Please read this entire document. This is the most important thing to read besides the lease.
It will answer almost all of your questions about the qualification and verification process.
Property Showings
Group showings can be booked at any time on our scheduling page.
If you applied before booking a showing, we can schedule a private showing.
Application Fee
The only way to properly apply for our rental units is to submit an application on RentCafe. There are numerous other websites (like Apartments.com, Zillo, Realtor.com, etc.) that list our rental units, but we only process applications submitted on RentCafe.
The application fee is non-refundable. The application fee helps cover the cost of the credit check, background check, reference check, etc.
If you are denied for any reason, or cannot move forward with the lease for any reason, the application fee is non-refundable.
Qualification
To qualify for our rental properties, a few things are required depending on your situation.
Email Address
You must have a working email address. The entire application process is online (digital.) Without a working email, you cannot complete the process.
Income
- Private Pay – Your combined monthly net income (after taxes and deductions) must be 2X the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1000, you must take home $2000 a month.
- Section 8 – Your combined monthly net income (after taxes and deductions) must be 1.25X the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1000 you must take home $1250 a month.
Your income can be any combination of paychecks, a business you own, GIG work, government assistance, child support, alimony, etc.
You must have worked 3 months at your current place of employment.
Security Deposit
Every rental requires a security deposit. The deposit amount is based on (FICO) credit score. The better the credit, the lower the security deposit.
Good credit (above 715) requires a 1X rent security deposit. Average credit (between 675 -714 ) requires a 1.5X security deposit. Credit scores below 674 require a 2X security deposit.
If you are unsure of your credit score, you can “Pre-Apply” for free and we can check it for you.
Please note, no portion of the security deposit covers first month’s rent.
Security Deposit Options
Traditional Cash
We require “proof of funds” for a cash security deposit. We need to see the money in (your bank account).
SDI (security deposit insurance.)
With SDI, you pay (the SDI company) a portion of the deposit and keep the rest of your money in your pocket!
Co-Signer
There is also the option of a lease co-signer. This is rare, but some people getting back on their feet can get a little help from family.
Split Deposit
If you are declined for SDI, you can split your deposit payments into 2 payments over 60 days.
Total Move In Costs
Total cost to move in is a combination of security deposit and first month’s rent.
For example, if you’re applying for a $1000/Month rental and quality for a 1X security deposit, the move in cost would be $2000.
If you’re applying for a $1000/Month rental and qualify for a 2X security deposit, the move in cost would be $3000.
Renters Insurance
We require renters insurance. You can have your own policy or buy a basic policy through us for $15 a month.
Credit
Your (FICO) credit score isn’t the biggest issue. We look for a history of late payments, credit defaults, collections, etc. A SSN or ITIN is required for the credit check.
Rental History
We look for past evictions, late rental payments, and court judgements. We also look at your lease history. Having a lease in your name for the last year puts a smile on our faces.
Criminal History
We look back 6-8 years depending on the crime. A few speeding tickets are not a problem.
We do look at things like driving without a license, driving OVI, driving without plates / tags, etc.
We look for crimes against people and property like gun charges, domestic abuse, assault, robbery, etc.
We also look at open court cases. Depending on the issue, you may want to wait until your court case is resolved before applying.
Spouses, roommates, significant others, etc.
Anyone living in the rental unit that is 18 years or older must be on the lease. The includes kids, friends, grandkids, etc.
Anyone living in the rental unit that is 18 years or older that is not your child must also complete an application and pay the application fee. This includes roommates, spouses, significant others, etc.
If you and your co-occupants are approved and move in, you’ll receive a 25% credit of the (total) application fees paid. The credit will be applied to your first month’s rent.
Pets
There are 3 pet policies depending on the property:
- No pets
- Pet friendly (no restrictions)
- Cats & Small Dogs
Not all units accept pets. Please check the listing to confirm the unit you are looking at accepts pets (or ask us).
For units that accept pets, there are restrictions on certain pets. There is a restriction on the number of pets (usually 2 max). Dogs must be walked (no pee pads.) No big dogs (<22 lbs and <10″ tall.) No aggressive dog breeds.
Pets require an additional $200 (non-refundable) pet deposit for the first pet. Each additional pet is %50 less.
For example, 2 pets would be a $300 deposit. There is also a monthly pet fee (per pet) of $55.
Pets require full renters insurance with a pet endorsement. Your insurance agent will know what this is.
There is also a breed restriction for dogs. Dogs that are considered aggressive (regardless of size) are prohibited under the small dog policy. Aggressive breeds are (but not limited to) Pitbull/American Bully, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Cane Corso, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Great Danes.
Please ask us about your pets before you apply. It is better to ask now, than to be asked to leave for breaking the lease.
Verification
The goal of verification is to prove that the information provided on your application is accurate and true. We collect and verify information that isn’t always asked for during the application.
Our goal is to get you verified. When the information provided matches our research, verification is quick and easy.
The Process
Once you apply and submit the application fee, you will receive a “Next Steps” email that includes a link to the verification form. This form is digital making it easy to complete, even on a mobile phone.
We verify:
- Credit & Payment History
- Criminal Background (county, state, city, federal)
- Income
- Rental History
Income and rental history often take the longest to verify. People will provide paystubs from jobs they no longer work at and list landlords whose “number” have changed. People will even list a family member as their landlord. Our team will call the main number of the company listed as the employer and ask to speak with the person listed as the supervisor.
Verification takes 2-4 weeks once we receive ALL your documents.
We start your verification once we receive ALL the documents we ask for. We do not start the verification until we have everything we need.
To complete your verification we need PDF documents. Please do not send pictures of documents or screen shots/images of online pages. We need the actual PDF of whatever we ask for.
The above part is very important. If you send the information we request in a format other than PDF, your verification will not be processed.
The only document we will accept a picture of is your ID (drivers license, state ID, passport, etc.) Speaking of your ID, remember to send a picture of the front AND back.
The verification form asks for employment documents. What we need depends on the type of income you have.
If you are a business owner (work for yourself) we need the last 2 years of your tax returns.
If you are a traditional employee and get paid every 1-2 weeks, (with a W2 at the end of the year) we need your last 3 paycheck stubs.
If you are an independent contractor, 1099 worker, GIG worker, or work for an app, we’ll need you last 3 bank statements.
If you receive cash benefits or assistance, please include your most recent benefits statement and last 3 bank statements.
We DO NOT need to see your bank account number. Please hide, mask, or scribble it out somehow before you send any bank statements.
Qualification and Verification FAQ
Common questions we receive from applicants:
Q) How much money do I need to move in? A) It depends. If you’re paying the deposit with cash, you may need 2X the rent amount in cash (depends on credit). For example, if rent is $1000, you will need $3000 [ Security deposit + first months rent ]. If you are using deposit insurance, you’ll only need first months rent.
Q) I was denied because of my credit and I would like my application fee refunded. A) Application fees are non-refundable.
Q) What are the qualification requirements? A) Read the first part of this page for more info.
Q) I lost my job. Do I still qualify? A) No. An income is required to qualify for our properties.
Q) My child receives disability and I do not work. Do I qualify? A) If your child’s SSI payment is 1X the rent AND you have a HAP voucher, you’d qualify.
Q) I get section 8. Do I still need an income? A) Yes.
Q) I get section 8. Do I still need good credit? A) Yes. Maybe not good credit, but it is harder to qualify with bad credit.
Q) The company I worked for no longer exists. A) We’ll verify using your paystubs / bank accounts.
Q) The property I lived at was sold/gone/burned down/hit by a plane. A) Send us a copy of your previous lease.
Q) My company does not provide paystubs. A) Send us your bank statements.
Q) I do not have my tax returns. A) Send us your bank statements.
Q) I have 10 bank accounts. A) Send the account your income goes into.
Q) My income goes into all 10 bank accounts. A) Send all 10 bank accounts.
Q) I used my phone to send a picture of my bank account. I am being told that is not acceptable. A) Please read the section about about documents. Click this link for an example bank statement format (PDF).
Q) My company pays us daily. I do not get a weekly paycheck stub. A) Send your bank statements.
Q) My identity was stolen and my credit score is bad. A) send us a copy of your police report.
Q) I have lived with family for 8 years. I haven’t had a landlord in a long time. A) This happens. We understand.
Last Note: sending fake documents automatically disqualifies you, so please don’t do that. Is it better to tell us your situation than send us fake documents.