RENTAL POLICY
We are glad you are interested in our rental property. For your convenience, we have prepared this overview of our guidelines used in processing all rental applications. Please feel free to ask any questions.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
We comply with all federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
RENTAL UNIT AVAILABILITY
Rental units/homes only become available when they are completely ready to rent, including cleaning, painting, and the completion of all maintenance work and planned improvements. Availability can change as units become ready during the day or are removed from the rental market based on rentals, cancellations, or maintenance issues.
All occupants residing in an apartment 18 years of age or older must fill out a separate application, sign the lease, and must meet all criteria to be considered for residency.
VALID PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must provide a photocopy of their current identification at the time of application, such as a driver’s license, military or state ID card, or passport, as well as their Social Security card. Applicants must authorize us to verify all information provided in the rental application, including credit sources, credit agencies, current and prior landlords, employers, personal references, and to run a criminal background check.
INCOME REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have stable employment (1 year or longer) and verifiable income. Applicants must have a gross monthly income equal to at least 2.63 times the monthly rent (for example, $1,080 × 2.63 = $2,840 required gross monthly income).
Acceptable income verification includes a pay stub, employer letter, W-2 form, or, for self-employed applicants, the most recent tax return or certification from an accountant or bank.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR IDENTIFICATION
Applicants must provide a valid Social Security Number or, if unavailable, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other government-issued documentation sufficient to verify identity and eligibility for tenancy. Applicants on work or student visas must provide documentation valid through the lease term.
CREDIT HISTORY
A credit report will be processed for each applicant. Approval is based on an evaluation of credit and other factors. Credit score ranges and actions are as follows:
• Accept: 750–840
• Low Risk: 660–749
• Medium Risk: 620–659 (additional deposit may be required)
• High Risk: 550–619 (additional deposit will be required)
• Denied: 549 and below
Credit scores are evaluated in combination with other criteria such as income and rental history. No single factor automatically guarantees acceptance or denial.
GUARANTORS
If an applicant does not meet one or more criteria, a third-party guarantor located within Florida may guarantee the lease. The guarantor must meet all screening requirements and demonstrate sufficient income after deducting their own housing costs.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND SCREENING
Applicants and all occupants age 18 and older will have a criminal background check conducted. The review may include all addresses of residence for the previous 24 months.
Our evaluation of criminal history considers:
• Nature and seriousness of the offense
• Time elapsed since conviction or release
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Relevance to the safety and rights of other residents or staff
Applications may be denied when the applicant or an occupant has a conviction or active probation/parole for an offense that reasonably indicates a risk of harm to persons or property. Examples include violent felonies, sexual offenses requiring registration, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, terrorism-related offenses, and serious property crimes such as arson or burglary.
Deferred adjudication, withheld adjudication, or arrests not resulting in conviction will not automatically result in denial. Applicants may provide mitigating information or documentation if a potentially disqualifying record is found.
Disclaimer: This screening requirement does not constitute a guarantee that current residents have not been convicted of or subject to deferred adjudication for a felony, misdemeanor, or sex offense. Some residents may have occupied their units prior to this policy. Our ability to verify is limited to the records available from reporting services.
All applicants will be treated consistently and equitably, and this policy will be applied without regard to any protected class.
RENTAL HISTORY
Applicants must have at least six months of verifiable rental or mortgage history within the past 24 months. If prior landlords cannot be contacted, six consecutive months of payment proof and a copy of the lease must be provided. Lack of verifiable history may require an additional deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Applications may be denied for:
• Outstanding debt to a previous landlord
• Any lease breach or eviction within the last five years (unless mitigating circumstances apply)
• More than four late payments or two NSF payments in the last 24 months
ANIMALS
No more than two animals weighing 30 pounds or less each are allowed per apartment. Animals must be at least six months old. Aggressive breeds are not allowed (including Dobermans, Chows, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, or any mix thereof).
Tenant will pay a $300 pet deposit for the first pet and $200 for the second. This deposit is part of the security deposit and refundable per lease terms. Aquariums up to 50 gallons are allowed on first floors with proof of insurance. Exotic, poisonous, or otherwise prohibited animals are not allowed.
Service and emotional support animals are not considered pets and will be accommodated in accordance with applicable law.
OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES
Our guidelines allow two occupants per bedroom, plus a child under 18 months old who sleeps in the same bedroom with a parent or guardian. This complies with fair housing laws and prevents overcrowding.
• 1 bedroom – 3 persons
• 2 bedroom – 5 persons
• 3 bedroom – 7 persons
RENT PAYMENTS
All move-in amounts must be paid in full prior to or at move-in by cashier’s check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. If move-in occurs after the 20th of the month, prorated rent plus the next month’s rent must be paid at move-in.