Policy

Rental Application Policy

How applications work, what the fee covers, and what to expect after you apply.

Effective Date: April 22, 2026  ·  Version 2.0  ·  Changelog

Overview

This policy explains how rental applications work on Choice Properties — what the fee covers, how decisions are made, and what happens after you apply.

Process at a Glance

  1. Apply — select a property and submit your application. Nothing is charged at submission.
  2. Payment — our team contacts you to securely coordinate the application fee payment for your listing. Your application is activated for review only after payment.
  3. Active Review — applications are typically processed within 24 to 72 hours after payment is completed. Applicants who respond promptly to any follow-up are often prioritized.
  4. Approval / Selection — if selected, you are notified by email. Selections are time-sensitive — units are offered on a first-completion basis among approved applicants.
  5. Reservation (Holding Fee) — pay a holding fee to reserve the property and remove it from active availability. The fee is fully credited toward your move-in costs and is not an additional charge.
  6. Lease — you receive your lease documentation, review it, and sign electronically (typically within 48 hours).
  7. Move-in — once the lease is fully executed and move-in costs are paid, we coordinate your move-in date.

Support is available at every stage. Every step is guided, documented, and designed to be straightforward.

Application Fee

The application fee covers background and credit screening for the specific property you applied for. The fee for each listing is set by the landlord and displayed on the property page before you apply. The standard fee for most listings is $50.

Nothing is charged when you submit your application. After submission, our leasing team will contact you within 24 hours at the phone number or email provided to securely coordinate payment of the application fee. Applications are only activated after payment is completed — and applicants who complete payment quickly are placed earlier in the review queue.

The application fee:

  • Is required for your application to be reviewed
  • Covers the cost of processing, reviewing, and administering your application
  • Is non-refundable once payment has been processed, except as described in the Application Credit Policy

Who Makes the Decision

The landlord or agent managing the property makes all approval decisions. Choice Properties facilitates the process but does not influence or make leasing decisions. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, reserve the property, or create any tenancy.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is submitted:

  1. You receive an email confirmation with your Application ID
  2. The landlord and Choice Properties staff review your application
  3. Applications are typically processed within 24 to 72 hours after payment is completed. Faster decisions are often made for applicants who provide accurate information and remain responsive
  4. You will receive an email notification when your status changes
  5. You can track your application status at any time using the "Track Application" link
  6. Due to demand, multiple applications may be reviewed for the same property — completing all steps promptly improves your chances of securing it

Application Statuses — What They Mean

StatusMeaning
Received — Awaiting PaymentYour application has been received. Payment is the next step to activate review.
In Active ReviewYour application is actively being processed — decision typically within 24 to 72 hours.
SelectedYou have been selected based on your application. Time-sensitive — proceed to reservation (holding fee) and lease.
Not ApprovedThis application was not approved for this property. You may be eligible for application credits — see the Application Credit Policy.
WaitlistedYou are being held as an alternate in case the primary applicant does not proceed.
WithdrawnYou or the platform withdrew this application.

Background & Credit Checks

As part of the application review process, your application may be subject to a background check and/or credit check, conducted by a consumer reporting agency (CRA) on behalf of the landlord or Choice Properties. By submitting an application, you authorize this review.

Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): If a consumer reporting agency is used to evaluate your application, you have the right to:

  • Know the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting agency used
  • Receive a free copy of your consumer report from that agency
  • Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information directly with the consumer reporting agency
  • Receive a Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Pre-adverse action process: Before a final denial is issued based in whole or in part on a consumer report, you will be provided a copy of the report and a Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA, giving you an opportunity to review and dispute any inaccuracies before a final decision is made. These rights exist regardless of the outcome of your application.

If You Are Not Selected

If your application is not approved, you will be notified by email. If the decision was based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report (credit or background check), you will receive: (1) a pre-adverse action notice before a final decision is made, including a copy of the report and a Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA; and (2) a final adverse action notice identifying the consumer reporting agency used, so you can obtain a free copy of your report and dispute any inaccuracies.

Additionally, if your application is denied, you are entitled to submit up to two additional applications for other properties without paying an additional application fee. This credit is applied automatically — see the Application Credit Policy for full details and conditions.

Withdrawing Your Application

You may withdraw your application at any time through your applicant portal or by contacting our team at support@choiceproperties.com. The following applies depending on when you withdraw:

  • Before payment is completed: Your application is cancelled at no charge. No fee is owed, and any application credits are unaffected.
  • After payment, before review begins: The application fee is non-refundable. However, you will automatically receive application credits for future use as described in the Application Credit Policy, as if your application had been denied.
  • After review has begun: The application fee is non-refundable and application credits may not be issued, as screening costs will have been incurred. Contact our team if you have extenuating circumstances.
  • After selection (holding deposit stage): Withdrawal at this stage is governed by the Holding Deposit Policy.

Co-Applicants

One co-applicant may be included on a single application at no additional charge. The co-applicant must meet the same eligibility requirements (age 18+, truthful information). Both applicants agree to the same terms by submitting.

Income Qualification

Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate a gross monthly income of at least three times (3×) the monthly rent. Combined household income (including a co-applicant) may be used. Income from employment, self-employment, government benefits, child support, and other documented sources may be considered. The landlord makes the final determination on income qualification.

Minimum Age

All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Applications from individuals under 18 will not be accepted.