Rental Application Process

Our rental application process begins with an application and a full internal review by our operations team.  Applications must be completed in full to be processed, and all occupants over 18 years old must submit an application.  Once a full application packet is received, the screening process begins for a full credit, background, eviction and pet screening.  From there, landlord and employment verifications are completed.  Once all screenings and verifications are received, the application is reviewed for final approval.   

Click on the Apply Now button above to apply.

The processing time can vary, but it often takes 5-7 business days to complete the necessary background checks and verification.  Delays that prolong applications typically include: missing applications from additional occupants and the inability to reach employers and landlords.  

Yes, there is an application fee of $50 per occupant over 18 years old that covers administrative work to process the applications as well as third-party screening costs.

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When submitting an application, payment information is requested, however, payments methods are not charged until your application is worked.  If there are other applications ahead of yours for a property, we will ask for permission before processing your payment.

Once your payment method has been charged, the application fee becomes non-refundable. Applications are processed in order of receipt if the application is submitted in full.  If you are not the first applicant, we'll inform you if there are other applications under consideration, and you can then choose whether to proceed and have your payment method charged. If you opt to continue despite competition, a non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged for processing and screening.

Requirements may vary by listing.  Check the specific listing for any variation from requirements below.

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• Minimum credit score of 550.  

• Gross household income of 3x the rent

• No smoking

• No eviction history

• No violent criminal history

• No more than 2 occupants per bedroom

Yes. If your income or credit score is not sufficient to meet the requirement or you are a student, it is required that you apply with a co-signer that meets the following criteria:

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• Minimum credit score of 650 with no collection records

• Gross income 3x the rent

You may check your credit score on free reporting sites like Credit Karma. Alternatively, consider a paid account with a credit bureau for a detailed credit history and alerts. Address any report discrepancies before applying to prevent issues during our credit history check. Note that credit history changes or disputes can impact the application process.

We require a photo ID, proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns), rental history, and references as part of the application process.  Applications will not be processed if paystubs and driver's license information is missing from the application. 

If applying for a property with rental assistance, submit the program's landlord-related documentation (e.g., Section 8's RTA packet) to your leasing agent at the time of showing.

We process complete applications on a first come, first served basis with approval from additional applicants to process their application in parallel.  If your preferred property is already taken, your application can be applied to another unit within 14 days at no additional cost. Should you qualify for a different apartment and wish to transfer your application, you're welcome to do so. Keep in mind, though, that transferred applications follow the existing queue.

Yes.  Applications can be received without a showing, but will be placed on hold until a showing or a sight unseen waiver is received before processing.  We recommend attending a showing before submitting an application.

Virtual showings can be accommodated.  Schedule a showing at www.rentfromcardinal.com and once your showing is confirmed, contact the leasing agent assigned to your showing to set up a virtual showing.

This varies from property to property. Some allow pets with additional fees, while others might have pet restrictions.  See specific listing to confirm whether a pet is accepted.  When in doubt, confirm with the leasing agent assigned to your showing.

Every applicant, regardless of pet ownership, must undergo a screening to a third party screening company. If you don't have pets, you can select the relevant option as confirmation at no charge. For pet owners, the third-party screening service lets you upload vet documents verifying your pet's age, spaying/neutering, and vaccination status.  There is a non-refundable fee per pet paid to the third party screening company (www.petscreening.com).  ESA and service animal screenings are free of charge.

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Requirements:

We require that all pets be up to date on their vaccinations prior to releasing keys.  

All pets must be spay or neutered.

Pets must be at least 1 year of age.

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Additional Costs

Pet screening results determine the specific monthly pet fees and deposits.  Starting prices are $25 per pet per month and a $200 refundable deposit.

Yes!  We are happy to support residents who have ESA and service animals. By law, assistance and service animals cannot be denied and additional pet fees and deposits do not apply.

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ESA & service animals must go through third party screening (www.petscreening.com) at no cost to follow federal guidelines on approval of the assistance and service animal.

In general, yes, however this varies by property due to rent caps versus market rates or property condition. Check the specific listing to confirm if the property is eligible to accept vouchers and rental assistance.

Once approved, you'll be provided with a lease agreement to review and sign as well as a breakdown of your move-in fees.  Deposits to hold the unit must be received within 48 hours. Additional pre-requisites for move-in are required by move-in day.

We can only process an application for one unit at a time.  If you are not selected for your first choice, we can use your application on another unit within 14 days.

If you qualify for another apartment and would like to transfer your application over, you may do so! Please note that applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, you will be placed in line behind those who have applied before you. 

Once the move in date is determined and scheduled, you'll be asked to complete the move in prerequisites:
 

• Submit payment for the move in fees.

• Transfer all utilities bills and provide the account numbers.

• Submit your renter's insurance.