Applications via Zillow Rental Manager

How to Apply.

Applications, background checks, lease signing, and rent payments all happen through Zillow Rental Manager — free for you to use, with the same protections renters trust on every Zillow listing.

What you get

Why we use Zillow for applications.

We tested every option — in-house forms, DoorLoop, AppFolio, Innago, and direct paper applications. Zillow Rental Manager won because it’s the only one that’s free for landlords AND recognized by renters before they hand over an SSN.

One $45 application

Covers credit, eviction, and background check. Reusable for 30 days across all our units — no double-paying.

No platform fees

Zillow does not charge tenants any application or service fee beyond the $45 screening. Rent paid via ACH is free both ways.

Trusted backbone

Zillow handles document storage, lease e-signing, payment processing, and dispute records. We handle the building.

Step by step

The process, end to end.

Pick a unit. Browse our available listings or filter by what you need. Every active unit links to its Zillow page.
Click “Apply on Zillow.” You’ll land on the Zillow page for that specific unit, where you create or sign in to a Zillow renter account.
Submit the application + $45 screening fee. Zillow runs credit, background, and eviction history through TransUnion. One application is reusable across all our buildings for 30 days, so you don’t double-pay if you’re looking at multiple units.
We review. We see your application in Rental Manager. We usually respond within 48 hours. If we have follow-up questions, we email you directly.
Sign the lease, pay the deposit. Both happen inside Zillow. E-signing is free, deposit + first month go in via ACH at no fee.
Move in. Monthly rent is paid through Zillow ACH (free) or by check if you prefer. Maintenance requests come to us directly — we’re a phone call or email away.

Browse Available Units See us on Zillow ↗

Common questions

FAQ.

Why do I have to apply through Zillow instead of just emailing you?

Two reasons. First, applicant screening (credit, background, eviction) is required by our underwriting and has to be done through a regulated provider. Zillow uses TransUnion. Second, paying the screening fee to Zillow rather than to us keeps your money in escrow and lets you reuse the same screening across landlords for 30 days. It protects you more than us.

How much does it cost?

The application itself is $45, paid to Zillow when you submit. We don’t charge any application fee on top of that. You only pay the screening once — if you apply for multiple of our units within 30 days, the same application carries over.

What if my credit isn’t perfect?

We look at the whole application, not just the credit score. Strong rental history, a co-signer, or additional months of deposit can usually overcome a thin or rough credit file. Email us first if you want to talk through your situation before paying the $45.

Do you accept housing vouchers (Section 8)?

Yes. New York State law requires source-of-income protection, and we maintain our buildings to pass HQS inspection. See our Section 8 walkthrough for the full process.

I don’t want to use Zillow. What are my options?

Email leasing@binghamtonliving.com. For short-term rentals (under 6 months) or unusual situations, we sometimes work outside Zillow with a paper application and an independent screening service. For a standard 12-month lease, Zillow is how we move quickly.