Interested in Renting? – Read This!

How do showings work?

● You can find all of our available properties on our website at joelwardhomes.com/apply-now.
● Click “Schedule a Showing” on the property you’re interested in, and you’ll be redirected to our ShowMojo scheduling system.
● You will receive an email or text asking you to confirm your showing. If you do not confirm, your appointment will be automatically cancelled by the system.
● Please confirm each reminder to keep your appointment.

What happens if I miss a showing?

● If you miss a showing, please reschedule through our website at joelwardhomes.com/apply-now. This will take you back through our ShowMojo scheduling system.
● If you miss a second showing, you will be required to arrive at our office at the scheduled appointment time and then go to the property with the property manager.
● If you are a no-show for a third appointment, we will not schedule additional showings for you during the current lease renewal season. You may be considered again during the next calendar lease cycle.

What are the requirements for approval?

● All adults (18+) must apply with valid photo ID
● Proof of income (paystubs, disability, or Social Security award letters)
○ Income must show the rent is no more than 33% of your gross monthly income.    Example: If rent is $900, you’ll need at least $2,700/month in gross income.
○ Total debts (including rent) must be less than 50% of your gross monthly income. Example: If your gross monthly income is $3,000, your total monthly debts (rent + car payment + credit cards + loans, etc.) must be under $1,500.

● Background/credit check (application fee applies)
○ At least one adult or co-signer must have a credit score of 550+ (co-signer must apply)
○ No evictions in the past five years.

Do you accept Section 8?

● All of our properties accept the housing choice voucher program. We recommend you contact your caseworker to ensure the property will meet their requirements prior to scheduling a showing or completing an application

We are an Equal Housing Opportunity provider and comply with federal, state, and local fair-housing and source-of-income laws. Applicants using Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) are welcome. For voucher-assisted applicants, our income (33%), debt-to-income (50%), and minimum credit-score requirements do not apply. Standard screening for background, rental history, landlord references, and the ability to pay the tenant-responsible portion and utilities still applies.

How long does the application process take?

● Usually 7-10 business days, depending on how quickly verification comes back.

How can I expedite the process?

● Submit paystubs/award letters instead of screenshots
● Provide correct employer/landlord contact info
● Ensure all applicants apply at the same time
● Let your current landlord and employer know we’ll be reaching out for reference/verification — they usually respond quicker if they’ve been notified ahead of time

Can I include additional income on my application?

● Yes. There is a section in the application for “additional income” where you can list any secondary jobs, child support, or other sources of income.

What if I’m getting a raise soon?

● If you have an upcoming raise, ask your employer for a letter stating the new pay amount and the date it will begin. Upload this letter with your application for consideration.

What if I’m self-employed or receive S.S.I.?

● The application requires an employer contact to move forward. If you are self-employed or are receiving S.S.I. benefits, you may enter na@gmail.com in that field so you can complete the application.

What is the application fee?

● The fee is $45 per applicant, which covers background and credit checks. This is a one-time fee and is valid for all of our available properties.  You don’t need to pay again if you apply for multiple units with us!

What is required for move-in?

● Security deposit and last month’s rent are due at the time of lease signing.
● First month’s rent must be paid in full prior to key pick-up.

Do I need to set up utilities before moving in?

● Yes. All applicable utilities must be turned on in the tenant’s name prior to key pick-up. Proof of utility setup may be requested at that time.

Are pets allowed?

● Most of our properties allow pets with an additional $500 security deposit per pet.
● Policies vary by property owner, including the maximum number of pets allowed.
● You can find all of our available properties on our website at joelwardhomes.com/apply-now.
● Click “View Listing” on the property you are interested in.
● You will be redirected to the full ShowMojo listing, where you can see pet policies and other details for that property.

Who do I contact with questions?

● For the quickest response, email altaf@joealwardhomes.com (this inbox is monitored daily).