Prepare a printable Massachusetts rental application form to verify potential tenants. Tailor your application to Massachusetts’s statutes now with all the critical details required by law.
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What kind of property will be rented? What kind of property will be rented? Mobile HomeLast Update September 14th, 2024
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Table of Contents:A Massachusetts rental application is a legal document used by landlords and property managers to assess and choose an appropriate tenant for a rental property. They are sometimes known by other common names such as:
There are two main types of rental applications in Massachusetts. You must select the most relevant one depending on the type of property being rented, local laws, and the type of leasing agreement that will be used.
| Standard/General Rental Application | Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Application | |
|---|---|---|
| Which landlords can use it? | Private landlords | Landlords with Section 8 housing |
| What kind of tenants is it designed for? | Any | Tenants eligible for subsidized housing |
Both landlords and tenants need to provide specific information on a Massachusetts rental application. This is so it complies with state laws and allows an informed decision to be made. The details each party should provide can be seen below.
| Data the Tenant Can Be Asked for | Essential Disclosures from the Landlord |
|---|---|
| Personal data | The property’s condition |
| Rental history | Potential hazards to the tenant |
| Employment details | Shared utility arrangements |
| Income information | Rent control rules |
| Credit history | Smoking policy |
| Personal references | The security deposit |
| Permission for background checks | Associated fees |
The information offered by either the landlord or tenant will vary from application to application. However, it is vitally important that both sides get the clearest picture possible about the nature of the lease before signing an agreement.
Massachusetts has many rules and statutes regulating its housing market. These must be fully considered when preparing an application for rental properties in the state.
A landlord in Massachusetts is not permitted to charge an application fee. It does not make a difference if it is refundable or not.
On the other hand, in compliance with § 254 CMR 7.00(1), real estate brokers and agents are permitted to charge a fee for rental applications (Section 15B(1)(b)).
Landlords in Massachusetts can charge up to the cost of one month’s rent for security deposits (Section 15B(1)(b)(iii)).
The tenant must dive the security deposit within 10 days from the beginning of the tenancy.
Once you receive the deposit, you must provide the tenant with a statement of the condition of the property.
You are required to put the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account in a bank found in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, there is no specific state law relating to housing discrimination. However, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) is in place. The FHA states that it is illegal to discriminate based on the following characteristics:
As a consequence, you are not allowed to ask for any of these details on a Massachusetts Rental Application form nor to include them in the decision-making process.
You must disclose the screening criteria used during the application process, as well as anything that could lead to a refusal. To make sure individuals understand this in advance of the application, they must provide a signature of acknowledgment on the application.
The Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates that potential tenants must agree to any credit checks you require. To show they consent, they must provide written acknowledgment on the application form.
There are various other legal documents that landlords must take into account when considering new tenants. Get expert guidance on preparing other personalized property forms with our other printable templates for the following legal forms:
Looking over a readily prepared template of a rental application can make it much easier to create your own. Review our document sample below to get more familiar with what your application form will look like when it’s completed.