All applicants are individually assessed based on the uniform written criteria below.

This criteria is provided before accepting any application or fee, in compliance with the Philadelphia Renter’s Access Act.

Applications are reviewed first-come, first-complete, and the first qualified applicant meeting these criteria will be offered a lease.

✅ Must Have: Required to Qualify

• Application Fee: $50 non-refundable screening fee per applicant (covers credit and background verification).
• Accurate Info: Accurate and verifiable information provided pre-showing and on the application.
• SSN or ITIN Verification: Credit screening report matching the applicant’s SSN or ITIN (Experian or equivalent bureau accepted)
• Sufficient Verifiable Income: Verifiable monthly take-home income of at least 2.5× monthly rent, or qualified co-signer / guarantor.
• Initial Move-in Funds Ready:
  • 1x Monthly Rent — Due upon Lease Signing: Last Month’s Rent (non-refundable)
  • 1x Monthly Rent — Due before Move-In: First Month’s Rent (must be paid before key exchange)
  • 1x Monthly Rent — Security Deposit: Payable in three (3) equal monthly installments over the first three months of tenancy. The first installment is due upon lease signing and must be paid prior to key exchange.
• Liability Insurance: Proof of renter’s insurance (your own insurance or purchase ours for $15/mo).
• Acceptable Start Date: Proposed lease start date must be acceptable to both parties.

🚫 Cannot Have: Possible Reasons for Denial

Applications may be denied only for the following reasons:

• Inaccurate Info Provided: False, incomplete, or misleading material information provided during the leasing process.
• Insufficient Verifiable Income: Unable to verify sufficient monthly income to meet minimum requirements.
• Significant History of Missed Payments: Significant unpaid or delinquent rental balance owed to a previous landlord or creditor outstanding on the Credit Report
• Unverified SSN/ITIN: Unable to verify provided SSN/ITIN with credit reporting agencies to confirm identity or credit-worthiness
• Recent Eviction Judgment: Eviction judgment within the past four (4) years resulting in a final judgment and not satisfied, withdrawn, or vacated.
• Demonstrated History of Delinquency: Pattern of missed or late payments to creditors or landlords (generally more than 5%) indicating unstable payment history.
• Significant Pertinent Criminal History: Criminal convictions within the past seven (7) years involving violence, sexual offenses, or crimes against persons or property, subject to individualized review and applicant explanation.

⛔ Not Considered

We will not consider or deny based on:

• Evictions that are sealed, dismissed, withdrawn, satisfied, vacated, older than 4 years, or filed during the COVID-19 emergency.
• Arrests not resulting in conviction, or expunged/pardoned convictions.
• Credit score alone.
• Immigration or citizenship status (except as required to verify lawful identity for lease signing).

⚖️ Fair & Individualized Evaluation

• Each applicant receives an individualized assessment and may submit additional evidence or explanations for consideration (e.g., proof of rent payment, employment letters, references).
• If denied, applicants will receive a written explanation stating the specific reason(s) for denial and instructions to request reconsideration within 7 business days, as required by the Philadelphia Renter’s Access Act.
• Adverse decisions based on credit or background reports will be accompanied by a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) notice and information on obtaining a free copy of the report.