--173.61.xxx.xxx

The application says also "must be typed or keyboarded". So could the applicant download this file to software on their computer that would fill it in? Seems to be a "Microsoft Word" document. I don't have that so can't check this out. This strategy would eliminate a lot of applicants it seems. --173.61.xxx.xxx

If it's a PDF file it can be made fillable without changing the form. Our application is all online. --173.28.xx.xxx

To my way of thinking, if someone doesn't bother to slow down and fill in the form carefully, they are trying to hide something with their 'chicken-scratch.' Next! --72.135.xxx.xx

Like everything, we each must know our own business model and what attracts the tenant pool we want. If you intentionally want the "old-school" type, then it's fine to continue to buy printer, paper, and ink to print out applications; hand them out in person; pick them up in person; accept rent checks through the mail; and everything else one must do to operate "old-school". --68.229.xxx.xxx

Like now: the requirement is that an application cannot be processed if it is incomplete - like missing a required attachment or any other info. --68.229.xxx.xxx

You really need to get a digital application. Besides an application being necessary to screen someone, the way you have your application formatted is also a barrier to entry for many tenants. The correct digital application will have questions that must be answered before a tenant can proceed to the next question. Also, they can’t, give you a story on certain questions, because the format doesn’t allow them to do that. And then, other parts of the question, you can leave an open area for them to spill their guts on questions that you really want them to reveal their red flags to you. And trust me they do. --24.152.xxx.xx

a step in the right direction. --69.130.xxx.xxx

It surely saves time, energy and money to have them online. --107.147.xx.xx

I use jotform and send the applicant a link to fill it out on their keyboard with some questions a must before they can proceed. --192.82.x.xxx

thank you for your generous help. Yes I thought this was a particular kind of barrier to more mature applicants and those who are less computer literate. Might be useful to some. I generally hand people applications when I have already spoken to them and have some information that is useful.. The form was in a PDF format and a cover letter with it was a word document. --173.61.xxx.xxx

Ms. Excuses notoriously refused to fill out a Google forms application and insisted she get it emailed in which she had hand filled it out and sent it back. Never again. No exceptions. Get someone to help you if you're struggling. --64.246.xxx.xx

I do not accept typed applications. They have to be hand written filled out and signed, or resigned, in front of me or an notary. --47.155.xx.x

Robert J is that so that you can check for psychotic writing? --64.246.xxx.xx

Yeah, right Robert J. If I had to sit and wait for every bozo to hand write an application in front of me or plan to meet them at a notary to get it signed, I’d have no time to do any other business. Let alone the 3 S’s in the morning when I wake up. --24.152.xxx.xx

The last time I had a tenant who had a hard time with simple technology, they also had a hard time paying the rent. Nope. Don't tell me you are too old to use a computer - I'm older than you are. When someone says that, they have Dq'ed themselves right out of the gate. They *WILL* be a problem. --173.28.xx.xxx

AMEN WMH! --64.246.xxx.xx

I do accept typed apps but always prefer handwritten / printed --24.115.xx.xxx

However I would never do this. I want to be convenient so I'll let them download the application and all files, and let them pay the app fee online, but I'm not going to make it any easier for them. Less hoops to jump through gives me less criteria to judge. And if the applicant is a total disaster, an incomplete app may be a Godsend. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Interesting discussion. I send the application to the applicant in a fillable pdf form usually through docusign so they can fill it out and sign online. Some ask for the form to be sent so they can download and fill out by hand. I'm ok with that. They can even text me back the filled out form. If I can't read it, I can't process the application. If they can only do it in person, that's where I draw the line. I haven't had any applicant request in person though in a very long time. Most are comfortable using the online process and I'm older than mapleleaf so I figure if they can't fill it out online or download and email or text it back then I don't want to deal with them. --98.211.xxx.xx

I use rentapplication.net. I created an application, editing their example version mainly. I can text or email the application to them (or I just send them to my website. It's all typed with the info I need to evaluate. They pay the fees there for the credit check or other reports I want. (like criminal). I'm sent the reports and I go from there. It has greatly streamlined my application process. I have my preqal app for a showing..so I get those eliminated before I have a tenant that I hope qualifies. I highly recommend it! Learned about it from S i d. Very grateful for that info! --64.184.xx.xx

--73.103.xxx.xxx