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 York edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- The only fee allowed before a tenancy starts is a background and credit check fee of no more than the actual cost or $20, whichever is less, waived if the applicant brings a check from the past 30 days.
- Refusing an applicant because of lawful source of income, including a housing voucher, is illegal, and a landlord may not reject someone because they were in a past landlord and tenant case.
- Have a New York 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 York rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
New York rules for this form
Application fees. The only fee allowed before a tenancy starts is a background and credit check fee of no more than the actual cost or $20, whichever is less, waived if the applicant brings a check from the past 30 days. (Real Property Law section 238-a)
Screening rules. Refusing an applicant because of lawful source of income, including a housing voucher, is illegal, and a landlord may not reject someone because they were in a past landlord and tenant case. (New York Human Rights Law (Executive Law section 296) and Real Property Law section 227-f)
Cities and counties in New York 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 York rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a New York attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these New York 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 York attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Real Property Law section 238-a
- New York Human Rights Law (Executive Law section 296) and Real Property Law section 227-f
Official sources
Goes with this form
Before you send it.
What does New York law say about application fees?
The only fee allowed before a tenancy starts is a background and credit check fee of no more than the actual cost or $20, whichever is less, waived if the applicant brings a check from the past 30 days. Source: Real Property Law section 238-a.
What does New York law say about screening rules?
Refusing an applicant because of lawful source of income, including a housing voucher, is illegal, and a landlord may not reject someone because they were in a past landlord and tenant case. Source: New York Human Rights Law (Executive Law section 296) and Real Property Law section 227-f.