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How to Apply to a Property on TurboTenant

If you’ve been invited to apply for a rental property through TurboTenant, here’s how to get started.

Daisy avatar
Written by Daisy
Updated yesterday

Step 1: Open Your Invitation

You may have received your application invitation by text or email:

  • Text invitation – Click the link in the text message to open your application. The text message will display the rental property address you've been invited to apply to.

  • Email invitation – Click the link in the email to open your application. This will display the rental property address you've been invited to apply to.

Note: The application link will expire after 48 hours. If it has expired, reach out to the landlord to request a new link.


Step 2: Start Your Application

Once the application opens, follow the prompts to select whether you’re applying as a tenant or co-signer. Then enter your legal first name, legal last name, email address, phone number, and date of birth. When finished, click Next to continue.


Step 3: Application Information

  1. Enter your Desired Move-In Date in the format MM/DD/YYYY.

    • This field is required.

  2. Answer: Are there others applying with you (including co-signers)?

    • Remember: All persons over 18, including co-signers, must complete their own applications.

    • Select Yes or No.

  3. Enter the total number of people who will be living in the property.

    • Make sure to include yourself, all other tenants, and any dependents.

If you're unable to get past this step, ensure you've entered all of the relevant information, then click next.


Step 4: Residential History

Enter details about your current residence, including whether you rent, own, or have another arrangement; your move-in month and year; full street address; optional unit number; city, state, and ZIP code; optional monthly rent; and optional reason for moving. Provide your landlord’s name and, if available, their email and phone number.

  1. Provide your rental history for at least 3 years to strengthen your application.

  2. Enter your Current Address.

    • Click Add Current Address to input your details.

  3. Enter any Past Addresses.

    • If you have past addresses to include, click Add Past Address.

    • If not, select Not applicable.


Step 5: Employment

  1. Provide your employment history to show the landlord you can afford the rental.

  2. Current Employer:

    • If you are employed, click Add Current Employer and enter your employer details.

    • If you are currently unemployed, select I’m currently unemployed.

  3. Past Employers:

    • Landlords prefer to see around 5 years of employment history, if applicable.

    • If you have past employers to include, click Add Past Employer and enter the details.

    • If not, select Not applicable.


Step 6: Other Income

  1. Indicate whether you have any additional sources of income to include.

    • Examples: Social Security, parental assistance, scholarships, etc.

    • Select Yes or No.

  2. If applicable, indicate whether you will utilize Section 8 or other government assistance.

    • This includes financial aid from HUD or a non-profit organization.


Step 7: Enter General Information

Answer questions about pets, vehicles, smoking habits, and any special requests or requirements related to your rental application.


Step 8: Background:

Answer questions about past evictions, outstanding debts to landlords, criminal convictions (excluding minor infractions), and financial history such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, or civil suits..


Step 9: Other Information:

Provide an emergency contact’s name, relationship, and phone number. Optionally, add any comments about your application and share how you found the property.


Step 10: Upload Documents

  1. Upload files in PDF, PNG, JPEG, or HEIC format, up to 10MB each.

  2. Upload a Photo ID (required):

    • Must be government-issued (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).

    • Click Add Photo ID/Driver's License to upload.

  3. Upload Proof of Income (required):

    • Examples include recent paystubs (within 45 days), W-2s, 1099s, or bank statements.

    • The more documents you provide, the faster your application can be processed.

    • We recommend uploading a bank statement to show reserves for future rent.

    • Click Add Proof of Income and Add Bank Statement to upload.

  4. If you prefer, select Upload documents later.

    • You will receive a reminder email to upload your documents.

    • Note: Most landlords won’t review your application until all documents are submitted.


Step 11: Pay Screening Fee

You can use Google Pay, American Express, Visa Card, Discover Card, or Master Card to pay for the screening fee.

  1. The screening fee amount is $55.00

  2. Enter your Cardholder Name.

  3. Enter your Card Number.

  4. Enter the card's Expiration Date.

  5. Enter the card CVC (security code).

  6. Enter the billing Zip Code.

Complete payment to submit your application for landlord review.

If you select “Save & Finish Later,” you can return to where you left off by logging directly into your TurboTenant account. Avoid using the original application link from the email or text when returning, as this may cause issues.


Final Step: Background Check Authorization

Congratulations! You’re almost done with your rental application. To finalize your submission and give the landlord everything they need to make a decision, you'll complete the following final steps carefully.

How it works:

  1. Approve the request

  2. Provide the necessary information to complete your background check.

  3. Your credit and background history will be shared with the landlord.

Important:

  • There is no additional fee for this report.

  • The credit check is a soft inquiry, so it will not affect your credit score.

To continue the steps to verifying your identity for the background check, click the following article: Verifying Your Identity - Screening Report.


Best Practices for Applying

  • Use your full legal name – This ensures your background and credit checks are accurate.

  • Verify your date of birth – Double-check for typos before submitting.

  • Enter your current address in “Google” format – This means using the standard address format that appears when you select your address from the Google drop-down (e.g., 123 Main St, Fort Collins, CO 80521).

  • If at any point throughout the application, see the "grayed" out Next button, make sure you've entered all of the relevant information and click all of the boxes, whether they apply or not.

  • Do not copy and paste the credit or debit card numbers during the checkout process - this often causes issues. We recommend typing them in to avoid issues.

After completing all required fields, submit your application for the landlord to review.


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