Qualifications

Qualification Summary

Before applying, please confirm the following:

  • Household gross monthly income is at least three (3x) the rent

  • Minimum three (3) years of verifiable rental history or proof of home ownership

    • Rental history with friends or family does not qualify

  • No evictions or broken leases within the past seven (7) years

  • No outstanding debt to any housing provider

  • All occupants 18 years of age or older must submit an application

  • Credit score impacts security deposit amount and may require a monthly Credit Assurance Fee

  • Increased security deposits and/or fees apply for credit scores below 620

  • Criminal background screening required for all applicants

  • Pets subject to approval and additional monthly pet rent

If you do not meet the above criteria, we recommend not applying, as application fees are non-refundable.

Resident Qualifications (Please Read Carefully)

We do not pre-screen applications. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the qualifications below and determining whether they meet the minimum requirements before applying. If you believe you meet these criteria, you are encouraged to submit an application.

Income Requirements

  • Household gross monthly income must be at least three (3x) the monthly rent

  • All income must be verifiable

  • Unverifiable income may result in denial or may require an additional security deposit

  • Examples of income requiring verification include SSI, child support, disability, and similar sources

Rental History

  • Minimum three (3) years of rental history required

    • Exception: Proof of home ownership

  • Rental history with friends or family does not qualify

  • No evictions or broken leases within the past seven (7) years

  • No outstanding debt to any housing provider

  • If applicable:

    • Proof of honorable reconciliation required

    • Positive re-established rental history required

Criminal History

  • No violent crimes against a person within the past ten (10) years

  • Automatic denial for convictions or pending cases involving:

    • Murder

    • Sexual assault

    • Crimes against a child

    • Human trafficking

    • Similar serious offenses

Bankruptcy

  • All bankruptcies must be dismissed or discharged

  • No bankruptcies within the past seven (7) years

Credit & Security Deposit Requirements

All applicants are subject to credit screening. Approval may require an increased security deposit, a monthly Credit Assurance Fee, or both, based on credit score and management approval.

Security Deposit Calculation

Security deposits are calculated using a deposit factor applied to one month’s rent, based on the applicant’s credit score:

  • 750–850: 1.0× monthly rent

  • 700–749: 1.0× monthly rent

  • 660–699: 1.0× monthly rent

  • 621–659: 1.0× monthly rent

  • 600–620: 1.5× monthly rent

  • 550–599: 1.8× monthly rent

  • 500–549: 2.0× monthly rent

  • 499 and below: 3.0× monthly rent

Security deposits must be paid in full prior to move-in and are subject to applicable state and local laws.

Credit Assurance Fee (Non-Refundable)

Applicants with credit scores below 620 require upper management approval and will be subject to a monthly, non-refundable Credit Assurance Fee:

  • 499 and below: $150 per month

  • 500–549: $125 per month

  • 550–599: $65 per month

  • 600–620: $35 per month

Applicants with credit scores below 620 may be subject to both an increased security deposit and a Credit Assurance Fee.

Application Requirements

  • All occupants age 18 or older must submit an application

  • Each applicant must complete:

    • Credit screening

    • Criminal background screening

Reasons for Denial of Application

Applications may be denied for, but are not limited to, the following reasons:

  • Household income does not meet three (3x) the monthly rent

  • Inability to verify income or applicant information

  • Less than three (3) years of qualifying rental history, excluding friends or family

    • Exception: Proof of home ownership

  • Failure to give proper notice when vacating a previous residence

  • Prior landlord(s) indicate they would not rent to applicant again due to behavior of the applicant, household members, guests, pets, or animals

  • Three (3) or more late rent payments within the past twelve (12) months

  • Unpaid collections from a property management company or housing provider

  • Any unlawful detainer action, eviction, or broken lease within the past seven (7) years

  • Receipt of a recent 3-Day Notice to Vacate

  • Two (2) or more NSF payments within the past twelve (12) months

  • Bankruptcy or foreclosure filed within the past twenty-four (24) months

  • Unauthorized occupants residing at the property

  • Any oral or written misrepresentation or omission on the application or supporting documentation

  • Operating a business from the property
    reminder: Home-based businesses may be considered with prior written approval

  • Total number of occupants exceeds three (3) persons per bedroom, except as permitted under the Texas Property Code

If misrepresentations are discovered after lease execution, the lease agreement may be terminated at the tenant’s expense.

Pet Policy

  • Pet approval is case-by-case

  • All pets must complete pet screening and receive a FIDO Score (1–5)

  • Monthly pet rent based on FIDO Score:

    • Score 5: $35 per month

    • Score 4: $45 per month

    • Score 3: $55 per month

    • Score 2: $65 per month

    • Score 1: $75 per month

  • No aquariums larger than 10 gallons

  • No ferrets, reptiles, or rodents permitted

Pet Misrepresentation

  • Misrepresentation of pets is grounds for lease termination

  • Possession of poisonous, dangerous, endangered, or illegal animals is strictly prohibited

  • Violations may result in eviction at the tenant’s expense

If you have any questions regarding the qualifications, please call us at (832) 802-0848 or email us at info@emersonpropertymanagement.com.