What All Does It Take to Get Approved for a Rental Application? Your Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wanting to move to a beautiful single-family home in the Houston area, our rental home communities are conveniently located around the metroplex and feature a variety of floor plans for you to choose from. Looking to secure your next home with ease? Here’s a clear breakdown of what it takes to get approved for a rental!

Finding The Right Home  

Browse our listings and find the best fit for you. We update our listings daily and offer a variety of floor plans to fit your needs! Be sure to narrow your search by defining your budget; a general rule of thumb is to spend roughly 1/3 of your income on housing related expenses. Additionally, all HomeSite Residential properties have a resident benefit package, which includes amenities and maintenance! The monthly administration fees for each property range from $35 and $150 depending on the property. 

Pay the Application Fee and Show Proof of Income 

Ready to take the next step toward life at HomeSite? To get started, there’s a nonrefundable $65 application fee for each adult applying. Be sure all required information is complete and accurate; missing details or unpaid fees could prevent your application from moving forward!

We want to make sure your new home is a perfect financial fit. That’s why we require proof of steady income, and look for 3 times the rent on your gross income in our approval process. If you’re traditionally employed, recent pay stubs and bank statements work well. If you’re self-employed or freelance, tax returns, financial statements, or client invoices can help us verify income stability!

Present Your Rental and Credit History

If you’ve had a broken lease or eviction within the past 12 months, your application will likely be denied. If the incident occurred more than a year ago, we may still consider your application, but you’ll need to provide some context.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have rental history, that’s okay! In some cases, a higher security deposit may be required to move forward. Each of our homes has its own credit criteria, and while a low credit score doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it may also lead to a higher deposit to ensure a smooth leasing process.

Undergo a Criminal Background Check

We strive to create a safe and welcoming community for all residents. As part of our application process, background checks are conducted to ensure a comfortable living environment. While certain serious offenses, such as those requiring sex offender registration, may disqualify an applicant, other criminal histories are reviewed thoughtfully on a case-by-case basis. We understand that everyone has a past, and we’re committed to considering each application fairly and respectfully.

Pet Policy & Fees (If Applicable)

We’re happy to welcome pets to our community because we know they’re part of the family! Pet approval is handled on a case-by-case basis, with a maximum of two pets per home.

To keep things fair and transparent, we partner with PetScreening.com, which helps us assess each pet individually. This means your monthly pet fee is based on your pet’s unique profile, not a one-size-fits-all charge.

A one-time, nonrefundable pet deposit applies, along with a monthly pet fee per approved pet. We look forward to meeting your furry companions!

Submit Your Application

We’ve designed our application process to be fast, digital-friendly, and centered around your convenience. While processing typically takes up to 5 business days, especially when there are multiple applicants for a home, you’ll receive a personalized update from a City Spot Realty representative within approximately 48 hours of submission.

Haven’t heard from us within 2 business days? No problem! Feel free to reach out anytime at leasing@cityspotrealty.com or call/text us directly at 832-412-2221.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our listings page to see which homes are currently accepting applications and find your next place to call home.

Find Your Future Rental Home With Us!

Getting approved for a rental doesn’t have to be a confusing or stressful process, especially when you know what to expect. By preparing your documents, understanding income and credit requirements, and being upfront about your rental history, you can set yourself up for success. Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or simply looking for a new place to call home in the Houston area, our rental communities offer modern, comfortable living with a streamlined application process. Contact us today and explore our listings to find a space where comfort, style, and smart design come together!