Know exactly what it takes to qualify.
No surprises, no guessing. These are the same standards we hold every applicant to, laid out plainly so you can apply with confidence. Read them here, or download the full guidelines and a copy of our lease.
From interested to moved in.
Applying is simple and the same for everyone. Here is the path, start to finish.
Apply online first
Complete our online application before a showing. No fee is charged at this step.
Tour the home, free
We contact you within 24 hours to schedule a showing. Touring never costs a thing.
Submit your application
Decided the home is right for you? The $40 per-adult application fee is collected here, covering the credit and background check.
We verify
Credit, income, and rental history are checked. Decisions normally made within three business days.
Sign & move in
Once approved, you have 24 hours to sign the lease and pay the deposit to hold the home.
You never pay to view a home. Touring is always free. The $40 per-adult application fee is only collected if you decide to apply after you've seen the place, and nothing on your credit or background is checked until then.
The full screening criteria, in plain English.
Every application is evaluated against the same standards. Meet these and you're in good shape. If one area falls short, a co-signer or higher deposit may still make it work.
Income & employment
- Gross monthly income of at least 3 to 4 times the rent. Total debt payments plus rent should stay under 45% of gross income.
- Each unrelated roommate must qualify on their own income. We don't combine roommate incomes.
- One year with your current employer, or three years in the same field with no more than two employers.
- Self-employed or heavily commission-based? Two years of steady income, with tax returns or bank statements.
- Unemployed applicants can qualify with proof of sufficient income likely to continue through the lease.
Credit history
- A credit score of 600 or higher. Married applicants may average both scores, as long as neither is below 550.
- An active checking account and at least two accounts open two-plus years, paid on time.
- No unpaid judgments or collections, and no bankruptcy in the past two years.
- No more than two late payments over 30 days on any loan or card in the past year.
- Small medical items or student loans may be given special consideration.
Rental history
- Two years of rental or mortgage history within the last five.
- No landlord judgments or collections in the past five years.
- No more than one late rent payment in two years, and none more than 15 days late.
- Proper notice given on your last lease, with no unauthorized pets or occupants.
- Prior security-deposit deductions under 25% of the deposit.
Pets
- Allowed at each owner's discretion. Up to two pets, size limits may apply.
- Generally no puppies or kittens under 12 months, and the pet must have been at your last rental 12+ months for a reference.
- A $300 non-refundable fee per pet plus $25/month in additional rent. Fees may be higher for larger pets or higher-rent homes.
- For insurance reasons, some dog breeds are not permitted. Ask your leasing agent before applying.
Co-signers & students
- Fall short in one area? A co-signer may help. They apply, pay the fee, and must be a Missouri relative with a 700+ score and five years of steady employment.
- Undergraduate students need a parental guarantee, one per student on the lease.
- Co-signers can't have recent bankruptcies, unpaid judgments, or a rent judgment in the past five years.
Fees, payments & other
- Touring a home is always free. The $40 non-refundable application fee per adult 18+ is only collected if you decide to apply after seeing the home. Everyone 18+ applies and signs the lease.
- Deposit payments can be made through the online portal, or with certified funds such as a money order or cashier's check. No cash. Checks payable to Encompass Property Group.
- First month's rent through the portal or in certified funds when you pick up keys (plus prorated rent if you start on the 20th or later).
- A 12-month lease minimum unless a home is listed for a shorter term. No felonies on any applicant or occupant's record.
Read it before you sign it.
We believe you should see exactly what you're agreeing to. Here's the full screening guidelines and a copy of our standard lease, for you to review anytime.
Encompass Property Group complies with all applicable fair housing laws and City of Columbia codes, and does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act. Guidelines may vary slightly by property. Questions about a specific home? Ask the team before you apply.
Found a home you love?
Browse our available rentals and start your application online. Meet the guidelines above and you're well on your way to moving in.