What We Check When Screening Applicants

Most applicants find out why they were denied after paying an application fee. We think that's backwards. This guide is the actual checklist we use, published so you can self-assess for free before spending a dollar. If you don't meet a requirement, you'll know now — not $55 later.

• Income. Household income of at least 3× the total monthly housing cost — rent plus pet rent where applicable — verified with pay stubs, offer letter, or equivalent. Multiple household incomes combine.
• Credit. Self-reported 550+ at pre-qualification; full screening verifies it. We look at patterns, not perfection — medical collections aren't treated like landlord debt. Open bankruptcies and unpaid landlord or utility debt typically result in denial.
• Rental history. No evictions, no money owed to previous landlords, no serious lease violations. First-time renters aren't disqualified — we verify more through income and references.
• Background, occupancy, and lease terms. Screening runs through Resident Research — we never handle your SSN. Occupancy follows the standard two persons per bedroom plus one additional person for the household guideline. Every home is smoke-free; minimum lease is 12 months.

1. Free pre-qualification (online, ~5 minutes) — checks the requirements above at a yes/no level. Costs nothing.
2. Full application + screening ($55 per adult, paid to the screening company) — only after you've pre-qualified and toured.
3. Decision — typically within a few business days. If denied, you're entitled to an adverse-action notice from Resident Research.
4. Lease signing — deposit and first month due per the published fee schedule.

• Source of lawful income — wages, benefits, retirement, and self-employment are all acceptable when documented
• Where you're moving from
• Whether you ask lots of questions — please do; we'd rather answer twenty up front than have a mismatched lease