Receive and manage online rental applications that help you fill vacancies faster, collect complete applicant information, and simplify your leasing process. Rentec Direct lets you customize requirements, collect supporting documents, accept fees online, and review every application from one organized place.

A simple online rental application makes it easier to collect the information you need to evaluate applicants consistently. Rentec Direct’s Online Rental Applications help you collect applicant information, supporting documents, and application fees online, keeping everything organized from application submission through move-in.

Whether you manage one rental property or a growing portfolio, Rentec Direct helps you create a simple, transparent application experience while keeping applicant records organized in one place.

Make it Easy for Qualified Renters to Apply

Today’s renters expect convenience. Many prospective tenants search for homes online, have busy schedules, and prefer to complete important steps online at their convenience, without delays.

With Rentec Direct, you can easily share a link to your custom rental application and direct them to your dedicated Rentec Direct website for current vacancies and future rental opportunities. Applicants can complete the application when it works best for them.

A clear, easy-to-complete application helps prospective tenants understand your requirements while giving you the information you need to make confident leasing decisions.

Online applications are automatically organized in the order they are received, helping you review them on your schedule and keep your leasing progress on track.

Customize Your Rental Application

Do you have rentals with different requirements? Rentec Direct lets you customize your online application so you can gather the information you need before you begin screening.

With Rentec Direct, you can:

  • Add custom questions to collect company or property-specific information
  • Require important details to help reduce incomplete applications
  • Allow document uploads so applicants can include required items, such as a driver’s license, pay stubs, and employment verification

Keeping applications and supporting documents together speeds up the review process and keeps important records organized through the leasing process.

Collect Application Fees Online

Make it simple for applicants to submit their rental application and required fees in one convenient step.

With an active merchant account, Rentec Direct securely collects application fees online at the time of submission, saving renters the extra step of making a separate payment and saving you time spent tracking and entering payments manually.

Application fees can be managed separately from rental income by:

  • Depositing fees into your preferred bank account
  • Creating a dedicated income account
  • Choosing whether fees display on the property ledger

You can also customize the fee terminology displayed on your application and reports to match your business practices or state requirements, whether you use terms like Application Fee, Processing Fee, or another approved label.

Tip: Application fee regulations can vary. Be sure to review your local regulations on rental application fees before setting your requirements.

Learn more: Select Your Preferred Account When Receiving Application Fees

Simplify Pet Screening

For pet-friendly properties, Rentec Direct integrates with PetScreening to help simplify the screening process.

When enabled, applicants who indicate they have animals are automatically prompted to complete their PetScreening after submitting their rental application.

PetScreening helps document and verify:

  • Household pets and animals
  • Assistance animals
  • Service animals

Learn more: PetScreening is Fully Integrated with Rentec Direct to Protect Your Rentals

Review and Manage Applications from One Place

Stay informed when new applications arrive and manage every submission from one organized location.

Rentec Direct automatically sends email notifications to the appropriate manager, based on your policy type, and displays an alert in your Quick Access links for Unread applications.

You can easily access applications from the Unread Applications link on the Summary page or the Applications link under the Properties tab.

From the application, you can:

  • Review applicant and other occupants’ information
  • View uploaded documents
  • Run screening reports
  • Approve or decline applications
  • Add approved applicants to your tenant list
  • Move approved applicants directly into a property
  • Print completed applications

Once approved applicants are moved into a property, their application becomes part of their permanent tenant documents.

Final Thoughts

In a highly competitive housing market, long-term tenants and quick tenant turnover are key for your NOI. A streamlined application process helps you spend less time focusing on finding the right tenant for your rental.

Have Questions?

Connect with your US-based Award-Winning Success Team weekdays from 6 am to 5 pm (PST). Click on the Live Expert Help link to email or chat with live support, email success@rentecdirect.com, or call 800-881-5139 ext 2.

Check out the System Updates and News & Tips on your Summary page to see the latest Rentec Direct features and industry-related topics, or subscribe to the Rentec Direct Blog and have updates delivered directly to your inbox.

Suggest a Feature

Our goal is always to make your tasks as a landlord, property manager, or investor simpler, quicker, and more efficient. One way we accomplish this is by reviewing valuable feedback and input from our awesome clients. If there’s anything you would like to see added to enhance your Rentec Direct experience, please send your ideas and suggestions to success@rentecdirect.com.

About Rentec Direct

Rentec Direct provides industry-leading property management software and tenant screening solutions for real estate professionals across the small, mid and large property management segments. Key features include online rent payments, a mobile app and tenant portal, vacancy listing syndication, and robust accounting tools. Founded in 2007, Rentec Direct is the largest software platform serving both landlords and property managers, with more five-star reviews than any other property management software. A 10-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, Rentec Direct was also named Real Estate Company of the Year in the 2026 American Business Awards® and recognized among the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top 100 Small Businesses. www.rentecdirect.com