s) (select all that apply)
- [[01, Insufficient Income]]
- [[02, Credit Score Below Threshold]]
- [[03, Negative Rental History / Eviction]]
- [[04, Criminal History (individualized assessment completed)]]
- [[05, Outstanding Balance to Prior Landlord]]
- [[06, Incomplete Application or Missing Documentation]]
- [[07, Falsification / Misrepresentation]]
- [[08, Other, specify: [[Other Reason]] ]]

Decision Date: [[Decision Date]]
Decision Communicated To Applicant By: [[Method, e.g., Email on Date / Certified Mail]]
Copy of Consumer Report Provided (if adverse action): [[Yes, date / N/A]]

Landlord / Agent Notes
[[Enter any additional notes, mitigating factors considered, or conditions applied]]

Authorized Signature
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Decision Date]]
Printed Name / Title: [[Landlord or Manager Name and Title]]

File Retention Note
This application and all supporting documents and consumer reports will be retained for at least [[Number]] years in accordance with company policy and applicable law, then securely destroyed.

8. Alabama-specific rental terms and limits (security deposit, fees, source of income)

Security Deposit (Ala. Code §35-9A-201)
- Maximum security deposit: one month's rent for most residential tenancies in Alabama.
- Security Deposit Amount required with this application / upon lease signing: [[Security Deposit Amount, capped at 1x monthly rent]]
- The deposit may be used for unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning to return the unit to move-in condition.
- Landlord must return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within 60 days (or per lease terms if shorter) after termination and tenant vacating. Failure to comply may result in penalties.

Application / Screening Fee
- Application Fee: [[Application Fee Amount]] (non-refundable)
- This fee covers the actual cost of obtaining consumer reports and processing. No statutory cap exists in Alabama, but the amount must be disclosed upfront and applied consistently to all applicants.
- Additional fees (if any): [[Pet Application Fee / Other Fee Description or "None"]]

Source of Income
Alabama does not have a state-level source-of-income protection statute. Landlords may consider lawful sources of income when applying uniformly applied screening criteria (e.g., income must be at least [[Income Multiple Requirement]]× monthly rent from verifiable sources). However, landlords must still comply with the Fair Housing Act and any local ordinances.

Move-In Funds Estimate
- First Month's Rent: [[Monthly Rent]]
- Security Deposit: [[Security Deposit Amount]]
- Other Move-In Fees: [[Other Fees e.g. pet, parking, admin]]
- Total estimated due at lease signing: [[Total Move-In Estimate]]

9. Adverse action notice obligations (FCRA)

If the landlord takes adverse action (denial, approval with conditions such as higher deposit or co-signer, or other) based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report, federal law requires:

• Notice of the adverse action to the applicant.
• The name, address, and telephone number of the consumer reporting agency that furnished the report.
• A statement that the agency did not make the decision and cannot explain it.
• Notice of the applicant's right to obtain a free copy of the report within 60 days and to dispute the accuracy or completeness of the information.

Adverse Action Record
- Adverse action taken: [[Yes, denial / conditional approval / other / No]]
- Date of adverse action notice: [[Adverse Action Notice Date]]
- CRA used: [[Consumer Reporting Agency Name]]
- CRA contact info provided to applicant: [[Yes / No]]

Landlord must retain copies of adverse action notices for compliance.

10. Co-applicant, guarantor, and additional occupant sections

Co-Applicant Information (if applicable)
- Full Name: [[Co-Applicant Full Name]]
- Relationship to Primary Applicant: [[Relationship]]
- Same disclosures, authorization, and consent apply to co-applicant.

Guarantor / Co-Signer (if required)
- Guarantor Full Name: [[Guarantor Full Name]]
- Guarantor Address: [[Guarantor Address]]
- Guarantor Phone / Email: [[Guarantor Contact]]
- Guarantor will execute a separate Guaranty of Lease or be added to the lease as jointly and severally liable.

Additional Occupants
All persons 18+ who will reside at the property must be listed as applicants or occupants and screened where required by policy., -

Alabama Rental Application, Summary of Key Legal References

• No statutory cap on application/screening fees in Alabama (disclose amount and non-refundability).
• FCRA (15 U.S.C. §1681), consumer report disclosure, adverse action notices, applicant rights.
• Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604), nondiscrimination, reasonable accommodations.
• Ala. Code §35-9A-303, landlord remedies and tenant screening conventions.
• HUD Guidance on criminal background screening and disparate impact.

> ⚠️ Template only, not legal advice. This Alabama Rental Application is a sample form. Screening criteria, fees, and procedures must be applied consistently and in compliance with FCRA, FHA, and Alabama law. Consult an attorney or compliance professional to customize criteria and ensure current adherence to all requirements. All `[[Token Name]]` fields must be completed with actual applicant information.

*Sources: Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. §1681); Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604); Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code §35-9A); HUD tenant screening guidance (as of June 2026).*