What to include in a Rental Application.

If you don't already use a written rental application for your property, you should strongly consider implementing one right away. There are many reason on why you should have a written rental application perhaps such as offering you protection should

someone whom you did not select as a tenant decide to pursue a discrimination claim against you. If you have documented the entire application process and the reason/s for not selecting that applicant, you can produce the application and related paperwork to prove your innocence. A written application also makes it easier to check a tenant's references. You'll have all the information you need available in one place, making your job easier and less time-consuming.
Here are some important points to include in a rental application:

Start with personal information. Get your applicant's full name, current home address, work address, phone numbers, and Social Security number drivers licences number and email address.
Include emergency contacts. In the event of an emergency, you may need to reach your tenant's next of kin or another family member. This information also may come in handy if you need to track down a tenant who has skipped out without paying rent.
Ask for references. Ask for at least three different references from your applicants. You also may wish to ask for the contact information for a previous landlord.
Ask about past problems with landlords. Ask the applicant if he or she has had problems with landlords in the past or has had trouble paying rent on time. Aslo the reason for moving there present and past locations
Include a code of conduct. The code of conduct in the rental application must be signed and agreed upon by your applicants. This can help dispel any confusion as to what behavior is and is not acceptable and also should include expectations such as noise level, trash, and pet policy. It can also provide evidence of agreement to the code of conduct should you ever be called upon to produce it.
State the rent and deposit amounts. Include these amounts on the written application to eliminate confusion and accusations that a lower rent amount was promised. Include the length of the rental period, if any, and timing for any possible increased in rent.
Ask for permission to check their credit history or background.If you plan on running credit checks for your new applicants, you will need their authorization. This can be as simple as a paragraph within your application that can be signed or initialed to show acceptance. You can also use an additional document if you so choose.
Inform the applicant that while the home is insured however the policy does not cover their personal belongings and you would recommend the applicant to purchase rental insurance.