APPLICATION PROCESS / SCREENING CRITERIA

APPLICATION FEE: $50.00 

Thank you for applying with AREA Texas and Realty Management for your housing needs. In order to better serve you, we feel it is imperative that you are made aware of and fully understand our application process and screening criteria.

ATR  is committed to equal housing and we fully comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act (FFHA). We do not discriminate against persons because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or age. We also comply with all state and local fair housing laws. We offer application forms to everyone who requests one.

MUST READ!!! - Before going any further in applying for this home - there is a $50.00 application fee per adult to complete this application. Everyone that is going to occupy the property that is eighteen (18) years of age or older must fill out an application and submit a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

We do not pre-screen applications.  Applicants are required to pre-screen themselves with the following criteria and will need to meet the requirements below. If you feel you meet these minimum requirements, you are encouraged to apply. 

THE APPLICATION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER SUBMISSION!

Multiple applications may be taken for the same property, the most qualified applicant will be selected. 

APPLICATION Process & Screening Criteria:

We require with your application, a copy of your government issued I.D., copy of your last 3 months pay stubs, and if applicable per property a picture of each pet that will be on the property. 

Identification - Each applicant is required to provide a copy of a legible Government issued photo I.D. card. 

Income Verification - Income should be at least three (3) times the monthly rent and verifiable from an unbiased source:  employer through pay stubs, tax returns, and/or bank statements. Self-employed income may also be verified with a CPA-prepared financial statement or tax returns. Your employment history should reflect at least 6 months with your current employer.

Transfers or relocations must have correspondence showing an accepted job offer. Applicants who do not meet the above employment or income requirements must submit Savings Account statements showing a minimum average balance equal to 8 months of rental payments for the last 6 months.

Employment - We require verifiable employment.  If you are self-employed, retired, or not employed, we can accept such documents as signed tax returns (2 years minimum), bank statements, etc., that provide proof of the applicant's ability to pay the rent. If military, we need a current copy of your LES. If you are active-duty military, you must be on an assignment that, to the best of your knowledge, will allow you to complete an initial 12-month lease. 

Residence History - We require verifiable residence.  Applicants are responsible for providing information including the names, addresses and phone numbers of Clients with the dates of tenancy for the previous 3-5 years. Rental history must be verified from unbiased sources. (Cannot be from family or relatives) Home ownership will be verified from a current credit report. Evictions within the previous 5 years will be automatic grounds for denial. Broken leases will be considered on a case-by-case basis and an additional security deposit may be required.

Credit History - We will obtain a copy of your credit report from Experian. You cannot provide this to us; we will obtain these ourselves. Credit history should show that the resident has paid bills on time and does not have a history of debt “write-offs” or accounts that have gone into collection. Money owed to a previous Client or utility company is cause for denial. Residency may also be denied due to poor credit history.

Criminal, Sex Offense, and Terrorist Database Check - We will check these databases for all occupants 18 years old and older. We do not rent to any person required to register as a sex offender. Criminal backgrounds involving violent crimes, prostitution, and domestic violence and/or involving the possession of weapons or illegal substances are all grounds for denial of an application. 

 **An exception may be made for type and or age of offense, please provide details to the Property Manager. 

Rental Criteria for Pets

Owner Reserves the right to change Pet Restrictions and Pet Deposits. Pet policies vary from one homeowner to another. Some owners do not permit pets, while others restrict type and/or size of pets. No more than two pets per household are permitted without specific owners’ approval. Property Insurance Companies do not allow certain particular Breeds, neither purebred or mixed. Therefore, dogs fully or partially of the following breeds will be rejected: Akita, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff, Chow, Doberman, German Shepherd, Husky, Presa Canario, Pit Bull, Siberian Husky, Staffordshire Terrier, "Wolf Dog'', Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and any combination of these.

Residents will be evicted for misrepresenting any of the above types of dog, as well as for being in possession of any poisonous, dangerous, endangered species or otherwise illegal pet.

• Pet policies are strictly enforced, and any breach will be grounds for termination of your lease agreement at Resident's expense.
• Special consideration is given to “Service Animals” that assist a Resident with special medical needs (please provide proper documentation).

We require with your application, a picture of each pet that will be on the property. . 

REASONS FOR DENIAL OF APPLICATIONS

• If your Credit Score  is below 600.
• If you failed to give proper notice when vacating a property.
• If previous Client(s) would be unwilling to rent to you again for reasons pertaining to your behavior or that of any family member, guest (welcome or not), your pets, or any animal on the property during your tenancy.
• If you have had three or more late payments of rent within the last 12 months.
• If you have an unpaid collection filed against you by a Property Management Company.
• If an unlawful detainer action or eviction has occurred within the past five (5) years.
• If you have had a short sale or foreclosure on your home within the past five (5) years.
• If you have recently received a 3-day notice to vacate.
• If you have had two (2) or more NSF checks within the last 12 months
• If you have allowed any person(s), not on the lease, to reside on the premises.
• If we are unable to verify your information; we must deny the application.
• No Businesses operated from property. If you have a home based Business that you think we might approve of please let the Property Manager know.
• If your income is less than 3 times the rent amount.
• If your debt is more than 52 percent of income.

Site Unseen Application and Approval. It is possible to apply for the home, be approved, and sign a lease agreement without ever seeing one of our homes in person. In such a scenario, we require an incoming approved Resident to sign a Site Unseen Addendum to the Lease Agreement.

Lease Preparation Fee: $100 There is a lease preparation fee of $100 per lease agreement to prepare, forward, and offer the convenience of electronic signatures.

Acknowledgement and Representation

1  Signing the rental application (electronically) indicates that you have had the opportunity to review the Client's Resident selection criteria, which is listed above and available upon request. The Resident selection criteria may include factors such as criminal history, credit history, current income and rental history.

2.  Applicant understands that providing inaccurate or incomplete information is grounds for rejection of his/her application and forfeiture of any application fee. It may also be grounds to declare the applicant in breach of the lease, after signing.

3.  Applicant represents that the statements made in the application are true and complete.