Quick Applications, Big Results: How Apply Now Speeds Up Rental Closings

In today’s U.S. rental market, every hour counts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rental vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2025 stood at 7%. With housing options tight, well-priced rentals often attract multiple applicants within hours. At the same time, national asking rent growth is steady, with Apartments.com reporting year-over-year growth of 0.9 percent in Q2 2025.

In this environment, rental professionals must operate with speed, precision, and trust. Apply Now, Rental Beast’s online application and tenant-screening tool, gives agents and property owners the ability to move faster and more securely without compromising quality.

Why Online Applications Matter

Speed and convenience

With paper or PDF applications, delays are common:

• Staff must distribute forms, collect signatures, and retype data by hand.
• Applicants often need to print or scan documents, adding friction.
• Missing information or unclear handwriting can require multiple follow-ups.

Online applications remove these barriers. Renters can complete and submit forms digitally on any device at any time, and agents receive complete, legible applications instantly. That competitive speed keeps deals moving.

Removing friction for applicants

A slow or complicated process can discourage even qualified renters. A streamlined, mobile-friendly application keeps momentum and gives agents more qualified leads.

Consistency and accuracy

Manual entry invites human error. An online system enforces required fields and correct formats, reducing risk and cutting time spent on follow-up.

Paper vs Online: Side by Side

Switching from paper to Apply Now transforms a multi-day process into a smooth path from inquiry to decision.

Reuse Applications for 30 Days at No Additional Cost

Once an applicant completes screening through Apply Now, that application can be reused on other Apply Now-enabled properties for up to 30 days at no extra cost. Most other application providers charge an additional fee for additional properties.

This benefits everyone:

• Applicants save money and time by paying only once and applying to multiple properties.
• Agents attract more prospects since renters know their effort stretches further.
• Leasing moves faster because qualified tenants can pivot quickly to another listing if needed.
  

The Big Payoff: Faster Closings and Better Results

Apply Now delivers:

• Shorter lease cycles through immediate application submission and integrated screening.
• More leads by allowing Quick Apply links on listings, emails, flyers, and social posts.
• Professional reputation by providing a secure, modern, and seamless process.
• Lower cost of vacancy as units move faster and revenue stays steady.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apply Now compliant with screening laws?
Yes. It complies with federal Fair Housing requirements and supports compliance with state-specific regulations.

Can I share the Quick Apply link anywhere?
Yes. You can embed it in property listings, emails, text messages, social media posts, printed flyers, or open-house materials, and include it in MLS remarks where permitted.

How do I review the screening reports?
As the property contact, log in to the Rental Beast, locate the listing, expand the Applications section, and click “View Application.” The tenant screening report should appear (typically within 24 hours of application). From there, you review the applicant’s data and choose “Accept,” “Accept with Conditions,” or “Decline.” All parties are notified of the decision by email.

Next Steps

In a rental market where options are limited and timing is critical, online applications are essential. Apply Now provides agents and landlords with a fast and secure way to process applicants and close leases more efficiently. The ability to reuse applications for 30 days at no additional cost provides extra value for both renters and property owners.

Log in to your Rental Beast account, enable Apply Now, and share your Quick Apply link to start closing leases more quickly and confidently.