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?
- How can a renter apply to my listing?
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.
To view a comprehensive list of applications submitted, pending and archived you can head to your application dashboard by following the steps below:
- Log into your Zillow Rental Manager account
- Select your rental listing
- Select the Applications tab
- Select the application you would like to view or select View more to view all 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.
How can a renter apply to my listing?
1) Apply directly from your listing (Apply now)
If you have enabled Zillow applications on your property, renters will see an Apply now button on your listing on Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads, and can submit their application instantly from the listing.
If a listing shows Request to apply (instead of Apply now), that means you did not enable Zillow applications. Renters can contact you to request a Zillow application. It is up to your discretion to provide the renter a Zillow application or the application service of your choice.
Some properties on Zillow (for example, certain apartment communities or multi-family properties) are not eligible to use Zillow Applications. In those cases, renters can use the contact form or phone number on the listing to contact you for instructions on how to apply.
2) Apply by invitation from you
You can invite a specific renter to apply by going to the Applications tab in Zillow Rental Manager, selecting Send application link, and entering the renter’s email address.
Copying a link allows you to paste and share the application link with any renters on any platform you wish. When the renter submits an application, it will appear in your dashboard.
When a renter applies, we will send you a notification email. Any completed applications will show up in your listing under the Applications tab.
3) Renter shares their existing portable application with you
Renters who have already purchased a Zillow application can share it directly with you by sending it to your email address; once submitted, the application will appear within your Zillow Rental Manager account.
What you’ll receive and when
If you already have a Zillow Rental Manager account, submitted applications are available immediately under your listing in the Applications tab, and you’ll also receive an email notification as soon as the application is submitted.
If a renter tells you they applied but you don’t see the application, it usually means they have not clicked Submit yet; please refer the renter to their Renter Hub to confirm they’ve submitted their application.
If you don’t yet have a Zillow Rental Manager account, you’ll receive a preview of the application via email. To view the full application and any credit or background reports, you’ll be directed to create an account and verify your identity.