What you'll learn in this article:
- What is a portable tenant screening report?
- What does it mean that the Zillow application is “portable”?
- A renter said they applied. When will I receive their application?
- My state/city/county has specific rules about rental applications–is the Zillow application compliant?
- What does it mean to enable or accept applications for my properties?
What is a portable tenant screening report?
A: Portable tenant screening reports (PTSR) are credit and background checks obtained by renters that are typically valid for 30 days and can be shared with multiple landlords. This alleviates the need for each landlord to perform their own credit and background check, which often comes at a cost to renters. Some states have laws that allow or require landlords to accept PTSRs. Typically, if a landlord accepts a PTSR, they cannot charge the renter an application fee.
The Zillow application includes credit and background checks that, where accepted, can be used both on and off the Zillow platform.
What does it mean that the Zillow application is “portable”?
A: It means a renter who purchases a Zillow application can reuse their application to apply to unlimited properties both on and off Zillow for 30 days. Zillow applications include credit and background reports.
Landlords can use these reports separately from the application. You will still need to verify your identity to view this sensitive applicant information.
A renter said they applied. When will I receive their application?
If you already have a Zillow Rental Manager account: When applications are completed, they will be available immediately in your account under your listing in Zillow Rental Manager. Select your rental listing and under the Applications tab select the application you would like to view or select 'View more' to view all submitted applications. You will also be notified via email as soon as the application is submitted.
If a renter has told you that they have paid their screening fee and completed their application, but you do not see the application in your account, it means the renter has not clicked the Submit button to send the application to you. While we understand that the renter may have already paid for the application and received the payment confirmation, they must still click on the Submit button to send the application to your account.
If they have reached out to you regarding their application, please refer them to their Renter Hub to double-check that they have submitted their application.
If you don’t yet have a ZIllow Rental Manager account, you’ll receive a preview of the application via email. In that email, you’ll be directed to view the rental application in Zillow Rental Manager, where you’ll be asked to create an account and verify your identity to view the whole application, including any credit or background reports.
My state/city/county has specific rules about rental applications–is the Zillow application compliant?
In some cases, application components, such as background checks or credit reports, are modified by the report providers to reflect state and local legal requirements. See more information here.
Some localities also permit or require rental managers to accept portable tenant screening reports. The Zillow application includes credit and background checks and may be accepted both on and off the Zillow platform.
While we strive to provide services in accordance with applicable law, If you have questions about your legal obligations or whether the Zillow application satisfies them, you should consult legal counsel.
What does it mean to enable or accept applications for my properties?
A: If you have enabled applications on your properties, all renters will see an Apply now button on your listing on Zillow, Trulia and HotPads, and they can apply directly from your listing.
If you have not enabled applications, you can still invite specific renters to apply. Simply go to the Applications tab in Zillow Rental Manager, click Send invite, and enter the interested renter’s email address.
Renters who have already purchased an application can also share their application directly with you, as long as you provide them with an email. Their application will appear within Zillow Rental Manager once it is submitted.