Application and Screening Process FAQ

Before you begin the application process, ensure you have the following items ready:

1. Valid Government-Issued ID:

a. Examples: Drivers License, Passport, or ID Card.

b. Important: Register with the name exactly as it appears on your ID. Temporary paper IDs or US Military IDs are not accepted.

2. Social Security Number

3. Banking Application Login Information: Needed for income verification.

4. Smartphone:

a. You will need it to take a selfie.

b. Ensure you are in a well-lit room and remove any hats, sunglasses, or masks.

The screening process consists of the following steps:

1. Registration and Application:

a. After touring the unit, you will receive an email with a link to begin the application process.

b. Have your ID and smartphone ready.

2. Credit Screening and Rent History Review:

a. Your Rent Bureau Rent History and credit screening will be reviewed. This step determines your level of credit risk, ranging from Severe Risk to Minor Risk. The risk level affects application approval and the required security deposit.

3. Employment and Income Verification:

a. Verification is completed using your Social Security Number. If automated verification is unavailable, you will be asked to:

i. Provide bank access for review of deposit records, or

ii. Upload a pay stub.

4. Criminal History Check:

a. This is the final step before an application decision is made.

Identity Verification:

• We use AI-powered ID Verify technology to confirm your identity.
• It compares your selfie with the photo on your official ID (e.g., drivers license or passport).
• This ensures a secure and efficient verification process.

Employment Verification:

• We use Equifax’s The Work Number to instantly verify your employment and income.
• If The Work Number doesn’t find your record, additional steps may include:
  • Connecting to your bank account securely.
  • Uploading a pay stub.

Income Verification:

• Nova Credit securely analyzes data from your checking or savings accounts or pay stubs to verify your income.
• Data is encrypted, and banking information is only accessed once for verification purposes.
• You will receive an email from no-reply@novacredit.com to complete this step.

Risk Level Assessment:

• Based on your credit and income information, a Risk Level (Severe to Minor) is determined.
• Applicants with no established credit can still be approved.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with further instructions, including:

1. Pre-Move-In Email:

a. You will receive an email walking your through pre move in process

b. Guides you through the remaining steps, such as:

i. Setting up electricity.

ii. Scheduling your move-in appointment.

iii. Electing renters insurance.

2. Move-In Cost Sheet:

a. Details applicable fees and rent amounts due prior to move-in.

3. Lease Agreement:

a. For your review and signature.

Is My Information Secure?

Yes, all personal information is SSL secure. Banking information is encrypted and only accessed once to verify income. No information is shared with outside parties.

If You’re Not Using Only My Credit Score, Is This Fair?

Yes, all applicants are screened uniformly through Yardi ScreeningWorks Pro, which adheres to fair housing laws. This ensures a comprehensive and equitable assessment of eligibility.

Why Is This Process Better Than a Standard Credit Check?

It is faster and considers more than just credit history. Applicants with low or no credit can still be approved, and security deposits are determined based on risk level rather than just credit scores.

How Long Until I Have a Result?

The process can take as little as 3 minutes if all steps are completed and income information is linked. Manual income verification may take up to 48 hours. To ensure a quick process, have all documentation ready at the time of application.