Renter Qualifications
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What are your income requirements to rent?
We require 3 times (3x) the rent amount in documented, and verifiable income (See Application Page for documents required). Maximum of 2 adult incomes considered. Applicant must meet the 3 times rent income requirement, for at least 3 months prior to applying.
Self Employed Individuals need to show their personal income separately from the business income. For those individuals that cannot show their separate personal income from the business, a maximum profit margin of 20% of the business income will be used as personal income, or the actual industry standard as applicable.
Note: Income with an end date will be calculated by determining the total amount of the benefits still available and dividing it by 12. For Example: Income in the amount of $ 600.00 per month that will be received for 4 more months will be calculated as $ 600 x 4 = $ 2400.00, divided by 12 (lease term) = $ 200.00 income for the purposes of qualifying. Please call with any questions.
2. What are your credit score requirements?
The optimal candidate will have a credit score of 625 or better. We may be able to still work with applicants with credit scores above 550, however, owner approval, and when applicable, an increase in the security deposit shall be required for final approval. Additionally, we are looking for rental-related judgments and/or evictions that may have occurred in the past. If you had an eviction and have established good, verifiable rental history for the last 5 years from a non-family member landlord or property management company, we may still be able to work with you.
3. What are your Employment history requirements?
Applicants with a credit score under 650 are required to have continuous employment with the same employer, or continuous income from the same income sources for a minimum 6 months prior to applying.
Applicants with a credit score over 650 are required to have continuous employment with the same employer, or continuous income from the same income sources for a minimum of 3 months prior to applying.
4. What are your rental history requirements?
Our company verifies a minimum of 3 years rental, residence, or mortgage history. Rental History – is defined as a written lease agreement between the applicant and a non-family related landlord or licensed property management company. Residence History – is defined as verifiable history as an occupant of the home by the owner of the property or a licensed property management company even if rent was not paid by the applicant directly.
Applicants who do not meet the following guidelines will result in their application being denied:
- Rental or Residence history that cannot be verified.
- No more than 3 late payments in a 12 month period of time.
- No more than 9 late payments in a 36 month period of time.
- Any outstanding balance owed to past or current landlords.
- Poor Housekeeping reported by past or current landlords.
5. Do you allow pets?
Please read each ad carefully. The following statements are placed in the advertisement: “Sorry, no pets”, OR, “Pets may be considered, depending on type and number of pets, owner approval, and additional deposit required”. Note: Due to property insurance requirements, Pit Bulls are never allowed. If your application is approved, you will be required to fill out a pet/animal screening profile through our firm’s third-party pet screening service.
6. How much is the Application Fee?
Our application fee is $45.00 per adult (18 years and over). This fee is for processing the application and our cost to run the credit report. Actual costs to process each application is as follows: Tenant Screening Report = $ 20.00 each, Application Review + Processing & overhead charges = $ 45.00 per hour.
7. How long does it take to process my application?
It generally, takes 3 to 5 business days (Mon – Fri). Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications in process and our ability to contact your references. (Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed until an application from all adults who will be residing in the home and all required documentation is received.)
8. How much is the Deposit?
The minimum deposit is equal to one month’s rent. It can increase to as much as 2 months rent due to prior late payments reported from rental history verification, having less than 3 years recent and verifiable rental history, pets, and information contained in your credit report.
9. Do you work with Section 8?
Yes, Our company has always worked with the Section 8 program.
Please contact Provest Realty Inc. with any other questions.
