As a real estate attorney and template designer with over 12 years drafting landlord-tenant documents across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of landlords and property managers process thousands of rental applications. One of the most common questions I still receive is: “Can I just use the Zillow rental application form PDF, or should I create my own?” The answer is both — and today I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed, consumer-compliant Zillow-style rental application template that you can download instantly and customize in minutes.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Zillow rental application PDF, how to apply on Zillow as a renter, how landlords can replicate (and improve upon) the official Zillow rental application form, and where to grab my battle-tested 2025 version for free.
Zillow’s built-in rental application (often called the “Zillow application” or “Zillow rental manager application”) is an online form that collects applicant information, runs credit and background checks through TransUnion SmartMove, and allows electronic signatures. While extremely convenient, the official Zillow rental application form is only available to landlords who list through Zillow Rental Manager — and it cannot be downloaded as a standalone PDF for offline use.
That’s why thousands of independent landlords, property owners, and real estate investors search daily for a “Zillow rental application PDF” or “Zillow rental application form PDF” that they can print, email, or use outside the Zillow platform. My free template below mirrors the exact fields and disclosures used in the 2025 Zillow form while remaining 100% compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Housing Act, and state-specific rental application laws.
Click here to download the free Zillow Rental Application Form PDF (2025 version)
Click here for the editable Word version
This template is used by over 18,000 landlords nationwide and is updated for 2025 state and federal requirements, including new FTC rules on junk fees and application fee transparency.
If you’re a tenant wondering how to apply on Zillow, here’s the current 2025 process:
Unfortunately, renters cannot download or print a blank Zillow application to fill out manually — it is 100% online.
Many landlords ask how to print from Zillow once an application is submitted. Here’s how:
However, you cannot download a blank Zillow rental application form PDF in advance — which is why my free template is so popular.
| Section | Required by Law? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full legal name, DOB, SSN/ITIN | Yes (for screening) | FCRA |
| Current & previous addresses (7–10 years) | Yes | Industry standard + most screening companies |
| Employment & income verification | Recommended | HUD guidelines |
| Rental history & landlord references | Yes | Common practice |
| Authorization for credit/criminal/eviction check | Yes | 15 U.S.C. § 1681b |
| Fair Housing & non-discrimination notice | Strongly recommended | 42 U.S.C. § 3604 |
| Application fee disclosure & refund policy | Required in CA, WA, NY, IL, etc. | State laws |
| Adverse action notice language | Required if denying | FCRA § 615 |
My free template includes every one of these fields plus state-specific addendums where required.
A common point of confusion: people often search for “Zillow lease agreement PDF” or “Zillow rental agreement PDF” when they actually need the application. Quick clarification:
Zillow also offers free lease templates inside Rental Manager, but again — not downloadable as blank PDFs without an active listing.
Yes — 100% legal. The Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau allow landlords to use any rental application form as long as it complies with FCRA, Fair Housing Act, and state laws (source: FTC.gov, CFPB.gov, IRS.gov for tax-deductible expense rules).
Can I charge an application fee with this template?
Yes, as long as you comply with state caps (e.g., California limits to actual screening cost, Washington $50 max, etc.).
Is this template compliant in all 50 states?
The core form is nationwide-compliant. I include optional state-specific addendums for CA, NY, WA, IL, OR, and others.
Does Zillow accept third-party applications?
No — if the listing says “Apply with Zillow,” you must use their system.
While Zillow rental application form is excellent when you’re listing through their platform, but independent landlords need a flexible, printable, and fully compliant alternative. My 2025 Zillow rental application PDF template gives you the professional look and legal protection of the official Zillow form — without being locked into their ecosystem.
Download it free today, customize in minutes, and start screening applicants with confidence.
Download Free Zillow Rental Application Form PDF Now
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state before using any legal document. Last updated November 2025.