Question 1

Q.  Where can I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications can be completed online through our website under the Our Rentals (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/af1e73bc-0e97-43e9-8449-b7d88319c428/wix-faq/edit/7223d830-ff0c-4212-9af7-4dd8bee88e65#)page. If the property you're interested in isn't listed yet, feel free to contact our office, and we’ll be happy to email you an application directly.
A paper version is also available for download, but we strongly encourage applicants to apply online for the fastest and most efficient processing.
Please be sure to complete the application in full and upload all required documents to avoid delays in screening.

Question 2

Q.  Who needs to fill out an application?

Accepted Answer

Every adult (18 years or older) who will reside in the property must submit a separate rental application. This includes spouses, roommates, adult children, and any other adult occupants. Each applicant will be screened individually for credit, background, rental history, and income verification

Question 3

Q.  What is the application fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The application fee is $50 per person and is non-refundable.
Everyone who is 18 years or older and will be living in the home is required to submit a separate application and be listed on the lease agreement.

Question 4

Q.  What do you look for during the screening process?

Accepted Answer

Our screening process is designed to ensure a good fit for both the applicant and the property. We review the following:
 • Income: Your gross monthly income should be at least 3 times the monthly rent.
 • Credit history: We review your full credit history, not just your credit score. We do not consider medical debt or student loans as part of our decision.
 • Employment verification: We confirm stable employment through pay stubs
 • Rental history: We require rental verification from your previous two landlords to confirm timely payments and responsible tenancy.
 • Background check: We pull public records to screen for any criminal history, judgments, or prior evictions.
All applicants are reviewed individually, and we aim to be fair and thorough in every screening.

Question 5

Q.   What documents do I need to include with my application?

Accepted Answer

To help us process your application quickly and smoothly, please be sure to upload the following:
 • A copy of your government-issued photo ID
 • Pay stubs (at least from the last 30 days)
 • Bank statements or tax returns (if self-employed)
 • Any additional income verification, such as SSI, pension statements, or other documentation
Please note:
 We do not accept screenshots of payment apps such as Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle as proof of income. Documents must clearly show the source, consistency, and amount of income.

Question 6

Q.  What if my credit isn't great?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. We understand that life happens, and we do not require perfect credit. Instead, we take a comprehensive look at your financial profile to get a clear picture of your overall stability.
Here are some of the key factors we consider:
 • Past due accounts or collections
 • Debt-to-income ratio
 • Judgments from previous landlords
 • Recent bankruptcies
 • Recent vehicle repossessions
 • Your ability to demonstrate a consistent, reliable income
We encourage you to apply, even if your credit isn’t spotless.

Question 7

Q: What are the income requirements to qualify?

Accepted Answer

Your gross monthly income (before taxes) should be at least three (3) times the monthly rent. We verify income using the following documents:
 • Recent pay stubs
 • Tax returns (especially for self-employed applicants)
 • Bank statements showing regular deposits
If there are multiple applicants, we will combine the gross monthly income of all applicants listed on the lease when evaluating income eligibility.

Question 8

Q.  How do you verify employment and income?

Accepted Answer

We use several methods to verify income. The more documentation you provide, the faster we can process your application. Preferred forms of income verification include:
 • Recent pay stubs (at least one full month – this is our preferred method)
 • Tax returns (for self-employed applicants)
 • W-2 or 1099 forms from the previous tax year
 • Bank statements showing regular deposits from the same income source
 • A formal letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, hours, and pay
 • A formal employment offer letter with start date and salary information
Please be sure documents are clear, complete, and up to date. If you have questions about what qualifies, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Question 9

Q.  What do you check during the background screening?

Accepted Answer

During the background screening process, we aim to ensure a safe and responsible rental environment for all residents and property owners. As part of your application, we review:
 • Criminal history – We check for convictions that may pose a risk to people or property. Minor offenses, such as traffic tickets, typically do not impact your application.
 • Public records – We look for prior evictions, judgments from landlords, or other legal actions related to housing or financial responsibility.
 • Rental history – We verify your previous rental experiences by contacting current and/or past landlords to confirm things like timely rent payments, lease compliance, and overall tenancy behavior.
 • Credit-related housing issues – While we do not focus on your credit score alone, we may consider bankruptcy filings, landlord-related collections, or other housing-related financial red flags.
Our goal is to take a balanced and fair approach to every application.

You can see our tenant selection criteria here (https://www.bobfirestone.com/_files/ugd/b03d2a_1d60574a5e614aefaccf1c6aefda8c55.pdf)

Question 10

Q.  How do you verify rental history?

Accepted Answer

We contact your current and/or previous landlords directly to verify your rental history. This may be done through a phone call, email, or by sending a quick rental verification form.
We typically ask landlords to confirm:
 • Whether you paid rent on time
 • If you followed the terms of your lease
 • Whether there were any lease violations or complaints
 • If the property was left in good condition at move-out
 • Whether they would rent to you again
Providing accurate contact information for your past landlords helps speed up the process. If you're currently living with family or don’t have a traditional rental history, just let us know—we’ll work with you to find alternative ways to verify your housing background.

Question 11

Q: What could cause my application to be denied?

Accepted Answer

While we strive to work with qualified applicants, there are certain situations that may lead to a denial. Applications may be denied for any of the following reasons:
 • Falsified or incomplete information on the application
 • Insufficient income (not meeting the required income-to-rent ratio)
 • Outstanding landlord judgments or a history of evictions
 • Recent bankruptcy without sufficient time to reestablish positive credit
 • Multiple past due accounts or significant unpaid debt
 • Negative rental history or feedback from a previous landlord
 • Criminal history that presents a risk to persons or property
 • Overall failure to meet our screening criteria

Question 12

Q: Do you accept co-signers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in select situations where an applicant meets most of the qualifications but falls slightly short—typically in income—we may allow a co-signer.
Co-signers must:
 • Complete a full rental application
 • Meet the same screening criteria as primary applicants
 • Own property in the state of Virginia
Please note that co-signers are held financially responsible for the lease, just like the primary tenants. If you think you may need a co-signer, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to walk you through the process.

Question 13

Q: Do I need to complete a PetScreening profile even if I don’t have an animal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All applicants are required to complete a profile through PetScreening.com,(https://bobfirestone.petscreening.com/) regardless of whether you have an animal, an assistance animal, or no animal at all.
This process helps us:
 • Maintain accurate records
 • Ensure proper documentation for animals and assistance animals
 • Confirm no-animal households for safety and compliance
It only takes a few minutes, and it's an important step in completing your rental application.

Question 14

Q.  How long does the application process take?

Accepted Answer

On average, the screening process takes 3–7 business days. This timeline depends on how quickly we receive responses from your employers and previous landlords, as well as whether all required documents and information have been submitted with your application.
To help speed things up, be sure to provide complete and accurate details, and encourage your references to respond promptly.

Question 15

Q.  How will I know if I’m approved?

Accepted Answer

We’ll notify you by email or phone as soon as a decision has been made. If you're approved, we'll provide the next steps for signing your lease and paying your security deposit to secure the property.
We do our best to keep you informed throughout the process and are always here if you have questions along the way.

Question 16

Q.  If I am approved, how much will I need to pay up front?

Accepted Answer

Once approved, the following will be required before keys are released and you may take possession of the property:
1. Security deposit – due immediately after your application is approved to secure the property
2. First full month’s rent – due on or before the lease start date, regardless of move-in date
3. Pet fees and deposits, if applicable:
    • $100 non-refundable pet fee
    • $200 refundable pet deposit
    • $50 monthly pet rent (per approved pet)

1. Proof of active renter’s insurance with the property listed as an additional interest
2. All required documents signed and utilities transferred into your name
🔁 Note: If you move in mid-month, the prorated rent will be due with your second month’s rent, not at move-in.
All payments must be made by certified funds (cashier’s check, money order, or approved electronic payment).

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Applying for a Rental Home

Tenant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)