California Statement of Rental Policy

1. Equal Housing Commitment

We evaluate applicants using the same written criteria and procedures, subject to applicable law and reasonable accommodations. Each type of rental (whole home or individual room) has its own written criteria, and each set is applied the same way to every applicant for that type of rental.

We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, source of income, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, military or veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, primary language, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We accept lawful sources of income, including employment income, government benefits, housing vouchers, and other rental assistance. We do not ask about citizenship or immigration status.

2. Application Process

An application is complete when each adult applicant age 18 or older who will reside in the home or room and be named on the lease or room agreement has completed the required application steps and provided the information needed to verify the published screening criteria.

2.1 Required pre-screen

Before we invite a prospect to submit a rental application, each prospective applicant must complete the online pre-screening form. The pre-screen is applied in the same way to every prospect and helps determine whether to issue an application invitation. It is not a rental application, does not guarantee approval, and does not replace the published screening criteria. There is no fee for the pre-screen.

Complete the RENT123USA pre-screening form.

2.2 Application and screening fee

After the pre-screen, we may invite a prospect to submit a separate application for each adult applicant through the screening platform identified in the listing. We use a first-completed-application, first-qualified process: completed applications are considered in the order received, and the first applicant or household meeting the written criteria for that rental is approved, subject to the lease or room agreement and the availability of the home or room.

A screening fee is charged only when an application is actually being considered and only as allowed by California Civil Code section 1950.6. The fee, payee, and payment method will be disclosed before payment. The fee will not exceed the legally permitted amount. We will provide required receipts, consumer reports, and returns of any unused amount.

If a screening fee is inadvertently collected because of multiple concurrent application submissions and an application is not considered, the fee will be refunded within seven days. Applicants may choose, at their discretion, to have that fee applied to another rental unit or room offered by us. An applicant denied after their application has been considered for not meeting the written criteria is not entitled to a fee refund under the first-qualified process, except as otherwise required by law. We may accept a reusable tenant screening report; if we accept one, we will not charge a screening fee for obtaining that report, as required by law.

2.3 Identification and income verification

Each adult applicant must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Documents should be original or downloaded PDF files when available; screenshots may not provide enough information for verification.

When requested as part of the standard verification process, applicants must provide complete bank statements for the most recent two months, including all pages. We may request up to four months when reasonably needed to verify income or resolve an unclear item. Applicants may redact account numbers except the last four digits and transactions unrelated to income or housing payments, provided the remaining information is sufficient for verification.

2.4 Occupants and move-in information

Applicants must provide the full name of each proposed occupant and identify whether each person is age 18 or older. Every adult who will reside in the home and be named on the lease must submit a separate application. Room rentals are limited to one person per room, as stated in Section 4. Applicants must provide their earliest desired lease start date and confirm they understand the rent and terms stated in the listing or proposed lease or room agreement.

2.5 References and housing-payment verification

Applicants must provide available contact information for current and prior housing providers covering the previous 24 months. Provide names and available phone numbers and email addresses. Applicants must also provide a current employer contact when employment income is used to qualify.

Applicants with a rent or mortgage payment obligation during the most recent six months must provide verifiable housing-payment records for that period. Records may include a housing-provider ledger, payment receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements showing payments. If an applicant has no housing-payment history during the period or cannot provide a particular record, the applicant should provide the available history and explain the gap. We may consider the information under the same written criteria and applicable law.

2.6 Missing information and response deadlines

When we request missing or additional application information, the applicant must provide it within 24 hours of our request. If the applicant needs more time, the applicant must submit a written extension request before the 24-hour deadline. The request should identify the information still needed, explain why it is not yet available, and state when it is expected.

A written extension request received before the deadline will keep the application active while we consider the request. If an extension is granted, we will confirm the new deadline in writing. We may allow additional time when needed to obtain third-party records and will provide any longer period required by law or needed to consider a reasonable-accommodation request.

For an applicant using a government rent subsidy who elects to provide alternative evidence instead of credit history, we will allow reasonable time to provide that evidence. Deadlines will state the specific date, time, and time zone. If requested information is not received by the deadline or an approved extension, we may close the application as incomplete or make a decision based on available information, consistent with applicable law and the published criteria.

3. Screening Criteria – Whole-Home Rentals

These criteria apply consistently to all applicants for a whole-home rental, subject to applicable law and reasonable accommodations. Room rentals use the criteria in Section 4. The listing states the rent, property-specific terms, and availability.

3.1 Income

Combined gross household income from lawful, verifiable sources must be at least 3 times the monthly rent. We consider the aggregate income of the proposed household and accept lawful, verifiable income from employment, benefits, housing subsidies, and other sources.

For an applicant using a government rent subsidy, the income standard is based on the portion of rent the applicant is responsible for paying, not the portion paid by the subsidy provider.

3.2 Housing vouchers and subsidies

We accept housing vouchers and other lawful rental assistance. Applicants using a subsidy must provide current documents showing the approved rent and the applicant's portion. We apply the same screening criteria to all applicants while following applicable source-of-income protections.

If we use credit history in reviewing an applicant with a government rent subsidy, the applicant may choose to provide lawful, verifiable alternative evidence of their reasonable ability to pay their portion of the rent instead of having their credit history considered. This may include benefit records, pay statements, or bank statements. We will allow reasonable time to provide the alternative evidence and will consider it in place of credit history if the applicant elects this option.

3.3 Credit

The preferred credit score is 650 or higher. Applicants with scores of 620 to 649 receive full consideration when they meet the other published criteria. Applicants below 620 may be considered when they show at least one of the following compensating factors: (a) verified gross household income of at least 4 times the monthly rent; (b) a qualified guarantor meeting Section 5; or (c) verified on-time housing payments for the most recent 12 months. These factors are applied the same way to every applicant. This section is subject to the alternative-evidence process for an applicant using a government rent subsidy.

We review credit information under the written criteria as a whole. Unpaid rental or housing-related balances, unpaid utility balances, repeated delinquent payments, charge-offs, and other material negative items may affect the decision. We may ask the applicant for a written explanation or supporting documentation. Medical debt is not considered.

For an applicant using a government rent subsidy who elects to provide alternative evidence, we will not use the applicant's credit history in place of that evidence.

3.4 Debt-to-income ratio

We prefer a debt-to-income ratio below 50%. A higher ratio is not an automatic disqualification when the applicant otherwise meets the published criteria.

3.5 Financial and eviction history

We may review bankruptcies, collections, and other relevant financial history under the published criteria. An unlawful-detainer judgment within the past seven years may disqualify an application. We do not use sealed, masked, or otherwise legally excluded eviction records.

3.6 Criminal history

We consider criminal convictions only when permitted by law. We do not consider arrests that did not result in convictions, sealed or expunged records, or juvenile records, and we do not apply a blanket ban based on criminal history.

Before denying an application based on a conviction, we conduct an individualized assessment of its nature and severity, how much time has passed, and its direct relevance to the applicant's ability to meet tenancy obligations or to the health and safety of residents and property. Applicants may provide information about accuracy, rehabilitation, or other mitigating circumstances.

3.7 Housing-payment history and references

For applicants who had a rent or mortgage payment obligation during the most recent six months, we review verifiable housing-payment history for that period. We may consider documented payment patterns, unpaid housing balances, and relevant information from housing providers.

We may contact housing providers and employers to verify information provided in the application. An unfavorable reference or inability to reach a reference may affect the decision when it prevents us from verifying information relevant to the published criteria, after reasonable contact attempts.

3.8 Occupancy

Occupancy is limited to no more than two persons per bedroom plus one additional person, subject to applicable law, housing codes, and the characteristics of the home.

3.9 Lease start

We encourage a lease start within 14 to 21 days after application. The agreed start date remains subject to the home's availability and the final lease.

4. Room Rentals (Where Offered)

This section applies only when a listing offers an individual private room in a shared home rather than the whole home. Room rentals have lower monthly rent, a deposit equal to one month's rent, and month-to-month terms, so they use the screening criteria below instead of Section 3. Each room rental is open to one adult per room.

4.1 Room rental terms

Agreement: Month-to-month written room agreement, unless the listing states otherwise.

Occupancy: One person per room. Each room is rented under its own agreement.

Rent: As stated in the listing for each room.

Security deposit: Equal to one month's rent for that room, not to exceed the amount allowed by California law. Due at signing and before move-in.

Move-out notice: The resident must give at least 30 days' written notice before moving out.

Ending or changing the tenancy: We give the written notice required by California law to end the tenancy, change its terms, or change the rent.

Use: Residential use only.

4.2 Room rental screening criteria

The table compares the room criteria with the whole-home criteria in Section 3. Where a row says "Same as Section 3," that section's full text applies.

Credit scores of 580 to 619. An applicant in this range receives full consideration when they meet the income and rental-history criteria. Income and rental history weigh most in a room rental decision. Scores below 580 do not meet the minimum.

Subsidy applicants. The alternative-evidence process in Section 3.2 applies to room rentals in the same way, and the income standard is based on the applicant's portion of the rent.

Guarantors. Section 5 applies, with the guarantor's income measured against the monthly rent for the room.

4.3 Utilities and shared areas

Utilities. Utilities and Wi-Fi are included in room rent when the listing says so, subject to responsible household use. If utility costs significantly increase due to usage, a reasonable utility contribution may apply after written notice, as permitted by law. Residents may not run space heaters, additional major appliances, cryptocurrency mining, or other high-usage equipment without written approval.

Air conditioning. Rooms include access to central air conditioning. The landlord manages thermostat settings to maintain reasonable comfort and energy use. With prior written approval, a tenant may install a window air conditioner in their room at the tenant's expense. The unit must be properly secured and removed at move-out, and the tenant is responsible for damage caused by its installation or use.

The room agreement identifies the private room, the shared areas (such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, backyard, laundry, storage, and parking), and any areas excluded from the rental.

4.4 House rules for room rentals

• No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property.
• No illegal drugs and no parties.
• Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
• No overnight guests.
• Residents keep shared areas clean and respect housemates' privacy and property.

These rules are applied the same way to every room resident. A request to change a rule as a reasonable accommodation, such as a live-in aide, is considered under Section 9.

4.5 Pets in room rentals

Cats and small dogs (25 lbs or under) may be approved, one pet per room, with $35 per month pet rent for each approved pet. The resident must keep the pet under control, keep it out of other residents' rooms, clean up after it, and pay for any damage it causes. Renter's insurance must include pet liability coverage. The breed restrictions in Section 8.1 also apply. Assistance animals are not pets and are handled under Section 8.2.

4.6 Security cameras and privacy

The property may have exterior video surveillance for property and resident safety. While a room is rented, there are no cameras or recording devices inside the home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and shared interior living areas.

4.7 When a whole home and rooms are both listed

A home may be listed both as a whole-home rental and as individual rooms at the same time. Completed, qualified applications are considered in the order received under the first-qualified process. Once a room agreement is signed, the whole-home listing for that property is withdrawn. Once a whole-home lease is signed, the room listings for that property are withdrawn.

4.8 Minimum occupancy and room-rental program availability

Room rentals are offered subject to the landlord's decision to proceed with the room-rental program at each property, which may depend on reaching a minimum number of committed room tenants. This decision is made at the prescreen stage, before any application is requested. Submitting a prescreen does not guarantee a room offer. If the program is not proceeding, prescreened prospects will be notified in writing and may be placed on a waitlist and contacted once rooms become available. This policy is applied uniformly to all prospects.

5. Additional Information and Guarantors

If an applicant does not meet or cannot verify a published qualification, we may consider additional documentation or a co-signer or guarantor, subject to applicable law. A guarantor is not automatically accepted.

A proposed guarantor must submit a separate application, provide identification and income documentation, authorize required screening, and sign the required written guarantee. The guarantor must have gross monthly income of at least five times the monthly rent (for a room rental, the monthly rent for that room) and a credit score of at least 650.

We may request additional documentation to verify an applicant's income, housing-payment history, or other information relevant to the published criteria. Any request will be made consistently and subject to applicable law, including reasonable accommodations and the alternative-evidence process for applicants using a government rent subsidy.

6. Application Review, Selection, and Denial

We review completed applications under the first-qualified process described above and the written criteria in this policy for the type of rental applied for. Completed applications are considered in the order received. The first applicant or household meeting the criteria is approved for tenancy, subject to the lease or room agreement and the availability of the home or room. If that applicant declines or does not complete the signing process, we may proceed to the next qualified applicant.

An application may be denied or closed as incomplete if the applicant does not meet one or more published minimum criteria, provides materially inaccurate information, or does not provide information needed to verify eligibility after the stated deadline and any applicable extension. We apply the criteria consistently and subject to applicable law.

If we deny an application or take another adverse action based in whole or in part on a consumer report, we will provide notices required by law, including the reporting agency's contact information and information about the applicant's rights to obtain and dispute the report. When an application screening fee has been paid and we obtain a consumer credit report, we will provide the applicant a copy within seven days of receiving it, as required by California law.

7. Lease Signing and Move-In Costs

7.1 Lease term

Standard lease terms for whole-home rentals are 6, 9, or 12 months, subject to the listing, final agreement, and applicable law. Room rentals are month-to-month as stated in Section 4.1.

Applicants approved under the compensating-factors provision in Section 3.3 may be offered an initial lease term of 6 months. Renewal is subject to on-time payment history during that term.

7.2 Lease signing

Leases and room agreements are signed electronically. Applicants must review and sign within 24 hours of receiving the document. Contact us before the deadline if more time is needed. If applicable law requires a translated lease or disclosure, it will be provided as required by law.

7.3 Security deposit

The security deposit will not exceed one month's rent. It is due at signing and before move-in and will be held and returned according to California law. No deposit is requested before a lease or room agreement is signed.

7.4 First month's rent and payment method

The first month's rent is prorated from the start date and is due on that date. Rent is due on the first day of each month and is payable through the method stated in the lease or room agreement, or by check or money order if permitted. Move-in funds must clear before keys are released.

8. Pets and Assistance Animals

8.1 Pets

For whole-home rentals, up to two approved pets are permitted, subject to the lease and applicable law. For room rentals, the limits in Section 4.5 apply (one pet per room; cats and dogs 25 lbs or under). Pet rent is $35 per month for each approved pet. Renter's insurance with pet coverage is required for approved pets where permitted by law.

The list of domestic dog breeds restricted as pets includes American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terriers, and mixes of those breeds. Non-domestic canines, including wolves, coyotes, dingoes, jackals, and their hybrids, are not permitted as pets. All breeds of domestic cats are permitted.

8.2 Service animals and assistance animals

Service animals and assistance animals are not pets. We consider requests for reasonable accommodation under applicable law. No pet rent, pet fee, pet deposit, breed or size limit, or pet-related insurance requirement applies to an approved assistance animal. A resident may be responsible for damage caused by an animal, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

9. Reasonable Accommodations

We consider reasonable accommodation and modification requests related to disability as required by law, for both whole-home and room rentals. A request may be made in writing or through another effective means; no specific form or wording is required. We will engage in the process required by law and will not apply a response deadline in a way that prevents consideration of a reasonable-accommodation request.

10. Contact

Management RENT123USA.COM, on behalf of the property owner

Contact: Online form at RENT123USA.COM

Property listings may include additional property-specific rent amounts, availability information, and terms. The listing, this policy, and the pre-screening form should be read together.