Qualifications
To Apply
Every person over 18 must complete an application, with $40 application fee for each person
With application, need copy of state issued photo ID and proof of income
Go to the Available for Rent page to apply
Income
Must make 3 times the rent UNLESS:
IF unit includes ALL utilities, must make 2 times the rent
IF unit includes ALL utilities EXCEPT electric, must make 2.5 times the rent
Pet / Animal
An animal screening is required if animals are to be considered. ALL applicants, whether applicant has animals or not, must create a pet
profile at zessin.petscreening.com
5 Paws – $25 per month
4 Paws – $35 per month
3 Paws – $50 per month
2 Paws – $75 per month
1 Paw – $100 per month
Credit Check
Scores of 601 or above will may approved
Scores of 550-600 will be approved if applicants have rental assistance (such as section 8) along with a $30 per month Credit Contingency Fee
Persons with No credit score may approved with $60 per month Credit Contingency Fee
Background Check
No misdemeanor for bodily harm or intentional damage to property in the last 3 years
No felony for the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance, or felony for bodily injury or intentional property damage in the last 7 years
NO sexual related offenses ever, including any that may or may not require registration.
NO offenses for violence against children, including any that may or may not require registration
NO orders of protection against any applicant in the last 3 years or no more than 2 orders of protection in any 5 year period.
Rental / Residency History
Ideally, no evictions in the last 3 years, no more than 1 eviction ever.
Otherwise:
Additional months deposit for an eviction over 3 years old
No more than 3 residences in the last 5 years, unless there is verifiable job or school transfers
Must not owe current or previous landlord / financial institution / property manager any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the application refundable?
What if there are multiple applications on the same property?
We will process all applications as they are received and approve or disapprove each applicant. The first applicant who is approved AND pays the first full months rent gets the home.
What happens if I get approved for a home, but another applicant pays the rent first?
I like a few of your properties, do I need to fill out a separate application for each property?
How long does it take for the application to get approved/disapproved?
Why do I need to complete a ‘pet profile” if I don’t have any pets?
Why is a ‘pet score’ used and how is it determined?
Several factors are weighed when calculating the FIDO Score, including, but not limited to Type of Animal, Breed, Age, Weight, Gender, Vaccination History, Behavioral Traits, Pet Owner’s Care, etc.
How does the first months rent work?
Once you are approved, you will need to pay athe first full months rent.
If you decide to not take the home or can’t complete the requirements (such as can’t get utilities in your name), we put the home back on the market. Once it is rented, we pro-rate by the number of days the home was off the market until the day it is rented, subtract that amount, and send you back the difference (if any).
Do you accept section 8?
Yes, we do accept section 8. However, section 8 applicants must follow same process as any other applicant plus complete Springfield Housing Authority’s requirements.