PROSPECTIVE RENTERS FAQS

Do your report rent history to the credit bureau?

We have partnered with Experian to report monthly payments for our tenants. This will help those tenants who pay on time and in full to build their credit.

What happened to the listing I saw earlier on your site or elsewhere?

Hometown Property Management (HTPM) properties tend to move quickly and our website is your primary source for accurate, up-to-the-minute information. If you see an HTPM property listed on a 3rd-party website and can no longer find it at www.ht-pm.com, the property is already rented.

Is there a minimum income standard?

Yes.  As a general rule, the combined gross income of all renters must be at least three (3) times the monthly rent amount.

How long are your Lease Contracts?

With the exception of wintertime move-ins, the term of all HTPM Lease Contracts is one year (12 months) or longer.

Do you check references and conduct a background check?

Yes. In addition to checking your references, we do a complete income, criminal, credit, rental, and eviction history background check.

What about my credit score?

Approvals are based in part by your credit score. Additional security deposit amounts or a co-signer may be required if your credit score is not 675 or higher. For applicants with credit scores of 549 or lower, your application will be denied.

What will my secuity deposit be?

Security deposits for our homes are always a minimum of $200 more than the rent. 

What if I have a felony or eviction on my record?

Without exception, HTPM does NOT lease to registered sex offenders or renters with felony convictions or eviction history.

Can I apply with a roommate?

Yes. All co-tenants must submit individual applications and full documentation to be considered for the property.

What if I need a Co-Signer?

Co-Signers must submit a separate application from the primary applicant. Verifiable income must be sufficient to show that the co-signer is able to afford the additional rent payment in addition to his/her housing payment and personal debt service. Co-signers must also have a credit score no lower than 675.

How do I apply to rent an HTPM property?

From the ‘Find A Home’ page, simply click the ‘Apply Now’ button for the property you want to rent and complete/submit our online application, along with a legible copy of a valid form of identification and proof of income. Complete applications take priority over any incomplete applications, regardless of when the application was submitted.

Can I see the property before submitting an application?

Yes… Virtually. HTPM’s detailed property descriptions and world class photo galleries provide everything you need to know (and see) before submitting an application. Due to staff allocation considerations, HTPM properties are not shown in person until a completed application with all supporting documentation has been received and approved by HTPM.

What if I don’t own a computer?

All applications must be submitted online through the website. If you don’t own a computer, visit your local library or borrow a mobile device or computer from a friend. Please note that HTPM is a cutting-edge company that takes advantage of online systems and tools and regular access to the Internet will be required in the future should you rent from us.

Will you hold my application for other properties if someone else signs a lease on the home I’ve applied for?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. If your application has been processed it can be held for up to 1 month for a different viable home to become available. HTPM cannot guarantee in these cases that another home meeting your requirements will become available in that time frame.

Can I transfer my application to a different home you have listed?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, applications can be transferred between similar properties meeting the same requirements.

Who must complete the application?

Each prospective occupant, 18 years or older, must submit a separate rental application unless they are dependents of the primary applicant. Applications from less than 100% of prospective renters will not be eligible for approval until all applications have been received.

What information is included in the application?

Be prepared to provide 3 years of recent residential history as well as contact information for your personal and/or prior rental references. You will also need to provide accurate and verifiable information about your income.

What documents should I use for income verification?

At least one of the following documents is required for proof of income:

• Prior year’s W-2
• Last three months' pay stubs
• A signed letter of employment w/ employer contact info (if newly hired)
• Child support and/or Alimony award documents

What if I am self-employed or retired?

At least one of the following documents is required for proof of income:

• Prior year’s 1040 tax return – the first page showing Adjusted Gross Income is all we need
• Three months' personal bank statements (i.e. deposit history)
• Retirement account statements (if retired)

How is my application processed?

Completed applications are reviewed in the order we receive them (see Application Processing below) and then fully processed and accepted or denied. Processing usually takes a day or two at the most after you become first in line and we will contact you as quickly as possible, once we have an answer – be it good news or bad.

What documentation should I submit with my application?

In addition to your application, we will need a copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued identification, verification that your income is at least 3 times greater than your new monthly rent amount, and a photo of any animal that you are requesting be approved for the home.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The application fee is $40.00, which covers the cost of obtaining your credit score and background check history.  You will need to apply for each home you are interested in, to reserve your spot in line for that home. We will only process one application fee in your name. If you have paid multiple fees, all unprocessed fees will be refunded to you. 

Is my application fee ever refundable?

Yes. We WILL refund your application fee if another applicant ahead of you signs a lease and we have not yet processed your application or if you withdrawn your application before it has been processed. Processed applications are not refundable. 

What is the Preliminary Review?

HTPM reviews each completed application prior to ordering a background and credit check, in the order it was received. The Preliminary Review is a three-step process:

1. Test 1 – Paperwork Review: Has each renter over the age of 18 (except for dependents of the primary applicant) submitted a full and complete application that includes all required documentation?
2. Test 2 – Verified Income: Is the documented and verifiable combined gross income of all renters at least three (3) times greater than the monthly rent amount?
3. Test 3 – Pets: Are your pets acceptable by the owner of the home you applied for?

If an application does not pass the preliminary review, further processing may be terminated. Application fees will be refunded at HTPM’s sole discretion.

What happens next?

Once an application passes the Preliminary Review it is put in line for the home. 

Once the application becomes first in line a background check is ordered. 

This thorough process includes complete income, criminal, credit, rental, and eviction history background check. 

Once we have the results, we will contact you as quickly as possible.

If the results are good, we contact you to schedule a showing and prepare the lease.

If the results are bad, we contact you to let you know. 

**Application fees WILL NOT be refunded after processing.**

Applicants must be willing to have a viewing within 48 hours of processing and must notify HTPM before noon the day after viewing if they intend to move forward with the unit. 

Service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets. If you would like us to address a reasonable accommodation for a service or emotional support animal to be in the home, you must provide a photograph of the animal as well as the appropriate documentation before your application will be considered complete. You will need to request the accommodation before the application is processed.

What if I own a pet?

Pets are allowed on a case by case basis, subject to advance written approval from HTPM and/or the owner and a “pet deposit” of $400 per pet has been paid prior to the pet(s) entering the premises.

Does HTPM need to see my pet for approval?

Yes, a photo of the pet you are requesting approval on should be included as an attachment during the application process.

Can I get my pet deposit back?

Pet deposits may be refunded in part, within 30 days of move-out,  after the expense of mandatory carpet cleaning has been deducted and if there are no other repairs or cleaning expenses (regardless of the cause or source of the damage, dirt, stain, or odor).

What is a “Pet Rent” Fee?

All of our properties require an additional monthly per pet “Pet Rent” Fee, which will be clearly stated in the rental ad on the Property Information Page. The “Pet Rent” Fee is $35 or more per month per pet.

What documentation should I submit with my application?

In addition to you application, we will need a copy of your driver’s license or other government issued identification, verification that your income is at least 3 times greater than your new monthly rent amount, and a photo of any pet that you are requesting be approved for the home.

Are service animals or emotional support animals welcome in the property?

For a reasonable accommodation to be made for a support animal or emotional support animal the prospective tenant will need to submit a photo of the animal as well as the appropriate documentation.

Animal sizes:

Small animals are under 25 pounds

Medium animals are 26 to 50 pounds

Large animlas are those over 50 pounds 

Are utilities included in my rent payment?

Usually not. Water, sewer, trash removal, and yard maintenance are only included in your rent payment if specifically stated in the Lease.  All electricity, natural gas, TV, Internet, and phone services are the responsibility of the tenant.

Does HTPM accept Section 8 or Idaho Housing (IHFA) subsidies?

Yes, however, only certain HTPM properties are set up to accept Government subsidies (Section 8, Idaho Housing, etc.) and, if accepted, will be specifically stated in the rental ad on the Property Information Page.