Rental Criteria

Transparent & Fair Rental Standards

At Dwell Property Management, we are committed to providing a fair, consistent, and transparent rental application process for all applicants. Our screening procedures are designed to evaluate each application using objective criteria while complying with all applicable federal, state, and local housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act and Alabama real estate regulations.

All applications are reviewed consistently using the same standards for every applicant.

Before submitting an application, we encourage all prospective residents to review the rental criteria below to better understand the qualification process and required documentation.

Application Requirements

  • Every individual age 18 or older who will reside in the property must submit a separate rental application.

  • A non-refundable application fee is required for each applicant.

  • Applications will be processed only after all required information and supporting documentation have been received.

  • Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or reservation of a property.

Our application review process may include:

  • Credit history review

  • Income and employment verification

  • Rental history verification

  • Public records review

  • Criminal background screening, where permitted by law

Income & Employment Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate sufficient, stable, and verifiable income to satisfy the lease obligations.

As a general guideline, combined gross monthly household income is typically expected to equal approximately three (3) times the monthly rent. Additional factors, including debt obligations, employment history, and overall financial profile, may also be considered.

Acceptable documentation may include:

  • Recent pay stubs

  • W-2 forms

  • Employment offer letters

  • Bank statements

  • Tax returns or other documentation for self-employed applicants

Self-employed applicants or applicants with non-traditional income sources may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation.

Credit History Review

A credit history review may be conducted for all applicants.

Applications are evaluated based on the overall credit profile and financial responsibility demonstrated by the applicant. Factors that may be considered include:

  • Payment history

  • Outstanding debt obligations

  • Prior housing-related collections or balances

  • Account delinquency history

  • Overall financial stability

Limited or insufficient credit history does not automatically result in denial. Additional deposits, qualified guarantors, or additional documentation may be considered where permitted by law.

Rental History

Applicants may be asked to provide verifiable rental history.

Previous landlords or housing providers may be contacted to verify:

  • Timely rent payments

  • Lease compliance

  • Property care and maintenance

  • Proper notice provided at move-out

Negative rental history, including unpaid balances owed to housing providers, material lease violations, property damage beyond normal wear and tear, or prior evictions, may impact eligibility.

Criminal Background Screening

Criminal background screenings may be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Criminal history is evaluated on an individualized basis and may include consideration of:

  • Nature and severity of the conduct

  • Time elapsed since the occurrence

  • Relevance to resident safety or property protection

  • Evidence of rehabilitation or mitigating circumstances, where applicable

Arrest records that did not result in conviction are not considered.

Dwell Property Management does not use blanket exclusions based solely on criminal history and complies with Fair Housing guidance regarding individualized assessment practices.

Identification Requirements

Applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo identification.

Additional documentation may be requested as necessary to verify identity, eligibility to enter into a lease agreement, or lawful residency status where permitted by law.

Pets & Assistance Animals

Certain properties may permit pets subject to applicable pet policies, screening procedures, deposits, or fees.

Assistance animals, including service animals and emotional support animals, are not considered pets and are evaluated in accordance with applicable Fair Housing laws. Reasonable accommodation requests and supporting documentation will be reviewed as permitted by law.

Equal Housing Opportunity

Dwell Property Management is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, or local law.

All applicants are evaluated using consistent screening standards and objective qualification criteria.

What You Can Expect From Dwell

  • Transparent rental qualification standards

  • Consistent and objective application review

  • Compliance with Fair Housing requirements

  • Secure online application process

  • Professional and respectful communication

  • Responsive support throughout the leasing process

Apply With Confidence

Our goal is to provide a professional and transparent leasing experience for every applicant. Reviewing the rental criteria in advance helps applicants better prepare the necessary documentation and understand the application process before applying.

We encourage prospective residents to review our available rentals or contact our team with questions regarding the application requirements or leasing process.

Dwell Property Management proudly serves the Alabama Gulf Coast with a commitment to professionalism, fairness, and responsive service.