Usage Restrictions & Guidelines

Fair Housing Compliance

All landlords must comply with fair housing laws. It is illegal to discriminate against applicants based on protected characteristics including:

• Race, color, national origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (including pregnancy and children)
• Age (in some jurisdictions)
• Source of income (in some jurisdictions)

RentForms provides tools to help you screen applicants fairly, but you are responsible for ensuring your screening criteria and decisions comply with all applicable laws.

Prohibited Uses

RentForms may not be used for:

• Collecting information unrelated to tenant screening
• Discriminatory screening practices
• Sharing applicant data with unauthorized parties
• Creating fake or misleading rental listings
• Harassing or spamming applicants
• Violating local rental regulations
• Any illegal or fraudulent activity

Data Collection Guidelines

When creating rental forms, remember:

• Only collect information necessary for tenant screening
• Avoid questions that could lead to discrimination
• Be transparent about how you'll use the information
• Keep applicant data secure and confidential
• Respect applicant privacy and data protection rights

Regional Considerations

Rental laws vary by location. Some areas have additional protections or requirements:

• Source of Income: Some jurisdictions prohibit discrimination based on lawful source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers)
• Criminal History: Some areas restrict or prohibit criminal background inquiries
• Credit Checks: Some locations require specific disclosures or have limits on credit screening
• Application Fees: Many areas regulate or prohibit application fees
• Language Requirements: Some areas require translations or specific language accommodations

Important: Always consult with local housing authorities or legal counsel to ensure compliance with your local and state rental laws.

Reporting Violations

If you encounter or suspect misuse of the RentForms platform:

• Report violations to our support team immediately
• Contact local fair housing organizations if you experience discrimination
• File complaints with appropriate regulatory authorities

Report violations: [email protected]