Can I Ask my Candidate to Pay for a Pre-Rental Survey?

Before conducting a pre-rental screening, it is common and legal for a landlord to require a deposit from each applicant to cover the costs associated with this process. The amount of the deposit must reflect the actual costs of the type of screening selected.

However, if you accept the applicant after completing the screening, you are obligated to return the deposit, either by refunding it directly or by deducting it from the first month’s rent.

Moreover, if you decide not to accept the applicant, you are generally also required to return the deposit. There are, however, two situations where you are allowed to keep it: if you contact the applicant to offer them the unit and they declare they are no longer interested, or if the applicant provided false information on the rental application. In these cases, they can no longer claim the deposit back.

Please note that this information relates to the rental application form provided by CORPIQ, and the rules may differ if there is a clear agreement between the parties stating that the deposit is non-refundable.