GBAPM Rental Application Process & Criteria
Each applicant must be 18 years of age or older, complete their own application, and meet the following criteria.
Applications will only be considered complete and processed once all requirements are met.
Amount: $50 per applicant. If multiple people are applying for the same property, the fees may be combined into a single payment. Once the processing begins, the application fee is considered due and payable, even if the application is denied. The payment link is sent to you from Doorloop if you use that site. If you use Zillow or some other platform where we advertise you will pay upon applying.
Payment: Personal checks, Money orders, Cashiers checks are accepted for applications. NO CASH. Processing will begin after personal checks clear the bank. If applying through door loop, Zillow etc. you may pay with a credit card. Rental payments are unit specific and will be detailed in your lease.
Application Processing
First-Completed, First-Served: Completed applications are processed in the order they are received. Incomplete applications will be considered pending until all necessary documents are provided.
Processing Time: Application processing typically takes up to three business days (excluding Sundays and holidays). The processing time may vary depending on how quickly your references respond. ( we suggest including emails as often as possible)
Complete and Accurate Applications
Application Completeness: The application must be fully completed, with nothing left blank. Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be processed.
Required Documentation: Proof of income and a valid, government-issued photo ID. All occupants over the age of 18 must submit individual applications and required documents.
Income Requirements: Applicants must show a combined gross monthly income of at least 2.5 times the rent amount.
Acceptable documentation includes:
Employed Applicants: Two most recent pay stubs or three months of full bank statements (name and account numbers must be visible).
Self-Employed Applicants: Recent tax returns and three months of full bank statements (name and account numbers must be visible).
Newly employed: A letter from the employer detailing the job offer, including salary, start date and term of employment.
Retirees/Special Circumstances: Provide bank statements or financial documents to demonstrate the ability to pay rent.
Eligibility Criteria
Income Verification: Applicants must demonstrate a gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent. All claimed income must be verifiable.
Residential History: Provide a minimum of seven years of verifiable residential history (rental or mortgage).
Credit and Eviction History (without rent subsidy): We will evaluate credit, eviction and criminal reports and employment history. A history of evictions or negative credit reports will result in automatic denial.
A minimum credit score of 660 is required and must have at least two years of established credit history, free of delinquencies or collections. We adhere to all legally required exceptions to these requirements.
Criminal History: Applicants with felony convictions or certain misdemeanor offenses may be denied residency, based on review.
Non-Smoking Property: GBAPM rentals are non-smoking.
Automatic Disqualification Criteria
Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications: Missing or unverifiable information.
Occupancy Limits: Exceeding the maximum number of occupants.
Negative Rental History: Unfavorable rental references.
Financial Delinquencies: Prior evictions, unpaid debts, or judgments.
Criminal History: False information about criminal history.
Identification: Lack of valid photo ID.
Inappropriate Conduct: Abusive language or behavior during the application process.
Co-Signer/Guarantor Policy
Local Co-Signer: Co-signers must be residents of the Bay Area and must complete an application, provide required documents and meet the same qualifications as the applicant. The co-signer must understand they will be held responsible for the debt of rent if tenants are in arrears.
Limit: Only one co-signer is allowed per property.
Pets
Animal/Pet Policy: All pets must have current vaccinations, ( proof required) and pet owners must carry additional renters insurance.
Animal/Pet Limits: Pet/animal limits may vary by property. Please check the specific listing for details.
Restricted Breeds: Certain dog breeds may not be permitted, unless approved as service/companion/assistance animals.
Housing Authority
Subsidy Options: Applicants with any rent subsidies may present alternative evidence of their ability to pay the tenant’s portion of the rent, such as government benefit statements, pay records, or bank statements.
Required Documents for Rent Subsidy: All program documents must be submitted with the application.
For Marin Housing Authority Voucher Holders, a completed and signed RFTA agreement is required to complete the application process.
Alternative Evidence (Government Subsidy Applicants):
Provide alternative evidence of your ability to pay rent (e.g., government benefit statements, bank records).
Applicants must authorize reports excluding credit reports, such as eviction and employment history.
Approval and Acceptance Process
Screening and Review Time: The application screening and review process typically takes up to 72 business hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Move-In Funds: Upon approval, move-in funds must be paid within 48 hours. Electronic payments may be accepted depending on the time required for funds to clear.
Lease Agreement: The lease must be signed electronically within 48 hours of receipt.
Renter’s Insurance: Proof of renter’s insurance is required before taking possession of the property.
Security Deposit: A minimum of 50% of the security deposit is due at lease signing.
California Health & Safety Code §26148:
Keeping in compliance with the requirements for California Health & Safety Code §26148, please click here for a booklet entitled “Information on Dampness and Mold for Renters in California.” As of January 1, 2022, this booklet must be provided to all prospective tenants.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Greater Bay Area Property Management LLC adheres to all Fair Housing laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.