Application Requirements
Before you apply
Here is some information you should know before applying. Please read carefully!
- All applications must be submitted electronically on Townsend’s rental website.
- The application fee is $65 per adult. (Anyone over 18 must apply)
- The application fee is non-refundable.
- This fee covers the cost of obtaining your credit report from Experian Credit Union.
- This is a soft credit check.
- A Government issued photo ID is required for application processing.
- Everyone over the age of 18 who intends to reside in the home must submit a separate application.
- Each applicant applying with a “roommate” must qualify solely and individually regarding: income, credit, criminal and rental history. Married couples may combine income, but other qualifying factors may affect their chances of approval. (credit, criminal, or rental history) ONLY ONE ROOMMATE PERMITTED ON A LEASE
Application Screening
Our background check consists of collecting and reviewing the following information:
Credit Score
- Credit scores are important, but we focus on the factors that contribute to your score. A lower score may be offset by strong rental history and income.
- 616-650: Conditional. Additional deposit may be required.
- 615 or lower: Will most likely be denied.
- Accounts in Collections: Applications with accounts in collections will most likely be declined. We do not hold medical or educational accounts against you.
Criminal History
- Applicants with a criminal record may be denied, but all applicants are treated fairly. All criminal convictions are reviewed on a case by case basis.
- The criminal report dates back seven years.
Income Verification
- Gross monthly income must be at least 3x the monthly rent.
- Proof of income required. (Pay stubs for 1 month)
- Self-employed applicants: Provide previous year’s tax return or 2 months of personal bank statements reflecting consistent income.
Rental History
- Rental history will be verified with your last landlord.
- Rental history under 12 months may require a larger deposit.
- Applications may be denied for: late payments, eviction(s), excessive violations, property damage, unauthorized tenants/pets, tenant-caused pest infestation, improper notice to vacate, 3 or more late notices within 12 months, noise/nuisance violations, 2 or more NSF charges, or outstanding balances owed.
Processing an Application
- Goal: Process applications within 24-48 business hours of receipt (requires all documents – ID, rental verification history, proof of income).
- Processing may exceed 24-48 hours if required documentation is missing.
- Townsend will attempt to contact landlords, but the applicant is ultimately responsible for providing this information.
- NOTE: Townsend reserves the right to deny tenancy based on an inability to contact the references provided.
- Some properties may have multiple applications. Homes are rented to the first approved applicant with the full reservation fee paid. Reservation fees will not be accepted until the application is approved.
Applying with or without Pets
- All applicants are required to complete a pet screening application via petscreening.com.
- Applicants without pets: Complete a brief petscreening.com questionnaire to confirm no unauthorized pets (no fee).
- Applicants with pets: Pet application fee is $20 for the first pet, $15 for each additional pet.
- Applicants with service animals or emotional support animals are not required to pay a pet fee. Learn more here.
- Upon approval, a non-refundable $350 fee per pet must be paid by the move-in date.
- For more information on pet screening, visit this website.
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