Will you work with me if I have bad credit?

Some applicants have some dings on their credit report so we have to look at your overall rental application. We are more interested in the things that created the bad credit score than the score itself.

Below are some additional details to help you understand how we may assess the quality of your credit history:

  • Outstanding bad debts being reported on credit report of more than $100 but less than $1000 may be accepted with proper explanation and proof.
  • Excessive balances sent to collections may result in denial.
  • Poor ratings on consumer revolving credit accounts (bank cards, merchant accounts, etc) may result in denial.

​Please discuss any credit issues you may have with your Leasing Agent, Site Manager prior to making application.

What credit score will I need to be able to rent from Landmark Management Services?

Yes, credit scores are important to us, but we are more interested in the things that created the credit score than the score itself. A less than desirable credit score may be off-set by great rental history and solid income.

650-800 = Standard Approval*
600-649 = Conditional Approval* (typically requires double-deposit)
530-599 = Possible Denial (If approved, double deposit will be required)
Below 530 = Credit scores below 530 will not be approved, even with a double-deposit.

Other factors that may affect the overall approval

  • Foreclosure
  • Bankruptcy
  • Minimal/Negative/Unverifiable Rental History
  • Evictions
  • Criminal Charges

Income Verification (required last 3 pay stubs required)

For specific questions regarding your background please call our office for further detail.

What information is checked in the application I make with Landmark Management Services?

Our background check consists of

  • credit check
  • public record search
  • criminal background check
  • income verification
  • employment verification
  • rental history

How much income will I need to qualify for property with Landmark Management Services?

Your NET monthly income must be a minimum of 2.5 times the monthly rent.  You will be required to provide proof of income whether you are employed by a 3rd party, or self-employed.

  • If you are self-employed, you will need to provide the following proof of income
    • bank statements
    • tax returns.
  • If you are not self-employed you will need to provide the following proof of income
    • copies of your last 3 pay stubs
    • tax returns.

What will I need to show for rental references to qualify?

You will need to provide a rental reference which confirms a minimum of 1 year or more of valid, verifiable residence history from a third-party landlord. If you have rental history shorter than 12 months a double deposit may be required. As well, if you have a history of breaking leases, or have unpaid rental judgments, you will not be approved for a lease at Landmark Management Services.

Below are some additional details to help you understand how we may view your rental history:

  • Three (3) or more 3-Day Notices within a 12 month period will result in denial.
  • Two (2) or more NSF checks within a 12 months period may result in denial.
  • Rental history reflecting any unpaid/past due balance will result in denial.
  • Rental history reflecting any property damage or disturbance may result in denial.

What about criminal history?

Misdemeanors

  • Any Misdemeanor may be subject to Denial.
  • Type of charge and date of conviction may effect the decision.
  • Proof of resolution will also be required.

Felonies

  • Any Felony conviction less than 7 years from release will be denied.
  • Per Federal regulation, drug and alcohol use felonies may be acceptable with proper documentation.

Regardless of conviction date, no applicant with a felony conviction for any of the following will be accepted.

  • Acts of violence
  • Sex crimes
  • Illegal manufacturing, possession or distribution of drugs including marijuana.

Do you accept Section 8 tenants who have a voucher?

In short, yes! If you see a house you like, be sure to check the listing details. Each rental home we advertise will state if Section 8 is accepted. If you do see that the house you like accepts section 8 you will be required to meet the same criteria as stated above for tenancy qualifications with the exception that income requirements apply only to your portion of the rent.

Remember, it is always your responsibility to contact your Case Worker and verify your own specific Section 8 requirements to for residency.  We will require your Case Worker to verify the income/rental voucher amount for the particular property of interest.

How long is the Lease term?

A regular Lease Agreement is typically for one year.  When a Purchase Option Addendum is signed, we may extend the Agreement during the lease term if benchmark performance dictates an extension.

What is your Occupancy standard for household size?

Although each property is different, and some cases, the city where a property is located, may impose specific occupancy limitations, here are some general guidelines to consider for maximum occupancy based on number of bedrooms:

  • Studio – 1 Occupant
  • 1 Bedroom Unit – 2 Occupants
  • 2 Bedroom Unit – 4 Occupants
  • 3 Bedroom Unit – 6 Occupants
  • 4 Bedroom Unit – 8 Occupants

If you have questions, one of our Leasing Agents or Site Managers will be happy to guide you on what is/is not acceptable.