The application process begins once all required items have been submitted, including the completed rental application, payment of the $64 application fee for the credit and background screening administered through Stessa / RentPrep, and all supporting documentation. Applicants must upload to SMRE the required documents, including a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport), proof of income, and rental history information. Once these materials are received and Stessa / RentPrep has completed the credit and background screening, SMRE reviews the submitted documentation and screening report together. SMRE then makes a determination on the application and notifies the applicant of the decision.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient and stable income. The combined gross monthly household income must be at least three (3) times the monthly rent.

Applicants must provide verifiable proof of income, such as recent pay stubs (one month), an employment offer letter, bank statements, tax returns, or documentation of government benefits, retirement income, or housing assistance, where applicable.

For applicants who are self-employed or have variable income, SMRE may request additional documentation, such as bank statements or tax returns, to verify income stability or clarify financial information provided in the application.

SMRE works with Stessa / RentPrep, a third-party screening provider, to conduct credit and background checks of applicants. Applicants are required to pay the $64 screening fee, which covers the cost of the credit and background reports.

Once the screening is complete, SMRE will review the reports as part of the application evaluation. Factors that may be considered include payment history, outstanding debt, collections accounts, and the applicant’s overall credit profile. Negative credit events, such as unpaid collections, charge-offs, or prior rental-related debt, may affect eligibility.

Background screening includes a criminal history check. If criminal history is identified, SMRE may conduct an individualized assessment, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time that has passed, and any relevance to the safety of residents or the property.

Applicants with limited or no established credit history may still be considered but may be required to provide additional documentation or satisfy additional conditions as part of the approval process.

SMRE works with Stessa / RentPrep, a third-party screening provider, to conduct credit and background checks of applicants. Applicants are required to pay the $64 screening fee, which covers the cost of the credit and background reports.

Once the screening is complete, SMRE reviews the reports as part of the application evaluation. Factors that may be considered include payment history, outstanding debt, collections accounts, and the applicant’s overall credit profile. Negative credit events, such as unpaid collections, charge-offs, or prior rental-related debt, may affect eligibility.

Applicants with limited or no established credit history may still be considered but may be required to provide additional documentation or satisfy additional conditions as part of the approval process.

Applicants must provide at least two (2) years of residential rental history, including current and prior addresses and contact information for previous landlords or property managers, where applicable.

SMRE may contact current or previous landlords to verify rental history. Factors that may be considered include payment history, lease compliance, property care, and any prior lease violations or disputes.

Eviction records or outstanding rental debt may affect eligibility and will be considered as part of the overall application evaluation.

If an applicant has limited rental history, SMRE may request additional documentation or references to evaluate the application.

Providing inaccurate or incomplete rental history information may result in denial of the application.