Credit
Standard applicants need a 700 or higher credit score for every adult occupant age 18 and over. Zillow screening displays an Experian VantageScore 3.0.
Government rent subsidy
If you receive a government rent subsidy such as Section 8, you may elect to provide lawful, verifiable alternative evidence of your ability to pay your portion of the rent instead of a credit history check. We will consider that alternative evidence as required by California Senate Bill 267.
Income
Gross monthly income must be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. For voucher holders, the 2.5 times standard applies to the tenant portion of the rent only.
Security deposit
The security deposit is capped at one month of rent under California Assembly Bill 12. Approved with conditions may only mean a co-signer or guarantor or additional verification. It never means a higher deposit.
Pets
There is no additional pet deposit. Pet rent may apply depending on pet type and size. Assistance animals are not pets. They are evaluated through the reasonable accommodation process required by fair housing law and are not subject to pet rent, pet fees, or breed restrictions. Dogs with a prior bite history are excluded. Some breeds are excluded by our insurance carrier, and the full list is on the Fair Housing page.
How to apply
Applications are processed through the Zillow listing for the specific property. Zillow charges renters a portable application fee that can be used across multiple listings for a period of time. House Hack, Inc. does not receive that fee and cannot refund it. We begin formal review only after a tour is completed by all adult occupants or a reasonable accommodation is arranged, you confirm you want to proceed, and you submit our requested income and identity verification checklist.
How we decide
We review completed application packages in timestamp order. If we take adverse action, meaning a denial or less favorable terms, based in whole or in part on a consumer report, we provide the required Adverse Action Notice including the reporting company contact information and your right to obtain a free copy within 60 days and to dispute inaccuracies. If we obtain a consumer credit report in connection with screening, we provide you a copy within 7 days of receiving it.
Screening sources
Credit: Experian. Background: Contemporary Information Corp. Identity verification: TransUnion MySmartMove, paid by the owner at no cost to you.
Equal Housing Opportunity. House Hack, Inc., California DRE 02236137.
Criteria change without notice. All tenancy terms are governed solely by the written lease and its addenda. Nothing on this page is legal advice.