Tenant Screening Application Requirements

At SOWN Realty Group, we use consistent, fair, and lawful screening criteria in accordance with California and Federal Fair Housing laws. The requirements below represent our minimum company-wide standards. Please note that individual property owners may set higher or additional requirements for their specific property.

For property-specific criteria, please contact us directly at 650.744.2316 or leasing@sownrg.com

Minimum Screening Requirements:

Credit Score:

Minimum average credit score of 675+. For applications with multiple applicants, we average all credit scores together. Credit history is reviewed as a whole, and certain items (such as collections accounts, charge-offs, or repeated late payments) may result in denial. All credit decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Income Requirements:

Gross household income must equal 3x the monthly rent. When multiple applicants apply together, combined income is considered—each individual applicant does not need to independently meet the 3x requirement.

Employment & Income Verification:

Income must be verifiable through one or more of the following:

  • Most recent 3 months of pay stubs
  • Bank statements or connected bank account
  • Offer letter for newly started or future-dated employment

Background Screening:

Where permitted by law, background checks may be conducted. Any findings are reviewed individually and evaluated based on relevance, severity, and recency, in compliance with California screening regulations.

Payment History:

Applicants must demonstrate a consistent history of timely rent payments. As part of the screening process, we review rental and credit history for late payments over the past 36 months.

  • No more than three (3) late rent payments within the past 36 months
  • No rent payments reported as 30 days or more past due
  • No late payments within the most recent 12 months

Late payments may be verified through credit reports, rental references, or payment history documentation. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Final approval is subject to review and overall application strength.

Guarantor Screening Requirements:

If a prospective applicant does not meet SOWN Realty Group’s standard income or credit requirements, you may apply with a **Guarantor** (also referred to as a co-signer). A guarantor is a financially responsible individual who agrees to be legally and financially responsible for the lease (including rent and other obligations) if the tenant is unable to meet them.

To be accepted as a guarantor, the following minimum criteria must be met:

Credit Score:

Guarantors must have a minimum credit score of 740 or higher. We will obtain a credit report as part of the screening process to confirm this.

Income Requirement:

Guarantors must demonstrate a gross income of at least 5× the monthly rent. Acceptable proof of income includes recent pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or other verifiable documentation.

Verification:

Guarantors will undergo the same screening process as applicants, including credit and income verification, and must complete a separate guarantor application.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval. Final approval is subject to verification results and owner discretion.

Important Disclosures:

All applications are reviewed in compliance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Fair Housing laws, and applicable local ordinances. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval. Final approval is subject to owner criteria, verification results, and overall application strength. Applicants will be notified of any adverse action as required by law.