Free CRLS Tenant Screening & Lease Agreements Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a rental application?

Accepted Answer

To gather income, rental history, and references for screening

Answer

The primary purpose of a rental application is to collect comprehensive information about prospective tenants. This includes details about their income, employment, previous rental history, and personal references. Landlords use this data to conduct thorough background checks, assess an applicant's financial stability, reliability, and suitability as a tenant, ultimately making an informed decision about who to rent to.

Question 2

Which factor can landlords legally consider when screening tenants?

Accepted Answer

Credit and rental history

Answer

When screening tenants, landlords can legally consider factors directly related to a tenant's ability to pay rent and adhere to lease terms. Credit history provides insight into financial responsibility, while rental history indicates past behavior as a tenant, such as timely rent payments and property care. These factors are legitimate predictors of future tenancy success and are not protected under fair housing laws.

Question 3

What must a landlord provide if denying an applicant based on a credit report?

Accepted Answer

An adverse action notice

Answer

If a landlord denies an applicant based, in whole or in part, on information contained in a credit report or other consumer report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires them to provide an "adverse action notice." This notice informs the applicant of the denial, the name and contact information of the consumer reporting agency, and their right to obtain a free copy of the report and dispute inaccurate information.

Question 4

Which clause in a lease agreement specifies the tenant's maintenance responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

The maintenance and repairs clause

Answer

The maintenance and repairs clause in a lease agreement clearly outlines the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant regarding property upkeep. This clause specifies which maintenance tasks the tenant is responsible for, such as keeping the unit clean and reporting necessary repairs, and which are the landlord's responsibility, like structural repairs or major appliance fixes. It prevents misunderstandings and ensures the property is well-maintained.

Question 5

What is typically included in a 'Right of Entry' clause?

Accepted Answer

Notice requirements and permissible reasons for entry

Answer

A 'Right of Entry' clause in a lease agreement legally defines the landlord's ability to enter the tenant's rented property. It explicitly states the required advance notice period (e.g., 24-48 hours) and the legitimate reasons for entry, such as making repairs, conducting inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants. This clause balances the landlord's need for access with the tenant's right to privacy.

CRLS - Certified Residential Leasing Specialist Practice Test

CRLS - Certified Residential Leasing Specialist Practice Test

Free CRLS Tenant Screening & Lease Agreements Questions and Answers