Rental Application Criteria

To ensure a fair and consistent process for all applicants, the following criteria will be used when reviewing rental applications. All applications are evaluated in accordance with federal, state, and local fair housing laws, including the Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance regarding Source of Income.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Applications are generally processed in the order received once complete.

Screening Standards

1. Credit History
   • Applicants should generally have a minimum credit score of 670, or otherwise demonstrate satisfactory financial responsibility.
   • Credit history should show responsible payment patterns, reasonable debt levels, and no recent collections, charge-offs, or unpaid landlord balances.
   • Applicants with limited or no credit history may qualify with a co-signer/guarantor who meets all screening requirements.
2. Income Requirements
   • Household gross monthly income should generally be at least three (3) times the applicant’s portion of the monthly rent.
   • All lawful and verifiable sources of income will be considered, including employment income, self-employment income, housing subsidies, retirement income, or other documented income sources.
   • Income must be verified through pay stubs, employment verification, tax returns, bank statements, or other reliable documentation.
3. Rental History
   • Applicants should have positive rental history, when applicable.
   • Rental references may be verified with previous landlords.
   • Applicants should demonstrate a history of on-time rent payments and compliance with lease terms.
4. Eviction History
   • Applicants with evictions or unlawful detainers within the past 7 years (or as required by municipality) may be subject to denial or additional review depending on circumstances and supporting documentation.
5. Criminal Background Screening
   • Criminal background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable fair housing laws and local ordinances.
   • Any records will be reviewed considering nature, severity, and recency of the offense, as well as evidence of rehabilitation.
6. Occupancy Standards
   • Occupancy must comply with local housing codes and safety standards.

Housing Subsidies / Vouchers

Applicants using housing subsidies, vouchers, or other forms of public assistance (including Housing Choice Vouchers / Section 8) are welcome to apply and will be considered in accordance with the Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance regarding Source of Income.

• Housing subsidies will be accepted as a valid form of income.
• Income requirements will be based on the tenant’s portion of the rent after subsidy.
• Applicants using subsidies must meet the same screening criteria applied to all applicants.

Program Requirements

• Applicants must provide documentation of the housing subsidy or voucher during the application process.
• Lease start dates may depend on housing authority approval and inspection timelines.
• The property must meet housing authority rent reasonableness standards and pass any required inspections.
If the housing authority does not approve the rent amount or the unit condition and the parties cannot reach mutually acceptable terms, the application may be withdrawn or cancelled.

Application Requirements

• Each adult (18 years or older) must submit a separate rental application.
• Each application must include the required screening fee.
• Applications will be processed once they are complete, including all supporting documentation.

Possible Exceptions / Additional Considerations

Certain situations may allow an application to proceed despite not fully meeting one or more screening criteria. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Co-signer / guarantor who meets screening standards
• Limited credit history (students or first-time renters)
• Strong verifiable income exceeding standard requirements
• Positive rental history and landlord references
• Recent employment changes with verified income stability
• Documented explanation for past credit challenges