A California rental application is a form that prospective renters use to apply for a rental property. The application helps potential tenants present their personal and financial information in an organized way for the landlord's approval and typically asks for an applicant’s personal information, rental history, financial statements, and references from employers or former landlords. While there are general compliance requirements for any rental application, landlords must also consider California rental application laws that dictate things like the maximum rental application fee and what questions a landlord can ask an applicant.
Our California rental application form allows tenants to present their personal and financial information for landlord approval. This streamlined workflow gathers all necessary data, asking questions about rental history, finances, and references.
While any rental application has general compliance requirements, landlords must also consider California rental application laws. These regulations dictate things like the maximum rental application fee and what questions a landlord can ask an applicant.
Why choose RentSpree for your California rental application?
Our rental platform makes the lives of any landlord, agent, or property manager much easier. You can eliminate all paper documents and the inefficiencies and challenges they cause. Additionally, our online rental application is free.
You can realize these benefits with our CA rental application:
- Collect all information in an organized fashion: There’s no back-and-forth when you use our solution. You’ll save hours every week.
- Share application links in seconds: You can quickly generate and send the application via email, text, or your listing page.
- Allow renters to apply from wherever: The rental application is mobile-friendly, offering convenience to potential tenants.
- Verify information provided with an auto-reference check: This tool checks references associated with current and previous employers or landlords, if applicable, and personal and professional references.
- Assess interested renters uniformly: You can review applicants using the RentSpree dashboard to see all criteria and make informed decisions.
- Ensure compliance: Our rental application template for California meets all applicable laws and regulations.
California rental application laws
Review the most up-to-date information about California rental application laws.
Maximum fees
How much can you charge for a CA rental application?
- Application fee (§ 1950.6): According to California law, there are rules around fees for applications. The law states that the “amount of the application screening fee shall not be greater than the actual out-of-pocket costs of gathering information concerning the applicant, including, but not limited to, the cost of using a tenant screening service or a consumer credit reporting service, and the reasonable value of time spent by the landlord or his or her agent in obtaining information on the applicant. In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or his or her agent be greater than $30 per application.”
- Fee adjustments occur in response to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- As of 2024, the CPI-adjusted increase to the screening fee is $32.02, and the maximum amount for a rental application fee is $65.37.
- Assembly Bill 2493 is also now in effect and states that landlords must delay charging fees until the application is in active review.
- Pet deposit: California law provides that landlords can charge a refundable pet deposit not exceeding one month of rent. Nonrefundable pet deposits are illegal in California, and housing providers cannot charge someone with an emotional support animal a pet deposit, rent, or fee (however, they may be able to charge for damages caused by such an animal).
- Security deposit (§ 1950.5(c)): Per California law, the security deposit must not exceed 1 month’s rent in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before occupancy. It applies to furnished or unfurnished units.
Screening laws
In California, landlords must follow specific laws and regulations when screening tenants and reviewing rental applications. These laws protect both landlords and tenants and ensure that the rental process is fair and transparent. This is informational only, not legal advice.
- Security deposits and other fees: Under California law, no lease or rental agreement may contain a provision characterizing any security as “nonrefundable.”
- Housing discrimination: Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on protected characteristics, including age, disability, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
- Consent to obtain credit report: California law regulates the use of credit reports by landlords to screen potential tenants. Landlords must obtain the applicant’s consent before accessing their credit report, provide notice to tenants if they are denied housing based on their credit report, and disclose the reasons for the denial. (California Civil Code§ 1785.16)
- Criminal history in tenant screening: California law restricts landlords from using criminal history to deny housing to potential tenants except in some instances where the criminal record poses a safety risk to other tenants or the property. (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sections 12264-12271)
- Criminal background checks local laws: California does permit criminal background checks for rentals. However, some local ordinances do not. For example, Oakland, Alameda County, and Berkeley prohibit them completely. San Francisco allows them, but not when applying for affordable housing. Always check city laws and their applicability.
- Citizenship status: California law prohibits landlords from inquiring based on the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant. Landlords may also not disclose to any person or entity information regarding a tenant’s citizenship status with the intent to harass or intimidate a tenant. (California Civil Code§ 1940.3)
- Income and employment verification: Landlords must follow rules when verifying an applicant’s income and employment. They may not discriminate against individuals based on employment or source of income.
- Written notice of FCRA rights: Landlords must provide written notice to prospective tenants about their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when obtaining consumer reports or background checks.
Disclaimer:
This is not an exhaustive list of laws and regulations that govern tenant screening and rental applications in California. Consult a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Step-by-step guide to completing a California rental application
This guide can help you when instructing prospective renters on how to fill out an annual application form for California.
- The applicant receives the application link and clicks a secure online form to collect pertinent information.
- The applicant then begins answering questions. They’ll need to include:
- Name, email, phone number, and move-in date
- Residence history: current and previous address information
- Proof of income
- Employment history: current and previous employers and supervisor information (retired renters can also check this option)
- Extra income sources if outside of their normal employment
- Personal references
- Pet information, if applicable
- Vehicle information if it will be parked at the property
- The applicant can then review all information to ensure accuracy.
- The applicant must also consent to the background and credit checks in the application.
- Applicants complete the process by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the checks and authorizing that the information provided is true.
- Applicants pay any fees (CA law mandates an electronic receipt for such payments).
- After completion, the rental application platform automatically triggers checks and workflows to assess potential renters.
You can view a sample completed application here.
Common questions about California rental applications
What background checks are legal for landlords to use in California?
With written consent, you can conduct criminal background, credit, and eviction history checks. You can also verify previous rental history. Note: There are exceptions to criminal background screening.
How does California SB 567 impact applications?
SB 567 took effect in 2024 with the purpose of strengthening tenant protections. It amended the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) of 2019. Some takeaways include:
- Stricter requirements for no-fault evictions
- Detailed plans and permits for substantial remodeling projects
- Options for people to re-rent at the same rate post-renovation
Is the California rental application template customizable?
No, the standard rental and C.A.R. rental applications are not editable.
What questions are off-limits for landlords to ask potential tenants in California?
You cannot ask about citizenship, immigration status, or protected information (race, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disabilities, or medical conditions).
Can renters reuse completed applications?
Yes, applicants can pay once to apply and reuse their completed application for 30 days at no additional cost. Landlords must accept these application types. This service is not widely available, but it is available with RentSpree.
Start your rental application in California today!
It’s easy to use RentSpree California rental applications. You’ll be able to send online forms to potential tenants in minutes. It begins with creating your listing. Once live, share links with applicants to start the process.
Set up your first application here.