Renting & Leasing

RENTAL SCREENING CRITERIA

Please review these guidelines before submitting your application. All criteria are applied in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local fair housing laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and local rent ordinances.

1. Income Requirements
   Applicants must demonstrate a verifiable gross monthly income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. For example, for a unit renting at $3,000 per month, the required income would be at least $9,000 per month. Acceptable sources of income include, but are not limited to: wages, self-employment earnings, government benefits (e.g., Social Security, SSI, Section 8), alimony, child support, and other lawful, verifiable income. In accordance with California law, all lawful sources of income will be considered.
   
   

2. Credit History
   A minimum credit score of 700  is generally required. Applicants with credit scores below 700  may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to additional conditions such as a  the requirement of a qualified co-signer. Credit reports will be obtained from a consumer credit reporting agency in compliance with the California Civil Code.
   
   

3. Criminal Background
   We conduct individualized assessments of criminal history in accordance with California law. Convictions that pose a demonstrable risk to resident safety or property may result in denial. Arrests that did not result in conviction, sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, or convictions older than seven years (with some exceptions) will not be considered.
   
   

4. Rental History
   Applicants must provide at least six months to one year of verifiable rental history.  Favorable references from previous landlords are preferred. Applicants with prior evictions, lease violations, or outstanding rental balances may be denied unless they can provide mitigating circumstances or documentation.
   
   

5. Occupancy Guidelines
   Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, in accordance with California Department of Fair Employment and Housing guidelines and local codes. For example, a one-bedroom unit may accommodate up to two persons. Reasonable accommodation requests for larger households will be considered in compliance with fair housing laws.
   
   

6. Pet Policy
   Pets,  When allowed, a maximum of two (2) pets per unit is permitted. Breed or size restrictions may apply and must be disclosed in advance . A pet deposit required. Assistance animals are not considered pets and are exempt from pet fees and restrictions under California and federal law.
   
   

7. Smoking Policy
   Smoking is not allowed in the rental unit or in any common areas. This includes tobacco, cannabis, or any other combustible substance. This policy applies to all indoor areas and designated outdoor spaces.
   
   

8. Application Fees
   A nonrefundable application fee of $39.95 per applicant (18 years or older) is required. This fee covers the cost of processing the application, including background and credit checks by RentSpree. In accordance with California law, the fee will not exceed the maximum allowable amount as adjusted annually by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
   
   

9. Additional Requirements
   
   

• Renter’s Insurance may be required with minimum liability coverage of $300,000 per occurrence.
  
  

• Vehicle Restrictions may apply based on parking availability.
  
  

• Additional terms or conditions may apply and will be disclosed during the application process.

Apply: 2379 30th Avenue #B, San Francisco 

Appy: 1 Bristol Court #412, San Francisco 

Requiring renters insurance from tenants is something that many landlords typically overlook. In case significant damage to the property is caused by the tenant, you may need more than your landlord’s insurance to cover the cost of addressing the damage. Compensation, however, may be sought through the tenant’s liability coverage. Obtaining renters insurance will also protect tenants’ personal belongings through policies covering losses.

Addressing repairs promptly will help save your property from more damage, helping you minimize costs. For example, if you repair a minor leak immediately, you’re preventing the possible spread of mold, which saves other parts of your property. Repairs performed on time indicate that you take necessary steps to protect your property, which means the tenant should do so, too.

Remember to take photos and videos of your property before tenants move in and repeat the process once they move out so you can see the potential damage to the property. Keep track of repair costs, collect receipts, detailed job descriptions, and records of invoices.

You can use online resources like Home Advisor to find reliable licensed contractors, complete with reviews, ratings, and experience levels. Building your network of dependable contractors will be very useful down the line if you need repairs on your property, so you can maintain its good condition and keep your tenants satisfied.

They are strategically Renovating, which leads to increased rent and better tenants. For example, make sure your property has clean and durable flooring. In addition, increasing the rent is also one of the first things a tenant thinks about when looking at a property.

A real estate attorney can help to keep you updated on current zoning ordinances and more. In case you need to go through the eviction process, for example, San Francisco requires strict compliance with the law – you will need help from an attorney to ensure the demand notice includes the formal language and is served correctly.

As a landlord, rent serves as your income – property management fees, taxes, repair costs, and other expenses. If you treat your investment property as if you’re running a business, it’ll be easier for you to reach your goals as a landlord.