Tenant Screening Requirements

Waypoint Residential Management (Waypoint) applies the following minimum screening requirements to all applicants. These criteria must be independently met by each applicant in order to qualify for tenancy.  All evaluations are based solely on objective, legally permissible factors and are applied uniformly to all applicants. All screening practices comply with Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing laws and are conducted without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected class.


Income Requirements

  • Monthly gross income must be at least 3× the monthly rent amount, plus the applicant’s total minimum monthly debt payments as reported on the credit report or verified by documentation.
  • Monthly financial obligations must not exceed 80% of gross income.
  • Applicants must have at least one year with their current employer at substantially the same income level, or three years in the same field with stable income and no more than two employers within that time period.
  • Employer references must indicate a reasonable likelihood of continued employment.
  • Self-employed applicants or those receiving more than 25% commission-based income must demonstrate consistent income for the past two years and may be required to submit a certified copy of their most recent tax return (net income used for qualifying), and/or the most recent three months of bank statements showing regular deposits consistent with stated income. Business entity registration may also need to be verified.
  • Military applicants may not sign a lease for a term longer than their current enlistment or the time remaining at their duty station.
  • Applicants who are unemployed must provide documentation of sufficient income or assets to meet the rental obligations and show reasonable certainty that such income or support will continue for the duration of the lease.
  • Bankruptcy is permitted only if it was discharged more than two (2) years prior to the application date and the applicant has re-established credit with on-time payments for at least twelve (12) months since discharge.
  • Waypoint may require additional documentation when employment history reflects job changes, gaps, inconsistent earnings, or other factors requiring clarification.

Rental History

  • Applicants must have a minimum of two years of verifiable rental or mortgage history within the five years immediately preceding the application.
  • The proposed rent amount must be no more than 25% greater than the applicant’s previous rent or mortgage payment. Exceptions may be considered when applicants demonstrate sufficient income stability to satisfy the intent of this requirement.
  • The credit report must show no derogatory rental information, including judgments or collection accounts from a former landlord within the previous five years, whether paid or unpaid.
  • No more than one late rent payment in the past two years is permitted, and it must not have been more than 15 days late.
  • Rental references must verify that all terms of prior leases were met, including proper notice to vacate, property care, and compliance with lease obligations.
  • Waypoint may review the nature and circumstances of any rental-related judgments, collections, or disputes to determine whether they accurately reflect the applicant’s rental history.
  • If rental history cannot be verified, if references are unavailable, or if the applicant has no prior rental history, additional documentation or conditions may be required to demonstrate housing stability.


Credit History

  • Each applicant must have a minimum credit score of FICO 685 or VANTAGE 650.
  • Applicants who share financial obligations (e.g., joint accounts or shared debt) may request that their credit scores be averaged, provided neither applicant’s score is below FICO 550 or VANTAGE 600.
  • Applicants must have an active checking account.
  • Applicants must have at least two open credit accounts that have been active for a minimum of two years and have been paid on time.
  • Bankruptcy is permitted only if it was discharged more than two (2) years prior to the application date and the applicant has re-established credit (at least one active installment or revolving account) with on-time payments for at least twelve (12) months since discharge.
  • No unpaid judgments or collection accounts are permitted. No more than two paid judgments or collection accounts within the preceding 24 months are allowed. Limited exceptions may be granted at Waypoint’s discretion for small medical accounts or slow payment history on student loans when other compensating factors are present.
  • No more than two late payments (over 30 days past due) on any installment loan or credit card within the past 12 months.
  • Credit reports must not reflect any prior rental collections, landlord judgments, property damage collections, or unpaid housing-related debts within the past five years.
  • Waypoint may request additional documentation or clarification if the credit report shows unusual activity, recent changes, limited credit depth, or inconsistencies requiring verification.


Roommates

  • Some properties do not permit roommates. Roommate arrangements are accepted only at properties where they are allowed by the property owner and/or property-specific requirements. This will be disclosed in the listing when applicable.
  • Where roommates are permitted, each adult applicant must apply separately and must be screened and approved individually.
  • Each roommate must independently meet all minimum screening requirements, including income, credit, rental history, and background checks.
  • Applicants must provide reasonable statements demonstrating their ability to be compatible co-tenants.


Criminal History

Waypoint evaluates all criminal history in accordance with HUD and Fair Housing guidance, considering the nature, severity, and recency of any offenses, along with evidence of rehabilitation or good tenancy since the offense. Our goal is to ensure a fair, consistent, and individualized assessment while maintaining a safe and respectful rental environment. Waypoint does not consider arrests without convictions and does not evaluate criminal history in a manner that results in discrimination based on any protected class. The following types of convictions may result in denial of an application, depending on the circumstances:

  • Violent or drug-related felonies;
  • Crimes against children;
  • Felonies committed within the last 10 years, and no imprisonment for felonies within the last 5 years;
  • Crimes against landlords or rental properties;
  • Convictions or pleas to any crime involving metal theft, vandalizing properties, or otherwise damaging properties;
  • Arson convictions or pleas.


References

  • All previous landlords must be verified, and references must indicate a favorable rental history, including on-time payments, proper notice to vacate, satisfactory property care, and no outstanding balances or lease violations.
  • Waypoint may require additional documentation if rental references are incomplete, unverifiable, or inconsistent with the information provided on the application.
  • If the prior landlord is an individual (non-professional) or cannot be independently verified, Waypoint may request supplemental documentation such as copies of prior leases, proof of rent payments (bank statements or ledgers), or communication records related to tenancy.
  • Documented history of damage to prior rentals, lease violations, unauthorized occupants, noise or nuisance complaints, or failure to maintain the property may result in denial of the application.
  • Waypoint may consider the nature and circumstances of any negative reference, including verified disputes, errors, or situations where the landlord refuses to provide information.
  • Falsification of rental history or references will result in automatic denial of the application.


Pets and Assistance Animals

  Pets:

  • Pets may be approved on a case-by-case basis and only for properties where the owner permits pets.
  • All pets must be screened through our third-party pet screening provider prior to approval.
  • Additional pet rent, pet deposits, and/or fees will apply and vary based on the pet’s age, size, breed characteristics, and anticipated risk level.
  • Pets must be at least one year old, and applicants must have owned the pet for a minimum of one year.
  • The number, size, age, and type of pets allowed may vary by property and may be restricted by HOA rules, owner preferences, property insurance requirements, and/or property-specific considerations (e.g., flooring type, yard size).
  • Waypoint reserves the right to decline pets based on risk assessment or property requirements.

  Assistance Animals (Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals):

  • Verified assistance animals are not considered pets and are not subject to pet rent, pet deposits, breed restrictions, or other pet-related rules.
  • All assistance animals must be submitted through our free third-party verification process, consistent with ADA and HUD guidance.
  • Verification must be completed prior to approval of the application or tenancy.
  • Assistance animal requests must meet HUD verification standards. If verification is incomplete or insufficient, the request may be denied.
  • Documentation or representations that misrepresent an animal as a service or assistance animal may result in denial of the application and/or other action as allowed by law.

  General Animal Rules:

  • All animals (pets or assistance animals) must be properly licensed, vaccinated, and maintained in accordance with local laws.
  • Applicants must comply with all HOA, owner, and insurance restrictions related to animals.
  • Waypoint may deny approval of certain animals if they pose a legitimate health or safety risk to others or if the property/HOA prohibits their presence.


Other Requirements

  • All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must submit a separate rental application.
  • All persons age 18 or older who will reside in the home, either full-time or part-time, may be required to complete a rental application and/or be added as a signer to the lease. This includes, but is not limited to, adult children returning home periodically (college students, gap years, seasonal stays), individuals staying for extended periods (more than 14 consecutive days or more than 21 cumulative days in any 12-month period) and/or part-time household members whose presence affects occupancy, liability, or use of the property.
  • All adult occupants are subject to the same screening requirements and must be approved by Waypoint prior to residency.
  • Unauthorized occupants are considered a lease violation and may result in additional screening requirements, fees, or other action as allowed by the lease and applicable law.
  • Occupancy limits generally follow two persons per bedroom unless otherwise permitted by applicable laws, codes, or property-specific restrictions.


We welcome all qualified applicants and are happy to clarify these standards or answer any questions. If you believe your situation includes unique financial circumstances or need further explanation of these policies, please reach out — we’re here to help.

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