I am a lifelong renter with a strong rental history, so this experience was extremely disappointing and frustrating.
I submitted an application for a home with this company on Friday. At the time of application, I provided my 2024 and 2025 tax returns, as their website indicated those documents were acceptable for income verification. On Monday morning, I was asked to provide additional paystubs. I promptly communicated that my husband had pre-scheduled meetings that morning, but that I would submit the requested documents as soon as possible--likely later that afternoon. I also explained that I had just had surgery but I too have income (pay stubs) I would get to him.
Before I was even given a reasonable opportunity to provide those documents, my application was denied.
The stated reasons for denial were credit rating and insufficient income. This does not make sense, as our household income exceeds the required 3x monthly rent. Additionally, their website clearly states a minimum credit score of 600 and indicates that co-signers are accepted if needed. When I asked about utilizing a co-signer, I was told "no," which directly contradicts their own published criteria.
What is most concerning is that the application process was not fully completed before the denial was issued. My current landlord was contacted to provide a rental reference at 10:18 AM, but by the time she began completing the request later that afternoon, I had already been denied. One of the denial reasons cited was "lack of sufficient relevant real estate account information," yet they did not allow adequate time for that information to even be submitted.
I have rented consistently since I was 20 years old and have never defaulted on a lease. To be denied for lack of rental history without giving my landlord the opportunity to respond--is both inaccurate and unacceptable.
I understand that not all applications are approved. However, if an application fee is required, there is an expectation that a fair, complete, and transparent review process will be conducted. In this case, that did not happen. The decision appears to have been made prematurely, without reviewing all submitted or pending information.
When I attempted to seek clarification, the representative I spoke with (John) was unhelpful and unable to address these inconsistencies.
At this point, approval is no longer my concern. I would not feel comfortable renting from a company that does not follow its own stated policies or allow applicants a fair opportunity to complete the process.
I would strongly encourage this company to review its application procedures for consistency, transparency, and fairness. I would also appreciate being directed to someone in a supervisory or management role who can properly address these concerns. read more