Applicant FAQs

Got questions about renting with us? You’re not alone — here are the answers to what most applicants ask.

How do you screen potential residents?

We use a two-step screening process designed to be fair, consistent, and transparent while ensuring a good fit for both residents and property owners.

Step 1: Pre-Qualification (Required Before Showings)

Before scheduling a showing or providing access to a property, we complete a quick pre-screening to confirm:

  • Income meets the general requirement
  • Desired move-in date aligns with availability
  • No disqualifying criminal history
  • No prior evictions
  • Pets meet property guidelines (if applicable)
  • You understand the rent amount and deposit requirements

Step 2: Full Application Screening

Once you apply, all applicants are evaluated using the same criteria in full compliance with Fair Housing laws.

✔ Income

  • Household income of approximately 3× the monthly rent
  • Verified through pay stubs, W‑2s, tax returns, or bank statements

✔ Criminal Background Check

  • Reviewed in accordance with federal, state, and local laws
  • Evaluated based on type, severity, and recency of offenses
  • We do not use blanket denials

✔ Rental History

  • Positive rental references
  • No recent evictions (typically within the past 5 years)
  • No outstanding landlord balances

✔ Credit

  • A financial history that demonstrates responsibility
  • We review overall patterns, not just a single number

✔ Identity Verification

  • All adults must provide valid identification
  • All adults must complete the application and screening process

Special Situations: Medically Dependent Adult Children

If you have a medically dependent adult child (18+):

  • They are not required to meet income requirements
  • They are not financially responsible for the lease
  • They must complete background screening
  • They must be listed on the lease as a dependent occupant
  • Reasonable accommodations are available upon request
What credit issues could affect my approval?

We require a minimum credit score of 600 for all financially responsible applicants.

  • Applicants with scores between 590–599 may still be considered if other factors—such as income, rental history, and overall application strength—are favorable.
  • Applicants with a score below 590 are not eligible for approval, regardless of other circumstances.

Please note that co-signers are not accepted to offset poor credit. Co-signers may only be considered in cases of insufficient income, not to overcome credit or background concerns.

We strongly recommend reviewing your credit profile before applying to ensure you meet these requirements.

What if I don’t have credit score?

All applicants who are 18 years or older are required to submit a full application, even if they do not have an established credit history.

Please note that having no credit history may impact the approval decision depending on your overall qualifications, including income and rental history.

If you are applying on your own and do not have a credit history, a guarantor (co-signer) may be required. A guarantor is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for the lease if needed. However, a guarantor does not guarantee approval.

Key conditions:

  • You must still meet income and rental history requirements, with the only missing factor being credit history
  • A guarantor may only be used in cases of no credit history and cannot be used to offset poor or negative credit
  • If you are applying with another occupant who independently meets all qualification standards, a guarantor may not be required, subject to Property Manager review

If a guarantor is required, they must:

  • Complete a full rental application
  • Pay the $50 screening fee
  • Independently qualify based on income, credit, and rental history standards

All guarantor arrangements are subject to review and approval on a case-by-case basis.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a $50 application fee per applicant. This fee must be paid before we can begin processing your application.

Can I get a refund on the application fee if I’m not approved?

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

This fee covers the cost of processing your application, including credit, criminal, and background screenings, which are completed as part of our review process regardless of the outcome.

Will I lose my application fee if someone else is approved before me?

Application fees are non-refundable, even if another applicant is approved before your application is processed or completed. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

For this reason, we recommend applying only for homes you’re ready to move forward with and submitting a complete application as soon as possible to avoid delays.

If the home you applied for is no longer available, you’re welcome to explore our other listings at https://foxpropertyco.com/find-rentals/ . If you find another property you’re interested in, just let us know—we’ll gladly transfer your application at no additional cost.

Are pets allowed?

Pets may be allowed on a case-by-case basis, subject to completion of a pet profile through PetScreening and final approval by the property owner.

If approved, the following will apply:

  • A non-refundable pet fee of $350 per pet (due upon lease approval)
  • Monthly pet rent of $25 per pet

If you have a pet, we recommend submitting your PetScreening profile early in the application process to avoid delays.

Do you accept roommate situations?

Roommate households (multiple unrelated adults living together) may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific property.

All adults (18+) must:

  • Submit a separate application
  • Meet screening requirements
  • Sign the lease and share full responsibility

If approved, roommate households typically require a double security deposit.

Please note:

  • Not all properties allow roommate situations
  • All occupants must be approved and listed on the lease
  • Adding or replacing roommates later requires prior approval and screening

Married couples are not considered roommates and are processed as a single household.

If you’re unsure whether a property allows roommates, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to check for you.

What do I need to rent a home?
  • Tour the Home – View the property in person to ensure it meets your needs.
  • Apply & Get Approved – Submit your application for review.
  • Sign the Lease – Once approved, sign the lease within one business day (sent electronically).
  • Pay Security Deposit – Due within one business day after lease signing via your tenant portal.
  • Complete Move-In Requirements (before or on move-in date):
    • Pay first month’s rent and any applicable fees
    • Set up utilities (power and water) in your name
    • Provide proof of renters insurance (listing us as landlord or interested party)
  • Move In – Once all requirements are completed, you’re ready to receive possession and enjoy your new home.
What is the security deposit?

In most cases, the security deposit is equal to one month’s rent (for example, $1,500 rent = $1,500 deposit). Depending on your application and credit profile, the deposit may be up to two months’ rent.

In some situations, conditional approval terms may be offered based on your qualifications. Any such conditions will always be:

  • Clearly communicated before your lease is signed
  • Provided in writing for your review

You are not required to accept conditional terms; however, declining them may result in your application not being approved.

Is rent pro-rated if I move in mid-month?

Yes. If you move in partway through the month, your rent is pro-rated, meaning you only pay for the days you actually occupy the home.

For example, if the monthly rent is $1,500 and you move in on the 16th of a 30-day month, you would pay $750 for the remainder of the month.

This ensures you’re only paying for the time you live in the home, not the entire month.

How much do I need to move in?

Before move-in, you’ll need to pay the security deposit and the first full month’s rent, along with any prorated rent if applicable.

Payments can be made by cashier’s check, money order, or through your online resident portal.

When will I receive my security deposit back?

After you return all keys and vacate the property, we will complete a documented move‑out inspection within 1–3 business days.

Within 30 days of move‑out, you will receive either:

  • A full refund of your security deposit, or
  • A written itemized list of any lawful deductions, along with the remaining balance of your deposit.

Refunds are issued from our trust account and may be sent by ACH or check, depending on your preference.

All deductions are based on the comparison of your move‑in and move‑out inspections, supported by photos and documentation.

Do you accept section 8 (AKA housing assistance, AKA vouchers)?

We accept Housing Choice Vouchers at properties where the owner has approved participation in the program. Each listing will indicate whether vouchers are accepted for that specific home.

What utilities am I responsible for?

Residents are typically responsible for all utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, unless otherwise noted in your lease agreement.

How long will you hold a rental unit?

We can hold a rental unit for up to 14 days after your application is approved, as long as the security deposit has been paid.

Please note that if you decide to cancel after paying the deposit, the security deposit is non-refundable.

In some cases, a longer hold—up to 30 days—may be available if approved by the property owner. This requires:

  • Written approval from the owner
  • Payment of the full security deposit
  • A non-refundable holding fee (if applicable)
How many people need to apply for the home through your website?

Every adult (18 years or older) who will be living in the home must submit a separate application through our website.

If you have a medically dependent adult child, they are not required to meet income or financial qualification requirements. However, they must still complete a background screening and will be listed on the lease as a dependent occupant.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Fair Housing Act.

Do you have a Military Clause in your lease agreements?

Yes. All Fox Property Management lease agreements include a Military Clause in compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Active‑duty service members may terminate their lease early without penalty when proper military orders are provided, as required by federal law.

How long will the application process take?

Your application will be processed as quickly as possible. Timely submission of all required documents helps speed things up. We verify information with third parties, including employers and current or prior landlords, so please ensure all details are accurate and up to date.

Our standard processing time is typically 7–10 business days.

How do I get an update on my rental application status?

Our standard processing time is 7–10 business days. If you experience a delay, please email contact@foxpropertyco.com. Include your application number, full name, and the property address to help us respond more quickly

How will I know if my application is approved or denied?

You will receive an email with the outcome of your application.

If your application is approved, the email will include your approval notice along with next steps for paying the security deposit, signing the lease, and scheduling your move‑in.

If your application is denied, you will receive an email notification with information about the decision. Applicants may also request a copy of their screening report directly from the screening provider, as required by law.

Do I need to provide any documentation at the time of my application?

Yes. Please provide the following with your application:

  • Copy of your driver’s license or valid photo ID
  • Proof of income for the past 60 days:
    • W-2 Employees: Pay stubs covering 60 consecutive days
    • 1099 / Self-Employed: Either
      • Most recent tax return (no older than 3 months), or
      • Current profit & loss (P&L) statement for the latest quarter
What are the typical lease term lengths? Do you offer short-term leases?

We primarily offer 12-month leases. Shorter-term options (such as month-to-month, 3-month, or 6-month leases) are offered only in limited cases.

Will I need renters insurance?

Yes. All tenants are required to carry renters insurance effective on or before the lease start date. Keys will not be released until valid proof of coverage is provided.

Your policy must:

  • Meet the minimum coverage requirements outlined in your lease
  • List Fox Real Estate as the landlord or interested party

Please refer to your lease agreement for full coverage details and requirements.

How do I view a rental home?

Viewing instructions vary by property and will be clearly listed in the advertisement.

Please do not assume a home is available for viewing unless it is clearly stated in the listing.

All showings begin with a quick pre-qualification process. Once you’re pre-qualified, we’ll provide instructions for accessing the home, if eligible.

Pre-Qualification Requirement

All prospects must complete a quick pre-screening to confirm:

  • Income meets the general requirement
  • Desired move-in date aligns with availability
  • No disqualifying criminal history
  • No prior evictions
  • Pets meet property guidelines (if applicable)
  • You understand the rent amount and deposit requirements

Secure Self-Guided Showings

For properties offering self-guided access, additional identity verification may be required. This includes:

  • Submitting a selfie and valid ID for verification
  • Receiving a single-use, time-limited access PIN once approved
How do I access the property for a showing?

We use a secure lockbox system for most vacant properties. After pre-qualification, you’ll receive a one-time, time-limited PIN code to access the key.

What do I need before I can get a lockbox code?

Before access is granted, you must complete a quick pre-screening to confirm:

  • Income meets the requirement
  • Move-in date aligns with availability
  • No prior evictions
  • No disqualifying criminal history
  • Pets meet property guidelines (if applicable)
  • You understand the rent and deposit

In some cases, additional ID verification (selfie + ID match) may be required.

How long does my access code last?

Your lockbox code is:

  • Single-use only
  • Valid for a limited time window (typically 30–60 minutes)

Once the time expires, the code will no longer work.

Can I reuse the code or share it with someone else?

No. Each code is unique to you and cannot be reused or shared. This helps protect the property and ensure a secure showing process.

Do you offer after-hours or weekend showings?

Yes. One of the benefits of our lockbox system is flexible scheduling, which may include evenings and weekends, depending on availability.

Are all properties available for lockbox showings?

Not always. Lockbox access is typically available for vacant properties only.

For:

  • Tenant-occupied homes, or
  • Certain higher-end properties

Showings may be scheduled and accompanied instead.

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