We are excited you would like to apply for one of our properties! Before applying, please take a moment and review the application process and general qualification guidelines below.

Reserving and Applying

RESERVATION PROCEDURES: To reserve a property a holding deposit in the amount of $500 is required. This holding deposit is non-refundable at time of receipt and will only be refunded if applications are not approved. Holding deposits are applied toward move-in funds upon applicant approval. A holding deposit is required before any applications will be accepted. Holding deposits are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. A holding deposit is the only way that you may reserve a place in line for a property. You may place a holding deposit sight unseen. Holding deposits may be paid online at www.BlueOakChico.com on the specific property’s listing page using the RESERVE NOW button. If there is a Pending Applicants banner across the main property picture on www.BlueOakChico.com and there is not a Reserve Now button option it means there is currently a holding deposit on the property.
All applicants (anyone that is going to be residing in the property) over the age of eighteen (18) years of age must fill out a separate application. You can apply online here. The application fee is $45 per applicant and $35 per cosigner (cosigners can apply online here). The application fee is nonrefundable. All applicants must provide a different email address.
Rental applicants with household pets or service/companion/assistive are required to submit a per pet application through a third-party pet screening vendor as part of our rental application process.There is a per pet application charge of $20 for the first pet and $15 for each additional pet. Dangerous breeds and pets under one (1) year old are not allowed.
Provide proof of income (see income requirements below).

Grounds for Denial on All Applications

Any unlawful detainers (evictions) for any applicant or guarantor.
Any balance owing to a landlord.
Unverifiable social security number.
Any open bankruptcies.
Any falsification on rental application.
Pets that are dangerous breeds or under one (1) year old.
Any omitted items or falsifying rental references or rental history.
Group applicants (multiple applicants age 18+ applying together):

Average Transunion FICO credit score across all applicants lower than 625. (example: for three applicants with scores 605, 575, and 625, the average credit score is 602 and would not be approved).
Minimum FICO credit score per applicant of 585 (even if average score of all applicants is above 605). *Having a qualified cosigner can waive this requirement (only on properties that allow cosigners).

Single applicants (one applicant age 18+ applying):
- Transunion FICO credit score lower than 625.

Income Requirements

Gross monthly income must be greater than three (3) times the monthly rent amount (this amount is combined for all applicants).
Proof of income is required for all income to be considered. Only current income and jobs are considered. If you are leaving your job to move to the Chico area that job income will not be considered.
Acceptable proof(s) of income include:
- If employed: copies of the two most recent paystubs covering at least one month of pay.
- If self-employed: most recent year tax return plus 2 months of bank statements that verify current income.
- Other forms considered: financial aid award letters, social security benefits, retirement funds, verifiable new job offer and acceptance letters etc. Please contact us if you have questions about what qualifies.
- Bank account balances, brokerage and stock balances will generally not be considered unless retired.

Credit Requirements

Credit scores, delinquent accounts, late payments and amount of debt and are all heavily weighted in the approval process.
Group applicants (multiple applicants age 18+ applying together):

Average Transunion FICO credit score across all applicants must be 625 or higher. (example: for three applicants with scores 605, 575, and 625, the average credit score is 602 and would not be approved).
Minimum Transunion FICO credit score per applicant of 585 (even if average score of all applicants is above 625). *Having a qualified cosigner can waive this requirement (only on properties that allow cosigners).

Single applicants (one applicant age 18+ applying):
- Transunion FICO credit score must be 625 or higher.
An average Transunion FICO credit score of 660 or higher will not result in increased security deposit.
No more than one (1) non-medical or student loan account in collections with balance owing for any one applicant or guarantor.
No more than $500 currently outstanding in collections (non-medical or student loan) for any one applicant or guarantor.
No open bankruptcies. No bankruptcies in the previous 5 years for any applicant or guarantor. If bankruptcy is over five years old the applicant must have re-established credit.
Established credit history of at least one year.

Rental History

Reasons for conditional approval (increased deposit) or denial:
- Unverifiable rental history.
- Past due balance.
- Prior unlawful detainer action (eviction).
- Less than two rental references.
- No rental history (including owning, living at home or in dorms).
- 3 or more late rent payments during a 1 year period.
- 2 or more payments returned for insufficient funds.
- Documented complaints.
- Unfavorable landlord reference.
- Property damage.
- Unauthorized pets.
- Pet damages.
- Unauthorized breaking of lease.

Criminal History

Criminal Background is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We look at Felonies and Misdemeanors for:
- Crimes Against A Person or Property
- Drug Related Offenses
- Theft by Check Related Offenses
- Worthless Check and/or Bogus Check Related Offenses
- Sex Related Offenses
- Terrorism Related Offenses
- Prostitution Related Offenses
- Weapons Related Offenses
- Cruelty to Animals Related Offenses
- Juvenile Offenses
- Deferred Adjudication and/or Adjudication Withheld
- Pending Cases and/or Arrest Warrants
- Active Status on Probation and Parole
- Pre-Trial Intervention/Diversion - Active Participation and Completed Activity
- Other Felony Offenses

Cosigners (Guarantors)

Guarantors may be considered on certain properties if you lack proper income or have no credit history. Guarantors cannot be used in lieu of poor credit, unlawful detainers (evictions), or poor rental history.
Guarantors are required to fill out the cosigner application, which can be found here. A credit check and employment/income verification will be performed on all guarantors. Guarantors must provide proof of income.
Guarantors must be a U.S. resident. We do not accept guarantors that are an entity or a company.
All guarantor income is combined and must be greater than four (4) times the monthly rental amount.

Fair Housing

As a company, we do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and California Fair Housing Law and welcome Persons of all Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Handicap, Familial Status, National Origin, Sexual Orientation, Ancestry, Age, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Citizenship & Immigration Status, Primary Language, Veteran or Military Status and Personal Characteristics.