How to rent, from browse to keys.

01 · How it works

1. 1

   Browse available homes

   Every active listing includes photos, pricing, pet policy, and lease details. Plan on 10–20 minutes.

2. 2

   Schedule a tour, or apply directly

   Request a viewing from any listing and we’ll usually confirm within 48 hours. If you already know the home, you can apply right away.

3. 3

   Complete the application

   $48 per applicant, and every resident 18 or older applies individually. Most people finish in about fifteen minutes with documents ready.

4. 4

   We review your application

   Screening typically takes 2–3 business days once your application is complete. We’ll call or email either way.

5. 5

   Move in

   Sign the lease, pay the move-in balance in certified funds, and pick up your keys on move-in day.

02 · Application process

Apply as a household: every co-applicant 18 or older submits their own application, and we review the household together. List each other as co-applicants so the applications link up.

Have these ready:

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of income (see section 03)
• 3 years of residential history with landlord contact information
• Contact information for your rental references

03 · Income

Combined verifiable household income should be at least 3× the monthly rent. Income of 2.75× may be conditionally approved with a security deposit of two months’ rent. Combined debt-to-income ratio must not exceed 60%.

The application verifies income electronically through a secure verification partner — most applicants connect a bank or payroll account in a couple of minutes.

If electronic verification doesn’t work for your situation, we accept recent bank statements, paystubs, offer letters, and benefits letters. We accept all forms of legally verifiable income, including Section 8, VASH, and other housing vouchers.

04 · Rental history

We look for 36 months of verifiable third-party rental history — landlords or property managers we can contact, not family members.

Insufficient history may be conditionally approved with a security deposit of two months’ rent. Evictions within the last 7 years are an automatic denial.

05 · Credit history

A minimum credit score of 650 is required. Scores between 600–650 may be conditionally approved with a security deposit of two months’ rent.

Collections matter more than the score alone: high-risk collections averaging over $100 are an automatic denial, while low-risk collections under about $1,500 on average are generally workable.

Screening uses a soft credit pull — applying will not lower your score.

06 · Identity verification

Identity is verified electronically as part of the application, using a photo of your government-issued ID.

One important note: military IDs are not accepted by the verification system. If a military ID is your primary identification, call the office before you apply and we’ll handle it directly.

07 · Animals

Every applicant completes a third-party pet screening profile — a pet profile for each animal, a “no pet” profile if you don’t have one, or an accommodation request for an assistance animal.

Where animals are allowed, expect an additional $50 monthly rent and a $500 deposit per animal. Policies vary by property — check the listing, or call and we’ll help you find pet-friendly homes.

08 · Criminal history

Criminal history is considered case by case, in accordance with fair housing laws.

09 · Automatic denials

These result in denial regardless of other strengths in the application:

• High-risk collections averaging over $100
• Any eviction in the last 7 years
• Three or more late payments with a prior landlord
• An open balance owed to a prior landlord
• Prior lease violations
• Forged or altered documents
• Misrepresented references
• Harassment of our staff
• Bankruptcy discharged less than a year ago, or negative credit since a discharge

10 · Next steps after approval

• Pay your move-in balance in certified funds before move-in day.
• Transfer utilities into your name — allow 5 business days.
• Provide proof of renters insurance with at least $100,000 liability coverage, listing Welcome Home Properties as an additional interest.
• Sign the move-in inspection so the home’s condition is documented from day one.

11 · Fees and costs

Application fee

$48 per applicant, non-refundable. Covers background and credit screening.

Admin fee

Varies by property, one-time and per unit. Refundable if a lease is not signed.

First month’s rent

Due at lease signing, in certified funds.

Pet deposit and rent

Where animals are allowed: $500 deposit and $50 monthly rent per animal.

12 · Common questions