I can help you do rentals in the Bronx and Westchester. I will take care to get you the right tenants and will take care of applications and credit checks. You can reach me by e-mail at: Paulmvp@aol.com

Every state has their own criteria and NY is very tenant oriented. I have property in NYC and require applications that authorize credit checks or ask the tenant to come supplied with their own or run their own and email it to me. I have the mortgage companies run the credit...there is a charge i will pass on to the applicant.

I will be happy to share my apps with you...contact me offline at Gail@GailGladstonne.com.

A good source for that information is MrLandlord (http://www.mrlandlord.com). But Tammy's point is excellent: Make sure there aren't questions that would get you into (very serious) trouble. And some things are in the grey area. For instance, it may be legitimate to ask the person's birthdate in order to run a credit check. However, if you then reject the tenant (who happens to be, perhaps, 50 years old), you might open yourself up to charges of age discrimination.

There are more landmines than you might imagine. Be careful.

Airahcaz
I suggest that you google tenant background checks. A person's credit report is helpful, however knowing if they have a criminal record would be even better. There are services that charge fees that range from $20-$60 and more for this service.

I can't provide a copy of our offices application, but I would caution you to review whatever forms you receive to be certain they do not violate fair housing laws. For example, date of birth, number of children, name of spouse, all are questions that can get an agent into considerable trouble.

Focus on the money. Can the applicant afford the apartment? Of course you may ask about pets, but if they require a pet for medical purposes they cannot be denied as long as they have a note from a doctor . (The note does not have to specify the disability, simply the need to have the pet.)

As far as credit checks go, I will have the tenant provide me with with a copy. But I also check a photo id against the report to make sure they are not giving me someone elses stellar credit report! I will pass along that report to the landlord for review. Interpreting a credit report can be tricky business sometimes. Folks with poor credit are more the norm theses days. They may have lost a house but still need a place to live. If the tenant has less than perfect credit they might be willing to put down more money as security. This may entice a landlord to accept the applicant. Regardless, keep your focus on the money.

Best regards.