General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A free New Jersey edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- Most housing providers may not ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer, may consider only certain convictions within set look back periods and must give a written reason if they withdraw the offer.
- Have a New Jersey attorney review your final version before you use it.
A rental application for each adult applicant covering identity, rental and job history, income, household, references and a signed consent to screening. This edition fills in the New Jersey rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
New Jersey rules for this form
Screening rules. Most housing providers may not ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer, may consider only certain convictions within set look back periods and must give a written reason if they withdraw the offer. (Fair Chance in Housing Act (P.L.2021, c.110))
Cities and counties in New Jersey can add their own rules on top of these. Check local ordinances before you sign.
What is in the template
- Property applied for
- Applicant
- Rental history
- Employment and income
- Household
- References and emergency contact
- Questions
- Screening criteria
- Authorization and consent
- For office use
Before you use it
- Every adult who will live in the home should complete their own application and sign the screening consent.
- Ask only what you need to apply written criteria, and never ask about traits that fair housing law protects.
- Many states and cities cap application fees, limit criminal history questions, or protect income from vouchers.
- If a consumer report affects your decision, federal law requires an adverse action notice.
For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the rental application.
Get the New Jersey rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a New Jersey attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these New Jersey rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a New Jersey attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Fair Chance in Housing Act (P.L.2021, c.110)
Official sources
Goes with this form
Before you send it.
What does New Jersey law say about screening rules?
Most housing providers may not ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer, may consider only certain convictions within set look back periods and must give a written reason if they withdraw the offer. Source: Fair Chance in Housing Act (P.L.2021, c.110).