RENTAL CRITERIA

 

 

     At Heartland Property Management and Sales, we are committed to providing high-quality rental homes while ensuring a positive             living experience for all tenants. Our rental criteria are designed to ensure fair, consistent, and responsible selection of tenants. We do       not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or national origin with regard to housing.  Below           are the key factors we consider when evaluating rental applications.

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    This is an application to rent only and does not guarantee the applicant will be offered the Rental.  Landlord or Manager may accept          more than one application for the Rental and, using their sole and exclusive discretion, select the first qualified applicant.

 

    1. Application Process

      All prospective tenants must complete a rental application for each adult (18 years or older) who will be residing in the rental unit.              Each applicant will be required to provide valid identification, proof of income, and references. All information provided must be              truthful and accurate. 

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   2. Income and Employment Requirements

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• Income Verification: Applicants must provide proof of a stable income that meets or exceeds three times the monthly rent. Acceptable forms of verification include:

  • Recent pay stubs

  • Bank statements

  • Tax returns

  • Offer letter or proof of employment

 

• Employment History: Applicants must have a minimum of six months of continuous employment at the time of application. Applicants are required to submit one month of paystubs for verification of employment.  If self-employed, applicants must provide proof of consistent income through the previous year’s personal income tax return and the previous two month’s personal bank statements.  Applicants must provide income verification within 48 hours of submitting their application.

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   3. Credit History

• Credit Score: We require a minimum credit score of 600. A higher score may improve your application, and a lower score may require additional deposits or a co-signer.

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• Credit Report Review: We review credit reports to ensure applicants have a history of responsible financial management. We consider:

  • Timely payment of previous rent or mortgage payments

  • Absence of bankruptcies or significant collections within the past 3 years

  • No current or pending evictions

  • Any judgment from a utility provider must be satisfied

  • Landlord/Tenant court records or unpaid Landlord collections in the past 5 years may result in denial of the application

 

• Negative Credit: Applicants with significant negative credit history (e.g., excessive collections, recent bankruptcies, or evictions) may still be considered, but additional security deposits or a cosigner may be required.

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• Cosigner/Lease Guarantor:  Cosigners/Guarantors may be considered for applicants who are solely denied based on income or lack of established credit history.  Cosigners/Guarantors will not be considered for applicants who fail to meet rental history, credit, or criminal background qualifications.  The following will be required of all Cosigners/Guarantors:

  • Must complete an application, pay the application fee, and provide all necessary supporting documentation.  Credit and criminal history reports will be obtained on all Cosigners/Guarantors

  • Must qualify by having a net monthly income of at least five (5) times the monthly rental rate

  • Must have exemplary mortgage or rental reference

  • Must be a relative or employer (friends may not serve as a Cosigner/Guarantor)

  • Must sign the lease and remain on the lease through the entire lease term

  • Must meet a minimum credit score of 700 and meet all other Tenant Screening Criteria

 

   4. Rental History

• Present/Previous Rental Experience: Applicant(s) must provide at least two years of verifiable rental history. This includes contact information for previous landlords to confirm the following:

  • Timeliness of rental payments

  • Proper care of the rental property

  • Absence of lease violations

 

• Evictions: Applicants with a history of evictions may be denied, particularly if they occurred within the past 5 years. However, we will review each case on an individual basis.

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• References: We require at least two personal references to ensure the applicant is a responsible and reliable tenant.

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• First-Time Renters:  An applicant does not have to have a prior rental history.  First-time renters may be accepted with higher deposits and/or a lease guarantor. 

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   **Note: If an applicant is renting from an individual or family member, a notarized statement from the individual/family member           stating the length of the residency, the amount of monthly rental payments, and the current status of the account will be required.  A         higher deposit may be required.

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   5. Criminal Background

• Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted for all applicants. Applicants with convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, or other felony offenses may be denied. We review each criminal history on a case-by-case basis and consider the nature and time that has passed since the conviction.  It is our right to ask an applicant the dates and nature of any criminal activity as described above and on the public record.  Any active warrant will result in denial.

• Sex Offender Registry: Applicants who are listed on the national sex offender registry will not be considered.

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   6. Pets

• Pet Policy: Heartland Property Management and Sales may allow pets in certain properties. Pets are never allowed without prior written permission.  Pets are subject to approval, and the following criteria apply:

  • Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds may not be permitted (e.g., pit bulls, rottweilers, chows, or other aggressive breeds).

  • Size and Weight Limit: Pets must be under 50 pounds unless otherwise specified by the property.

  • Pet Deposit: A $300 refundable pet deposit will be required and must be paid prior to move-in. Pet deposit may be refundable upon move out subject to any Pet-caused damages that may be found.

  • Pet Rent:  A monthly Pet Rent of $35.00 per month for the initial pet plus an additional $15.00 per month for every additional pet will be charged and due payable on the 1st day of each month along with rent. 

  • Pet References: Applicants with pets must provide references from previous landlords or a vet showing that the pet has a history of being well-behaved.

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   7. Smoking Policy

• Smoking: Heartland Property Management and Sales enforces a strict no-smoking policy inside all rental properties. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas, if applicable.

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   8. Occupancy:

• Limits:  Occupancy limits have been established by the size of the unit.  Maximum number of persons allowed is as follows (unless otherwise defined by statute or local ordinance):

  • No more than 2 occupants per bedroom plus one are allowed unless otherwise provided for under applicable state law. 

                               

• Applicant must physically reside in the Rental for which they are applying and disclose all persons that will be occupying the Rental.  All persons 18 years of age or older must be a leaseholder and qualify for the Rental with the applicant. 

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   9. Security Deposit

• Security Deposit: A security deposit is required for all rental properties. The deposit amount will vary based on the rental property and the applicant’s qualifications but typically ranges from one to two months' rent.  Deposits are held for damages only and are not applicable to rent at any time.  Properties are not taken off the market without a security deposit. 

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• Refunds: The security deposit will be refunded at the end of the lease term, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

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   10. Application Fees

• Non-refundable Application Fee:  An application fee is required from each adult applicant (18 years of age or older). This fee covers the cost of processing the application, including credit and background checks. The application fee is $65 per adult.

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   11. Lease Term

• Minimum Lease Term:  Our standard lease term is a minimum of 12 months.

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• Renewal Options: At the end of the lease term, tenants may be offered the opportunity to renew the lease based on the property’s availability and the tenant’s performance during the lease.

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   12. Fair Housing Compliance

        Heartland Property Management and Sales is committed to providing equal housing opportunities. We comply with all federal,                  state, and local fair housing laws, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of:

• Race

• Color

• Religion

• Sex

• National origin

• Disability

• Familial status

 

   We aim to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all prospective tenants.

 

   13. Conclusion

        We strive to make the rental process transparent and straightforward. If you meet the criteria outlined above and are interested in              renting one of our properties, please feel free to submit an application.

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       If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at:

       Heartland Property Management and Sales
       Phone:  405-812-8088
       Email: heartlandpms@gmail.com
       Website: www.heartlandpms.com

       We look forward to helping you find your next home!

 

       Note: The criteria listed above are subject to change based on individual property requirements and applicable laws.       

       All decisions are made at the discretion of Heartland Property Management and Sales.