RENTAL APPLICATION HELP
Cosigner criteria and a one-month deposit.
These written criteria apply consistently to rentals using PCRE’s standard screening policy. Property-specific terms are shown with the selected rental. Start with free pre-screening; Bruce reviews applications and confirms approval before a reduced deposit is quoted as final.
When credit history is used, an applicant with a credit score below 650 needs an approved cosigner. Required government-subsidy alternatives and accommodations apply. A missing credit score is reviewed separately.
Eligible cosigners
- Application and identity: Each proposed cosigner must be legally able to sign a binding guarantee, completes a separate application, selects the applicable managed rental, identifies the tenant they will support, and provides verifiable identity information. Request the signed paperwork from Bruce.
- Credit: Each proposed cosigner must have a verified credit score of 650 or higher, subject to required lawful alternatives and accommodations. A preliminary screenshot is subject to verification; any paid report requires separate disclosure and authorization.
- Income: Verified gross monthly income must be at least 3 times the monthly rent. Two or more cosigners may combine their verified income; each must complete their own application, meet the applicable credit standard, and sign the guarantee. Wages, self-employment income, retirement, benefits, and other lawful verifiable sources are considered on the same basis.
- Written guarantee: An approved cosigner signs a separate written guarantee covering the lawful rental obligations described in that agreement. The signed agreement defines its scope and duration. Applying does not create a guarantee obligation or give the cosigner a right to occupy the home.
For a household receiving a government rent subsidy, the income multiplier is applied only to the verified portion of rent payable by the household, not the government-paid portion. If that portion is zero, there is no rent-based income minimum under this formula.
One-month security deposit with an approved cosigner
With an approved cosigner, the security deposit is one month's rent, or less if the current listing or applicable law requires a lower amount. This option is available to any household with an approved cosigner, including applicants with credit scores of 650 or higher. The cosigner does not have to provide the deposit; funds may come from any lawful source. A cosigner is not required to receive a deposit limit that already applies by law. Qualifying military tenants receive their applicable deposit protection without needing a cosigner for that protection. Bruce confirms the final amount before payment.
The rent and listed deposit come from the current CRMLS listing. Any conditional reduction is confirmed with Bruce and documented in the rental agreement; a proposed cosigner or an application alone does not qualify for the reduction.
Housing assistance and accommodations
Applicants receiving government rent assistance may choose lawful, verifiable alternative evidence of reasonable ability to pay their share of rent instead of credit history. Reasonable time is allowed, and that evidence is considered in place of credit history. A cosigner is not automatically required because of a low credit score when this alternative is chosen. Required accommodations remain available. Contact Bruce before ordering an external credit report if this route applies to you.
All lawful income sources are considered. You do not need a family relationship, a particular employer, or home ownership to propose a cosigner. The website does not automatically approve or reject an applicant.
If Bruce requests a cosigner application
Each proposed cosigner completes their own application, selects the rental, and identifies the tenant they intend to support. The online application includes a third-party verification authorization and an application signature. Read about later private agreement signing. The online PCRE form collects no fee and does not automatically order a credit report. Any later provider screening and fee will be disclosed separately before authorization. The same screening fee, receipt, and refund protections apply to proposed cosigners and guarantors.
If a consumer report contributes to a cosigner requirement, denial, or other adverse decision, the applicant receives the required written consumer-report notice. Posting these criteria does not replace an individual notice. Consumer-report protections · Application notice · Fair housing and accommodations