Tenant Screening Standards
Credit and application standards vary according to the property, the owner and the management
company. The following guidelines are common with property management companies. However, if
you have credit issues or are in a unique situation, let me know. I'll fit the home and property
management company (or owner) to you. Most companies, however, do not accept Section 8.
1) PREVIOUS RENTAL HISTORY
Most owners and managers require that the applicants have a verifiable favorable rental history of at
least twelve (12) consecutive months. If the applicant does not have a twelve (12) month rental
history, an explanation is required. Some companies require longer periods of time.
2) VERIFIABLE INCOME AND CREDIT RECORDS
Some companies are pretty strict with verifiable income and credit records. Other companies feel if the
applicant has good rental history and good credit, that is significant for approval of an application.
Most companies will accept a co-signer.
3) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Each company has diffierent recquiremenst.s Some companies require 3X income of the rental
amount. Other companies require each applicant to have individual 3X income.
ID is required.
4) CRIMINAL HISTORY
A Criminal background investigation is required from almost all companies.. Any applicants involved in
any criminal or drug related activity will usually be denied immediately. Any misdemeanor/minor
criminal activity will be reviewed and determined with the application process.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO VERIFY, OR IF YOU ARE MARGINAL IN ANY OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES, AN
EXTRA DEPOSIT OR GUARANTEE MAY BE REQUIRED.
Payment of an application fee is required at the time you apply for the rental unit. This amount varies
according to the company processing the application. It is usually based on a per person amount
unless married and usually one application fee is required in this case. Application fees are never
refundable.
One Application per adult is required. The Apartment/House will not be held until a security deposit is
paid in full.
Security Deposit / Earnest Deposit
Some companies require an earnest deposit at the itme the application is accepted. However, most
companies will process the application, notify you of approval before the earnest deposit is due. This
deposit is usually required at the time the lease is signed (usually 48 hours from the time you have
been notified that your application was approved). Certified funds (cashier's check or money) order is
normal. Your first rent payment is due prior to move in and should also be in certified funds.
Please fill out the application clearly with ink only. Be sure to fill out your application thoroughly to
insure timely processing.
Once an Applicant is accepted, a security deposit is required to hold the home. If the tenants do not
move into the unit on the date of the lease for any reason, tenants' deposit will be forfeited and not
returned.
Pets
There is a pet deposit required no matter who you rent from. Some deposits are charged on a
monthly basis and others take the full deposit up front. This deposit can range from as low as $100 to
$500. Some of these deposits are refundable and others are not.
Acceptance of your pet depends on the owner of the home or the property management company.
Move-In
At move-in you will do a walk through and check the condition of the home. Be sure to jot down
anything you see that is not in "perfect" condition. Document this with the owner/PM and take
photos if possible. This avoids issues at move-out and you being charged to repair items that you
were not responsible for.
End of Lease
Even though your lease indicates an ending date, you are still responsible to give your landlord
30-days notice of your move-out date. If you do not give this notice in writing, you may be held
responsible for an additional month's rent.
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