Everything it takes — before you commit to anything.
Five requirements, three phases, and one page of costs. Read it in five minutes, then apply for the home you actually want.
The five requirements
Every application is measured against the same five things. Here's what each one really means — and what to do if one doesn't fit yet.
Text us about your situation- 1 At least 18 years old Everyone signing the lease, not just the person who found the listing.
- 2 650 minimum credit score No credit history yet? That's common at your first lease — a guarantor covers it.
- 3 Cleared background check We look at criminal and rental history. Talk to us early if something might show up.
- 4 Household income 3× the rent Roommates are counted together. Part-time and student income both count.
- 5 Completed online application Done in the resident portal — about 15 minutes with your documents to hand.
Check yourself against them right now
Nothing is submitted and nothing is stored — this is just so you know where you stand before you spend fifteen minutes on an application.
Do I qualify?
Tick what's true for your household.
Tick the ones that apply to see where you stand.
The three phases
- 1 You
Portal & documents
For applicants who have not yet applied. This is where you start — create your resident portal account and submit your application and supporting information.
About 15 minutes if you have your ID, proof of income and rental history to hand.
- 2 Us
Application screening
After the information from Phase 1 is received, our team screens the application — credit, background, rental history, and income.
Applications are handled first come, first served. We cannot hold a home while you decide.
- 3 Together
Secure your home
The final phase: sign the lease, pay the deposit and any reservation or pet fees, set up utilities, and schedule your move-in.
Utilities must be in your name before you receive keys. We do not require renters insurance.
What move-in actually costs
Every line item, in the order you'll pay it. Nothing here is a surprise on lease day.
Amounts marked "varies" depend on the home — the exact figures are on your lease before you commit.
Income is counted together
Household income needs to be 3× the monthly rent — everyone on the lease combined, not each person separately.
- Every lessee applies individually and must be 18 or older
- Incomes are added together to meet the 3× requirement
- Everyone on the lease is jointly responsible for the full rent
- One guarantor can cover the household if the numbers fall short
A guarantor is normal here
First lease, thin credit file, or income that doesn't hit 3× — a guarantor solves all three. Plenty of our residents started exactly there.
A guarantor completes their own application and screening, and signs the lease alongside you. Usually that's a parent.
Ask us if yours would qualifyHonest answers
Including the ones renters don't like — we'd rather you know now than on lease day.
Can you hold a place before I apply?
Unfortunately, we cannot hold locations for individuals. All properties are leased on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend applying for the property you want as soon as possible.
What is needed to move in?
See the Application Process page for the full list. In short: a completed and approved application, the signed lease, the security deposit and any reservation or pet fees, and utilities set up in your name before you receive keys. We do not require renters insurance.
Is the deposit refundable?
The security deposit is always one month's rent, and it is refundable provided the home is left in good standing with no damage. The $200 reservation fee covers basic paint and cleaning; any additional cost is charged to the deposit. All pet deposits are non-refundable.
How do I pay rent?
Rent is paid through the resident portal — online or in the DoorLoop app. No stamps and no trip to the post office.
I want to get a pet — what do I do?
Many of our rentals are pet friendly. Pet owners pay a non-refundable pet fee, complete a pet application, and provide recent veterinary records confirming current vaccinations.
How old do I have to be to apply?
Lessees must be at least 18 years old to rent.
I don't have credit history — can my parent co-sign?
Yes. A guarantor can cover both the credit and the income requirement. Plenty of our residents start that way.
Non-discrimination policy
Happy Homes Property Management Group is committed to compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act. We do not discriminate against individuals based on, but not limited to:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
- Familial status
- Disability