Tenant Selection Criteria

Overview

All prospective tenants must read the following application instructions and rental criteria prior to submitting a rental application for the listed one bedroom apartment at 4220 Bagley Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103.

In addition, prospective tenants have read the Seattle Renter Handbook as required by law and understand their rights and responsibilities as a renter.

Only completed applications will be further processed in the order received. Groups of more than one applicant will not be considered complete until the applications from all members of the group are received. Each applicant of legal age must submit an individual rental application.

A fully completed application includes filling out the online application form, paying the tenant screening fee, and complete and final landlord references, mortgage payment verification, and employment verification as indicated in the application form have been received.

Applications are not accepted unless all applicants have viewed the property. For applicants outside the area, one member of the group of residents or another individual identified by the applicant must visit the property in person or use Skype, FaceTime, or another interactive “real time” method of taking a virtual tour of the property on behalf of those not present in person. Failure to arrive on time for the showing appointment, or to provide advance notice of the intent to reschedule, may result in denial of the application.

As part of our rental screening process, we will access the following information:

  • Review and verification of all documentation provided by the applicant(s).
  • Consumer Report to be obtained through the Rental Housing Association of Washington; 1101 N Northlake Way, Ste 2., Seattle WA 98103; Phone: (833) 906-297

Terms to Be Offered

  • Application Fee: $45 per applicant
  • Rent: $2100/ month
  • Security Deposit: $2100
  • Pet Policy: No Pets
  • Smoking Policy: No smoking
  • Tenant is responsible for all utilities (water, sewage, electric, internet)
  • 12 or 15 month lease

Application Process & Tenant Selection Criteria

  1. Complete all application requirements. Application is not considered complete until all items below have been completed. For each person 18 years and older to reside at the property:
  • Provide a copy of positive Government issued ID
  • Applicant on time for showing appointment
  • Fully completed consumer report application with
  • Proof of adequate income which could include but is not limited to any of the following: two most recent paycheck stub; last two years of tax return copies for self-employed applicants; copies of deposit slips, investment earnings documents, Social Security earnings; any other additional sources of income the applicant wishes to be considered.
  1. Able/willing to meet the lease requirements:
  • Able to provide certified funds (cashier’s check or money order) for the entire first month rent at time of lease signing.
  • Able to pay the security deposit at time of occupancy.
  • Accepts and agrees that each tenant is jointly and severally liable for the payment of the rent (and other lease terms).
  • Accepts and agrees to the no pets, no smoking and no waterbeds policies.
  • Agrees and accepts that the lease language prohibits home-based businesses.
  • Accepts and agrees to all other lease terms.
  • Agree that you have received, reviewed and understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter to have read the following handout as required by law: Seattle Renter Handbook
  1. Rental History
  • 24 months of valid, verifiable year rental history (unless current residence is/was owned by applicants and mortgage payments are current or were current when residence sold)
  • No prior evictions on applicant(s) record
  • Two (2) positive landlord references (i.e. timely rent payment, no damage in excess of normal wear and tear, no documented rule violations, timely issuance of notices of intent to vacate and compliance therewith.) from within the last five (5) years. References must have a valid phone number and email address. If past or present landlord(s) do not respond to requests for information within 48 hours of being contacted, that may result in denial due to unavailability of verifiable favorable rental history.
  • A pattern of paying rent on time; no more than one incidence in any 12 month period of either a late payment or NSF check.
  • No more than 1 noise complaint in any 12 month period and in the event of a complaint, the tenants stopped the noise upon being notified
  • Caused no damage (other than minor damage that was inadvertent)
  • Fulfilled rental/lease agreement
  • Home ownership will be verified through tax records or credit report.
  1. Income and Debt
  • Monthly verifiable income must be equal to at least 3 times the monthly rental amount.   
  • Each applicant must have sufficient verifiable income so that no more than 40% of income is used for rent payment.
  • Proof of income, which could include (depending on income source): Verification from the employer and/or most recent paycheck stub; Tax return copies for self-employed individuals; Documentation of other income.
  • No excessive debt which may impact the ability to pay rent. Each applicant must demonstrate sufficient income that no more than 50% of income is used for combined rent and debt payments.
  1. Credit History
  • Credit score of at least 720 from one of the three major credit reporting agencies
  • All open accounts in good standing for 2 years
  • No pattern of delinquent payments of rent or debts
  • No bankruptcy within the last 5 years
  • Credit history free of negative credit issues which may indicate an applicant is high risk and/or indicates a pattern of payment delinquency
  1. Other
  • Unverifiable social security number is grounds for denial
  • Falsified or incomplete rental application is grounds for denial

First set of applications for a tenancy that is complete, verifiable and meet the listed screening criteria for all applicants will be offered first opportunity to lease the property. Applicant(s) must all sign and complete the lease agreement and pay the required initial monies within 48 hours of being offered the opportunity to lease the property.