We are excited you would like to apply for one of our properties! 

Our application procedures have recently changed. Before applying, please take a moment and review the application process and qualification guidelines below.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Submit all applications (including cosigner applications if applicable). We accept multiple applications on the same property. Application fees are not refundable. If you'd like to check how many applications we have on a particular property prior to submitting your application we highly encourage you to email us at screenings@blueoakchico.com.
2. After all applications in the group have been submitted (including cosigner applications if applicable), submit an Application Notification Form. We only need one Application Notification Form submitted per group. This form is the final notification for us and will provide us all the information about your application (or group of applications). The Application Notification Form and all applications are REQUIRED before we consider your applications on a property.
3. Priority will go to the first completed and approved screening.  Application fees are not refundable even if another application is approved before yours but in-process applications may be moved to another available property for up to 60 days. 
4. Upon approval you will have 24 hours to pay the security deposit in full and sign the rental agreement. We will place the property on a temporary 24 hour hold to allow you time to complete these two items. However the property will continue to be marketed for rent until we have received the full security deposit and signed lease. IMPORTANT: you may apply for a property sight unseen but we do not extend the 24 period to sign the lease and pay the deposit upon approval if you want to wait to see a property. We recommend only applying for a property after you have viewed the property and when you are prepared to sign the lease and pay the deposit upon approval.

INCOME REQUIREMENTS

• Net monthly income must be greater than 2.5 times the monthly rent amount and gross monthly income must be above 3 times the rent amount (this amount is combined for all applicants).
• We will accept all sources of income which are lawful, verifiable, and paid to the applicant, a representative of the applicant, or on behalf of the applicant (including public assistance and rent subsidies, such as Section 8 or VASH). Only current income will be considered.
• Acceptable proof(s) of income include, but are not limited to:
  • If employed: copies of the most recent paystubs covering at least three month's of pay plus three month's bank statements to verify payments.
  • If self-employed: most current year tax return including Schedule C Form 1040 plus three months of personal bank statements that verify current income.
  • Other forms considered but not limited to: social security benefits, retirement benefits, verifiable new job offer and acceptance letters, child support, spouse support, and/or any other written proof of lawful, verifiable income as discussed above.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

• Credit scores, delinquent accounts, late payments and amount of debt and are all heavily weighted in the approval process.
• A Transunion credit score (ResidentScore 4.0) above 625 is required for all applicants (any applicant with a score lower than 625 will result in denial for the group).
• No established credit with no credit score for any one applicant will result in denial.
• No more than one (1) non-medical or student loan account in collections with balance owing for any one applicant or guarantor (denial).
• No more than $500 currently outstanding in collections (non-medical or student loan) for any one applicant or guarantor (denial).
• No open bankruptcies. No bankruptcies in the previous 5 years for any applicant or guarantor (denial). If bankruptcy is over five years old the applicant must have re-established credit.
• If you are an applicant who receives a government rent subsidy, including a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, you have the option of providing alternative verifiable evidence of your ability to pay the rent each month in lieu of allowing us to use your credit history. If you receive such a subsidy to cover a portion of your rent each month, you have the following options:
  • You may authorize us to use your credit history as part of the application process; or
  • You will provide us alternate evidence of ability to pay the rent requested by us, including, but not limited to, rental ledgers, bank statements, pay records, government benefit payments, and verification of any other sources of income to demonstrate ability to pay the rent each month.

RENTAL/RESIDENCE HISTORY

• Reasons for denial:
  • Unverifiable rental or residence history.
  • Past due balance owing to a landlord or mortgage holder (excluding covid-related rental debt as defined under California law).
  • Prior unlawful detainer judgment.
  • 3 or more late rent or mortgage payments during a 1 year period (excluding covid-related rental debt as defined under California law).
  • 2 or more rent or mortgage payments returned for insufficient funds.
  • Any documented complaints of unreasonable interference with the quiet enjoyment of neighbors.
  • Any documented instances of violating a lease.
  • Any documented instances of property damage in excess of ordinary wear and tear.
  • Unauthorized pets.
  • Any instances of conduct which unreasonably interfered with management operations.

CRIMINAL HISTORY

• Criminal Background is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We look at Felonies for:
  • Violent Offenses (fatal and non-fatal) (within past 8 years, denial)
  • Drug Offenses (manufacturing/distribution) (within past 8 years, denial)
  • Property Offenses (destruction related and theft related) (within past 5 years, denial)
  • Weapons Offenses (within past 8 years, denial)
  • Terrorism Offenses (within past 10 years, denial)

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), criminal history or poor rental history.
• All guarantor income is combined and the net income must be greater than four (4) times the monthly rental amount.
• Guarantors must be a U.S. resident. We do not accept guarantors that are an entity or company.

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/Disability, 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, any arbitrary basis and/or any other protected class under federal/state/local laws.