Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to rent a home?
1) Apply online HERE. You may also meet us at our office, located at 300 E John Street, Suite 118, Matthews, NC 28105, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
2) Complete the online application. Each adult over the age of 18 living within the home will be required to apply separately.
3) An application fee of $50 is required at the time the application is submitted (no personal checks). This fee is non-refundable.
Your consumer credit report, criminal backgrounds, and prior evictions will be checked, but don’t let the process intimidate you! We are not looking for perfection, rather we are simply following procedure. The best thing you can do is be very up front about what we will see. An honest applicant with a few issues is likely to be accepted.
Why must I submit my deposit on the home after applying?
If you are certain that a home is for you, it is necessary that your deposit (certified checks only) be submitted along with your application. This demonstrates that you are committed to following through by signing a lease soon after notification of your approval. The security deposit also assures that no one else will be considered as a potential renter unless your application is denied and your deposit returned. Without your deposit and deposit agreement, we cannot reserve the home for you or completely process and approve your application.
If you are denied, your original certified check will be available for pick-up or returned to you via certified mail, in the event your application is not approved. You will typically be notified within two business days of the approval or disapproval of your application. We can usually review your application with you ahead of time and bring awareness to any areas of concern. It does not guarantee acceptance but gives a good indication of the likelihood of approval.
What are the qualifications I must meet for approval as a tenant?
1) It is preferrable that your monthly income is at least three times the monthly rent for the home you have expressed interest in, especially if your credit profile is weak.
2) We have a zero-tolerance policy for any violent criminal history, as well as most drug convictions.
3) Smoking is not permitted in any of our homes, as it is next to impossible to remove the smell of smoke from a home after a tenant has moved out.
4) If your credit is a concern, a first and last month's rent may be required at move in to overcome this. As an alternative, a co-signer with excellent credit could also be a great solution.
Overall, we want to see that the home the home for which you're applying will be well cared for by you and your family. Secondly, we need confidence that your financial obligations will be met in a timely manner. We know that there are many good people who have had bad things, beyond their control, happen to them, so don’t let damaged credit intimidate you. We work hard to find a way to get you approved. We also know that some applicants need to be screened out. They are characterized by a lack of respect for another's property and a willful choice to avoid their financial responsibilities. Our screening process is designed to ensure that these applicants are rejected.
Outside these general guidelines, we encourage you to apply.
Do you accept pets?
Pets are conditional. Dangerous breeds are not permitted. As pet lovers ourselves, we know your pet is an important member of the family. Additional pet deposits may apply, and these are completely refundable at move-out, less damages. A simple pet agreement, proof of rabies vaccine, and a recent photo of your pet are all that is needed. If you are a responsible pet owner, please rest assured that we are ready to welcome you and your pet!