Skip to main content

Application Fee

A fee an applicant pays to cover the cost of screening, such as a credit or background check. Several states cap the amount or require a refund of any unused portion.

At a kitchen table, an applicant slides a payment card toward a landlord beside an application folder and a card reader
  1. Paid when you apply
  2. Covers screening costs
  3. Check your state's fee limit

Where it matters

Look up the term in your agreement, report or local rule. Save the source and date so you can check the wording later.

Explore the related rental resource →

This page is general education. The current law, program rules, and specific housing records determine how a rental home is treated. Rentari provides software and written guides, not legal advice or licensed property management.

Put this into practice with Rentari's landlord software, tenant management software and rental property management software.

Browse all rental terms