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Discretionary Policy

The criteria below are minimum standards, not absolute requirements. HomeNest reviews each application holistically. Applicants who fall slightly below a criterion may still be approved based on compensating factors such as stable employment, excellent rental history, or a co-signer.

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Financial Requirements

Credit Score

650+
Minimum FICO credit score of 650. We consider overall credit history, payment patterns, and recent derogatory marks in context.

Income Requirement

3x Rent
Gross monthly household income must be at least three times the monthly rent. Alternative income sources may be verified with documentation.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

< 43%
Total monthly debt obligations (including rent) should not exceed 43% of gross monthly income.

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Rental History

Previous Residence

2+ Years
Minimum of two years of consistent rental history. First-time renters may qualify with a credit history or co-signer.

References

2 Required
Two previous landlord references required. Current and previous landlords will be contacted directly.

Move-Out Status

Good Standing
Must have left previous residences in good condition with no unresolved damages or complaints.

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Background & Eviction Screening

Eviction History

None in 5 Years
No evictions in the past 5 years. Evictions resulting from landlord-tenant disputes or misunderstandings may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Criminal History

Case-by-Case
We conduct comprehensive background checks. Decisions are based on the nature, severity, and recency of any criminal activity in compliance with local laws.

National Sex Offender

Screened
All applicants are screened against national sex offender registries as required by law.

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Application Process

1

Submit Application

Complete our online application form and pay the non-refundable application fee.

2

Background & Credit Check

We run a comprehensive background and credit check through our preferred screening service.

3

Reference Verification

We contact your previous landlords and employers to verify your rental history and income.

4

Decision & Approval

You will receive a decision within 24-48 hours. If approved, we'll move forward with the lease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to provide? ▼

Please provide recent pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2 forms from the previous year, your most recent tax return, bank statements (last 2 months), and contact information for your previous landlords. Self-employed applicants should provide 2 years of tax returns and 6 months of bank statements.

Can I use a co-signer if I don't meet the income requirement? ▼

Yes, we accept co-signers who meet all our screening criteria and are willing to sign a guarantee agreement. The co-signer becomes equally responsible for the rent and lease obligations.

How long does the screening process take? ▼

Most applications are processed within 24-48 hours. Complex cases or applications requiring additional documentation may take up to 5 business days.

What is the application fee? ▼

The application fee is $50 per adult applicant (18+). This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of background checks, credit reports, and administrative processing.

Do you accept Section 8 or housing vouchers? ▼

HomeNest is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. We consider Section 8 and housing voucher applications on a case-by-case basis, subject to property eligibility and program requirements.

Ready to Apply?

If you meet our screening criteria and are looking for a quality rental property, we'd love to help you find your perfect home.

Start Application → Browse Properties