At GPS Renting, we follow a consistent screening process that complies with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing laws, including guidelines specific to the City of Seattle.
Please review the following criteria before submitting your application.
1. Income Requirements #
Applicants must demonstrate income equal to at least 3x the monthly rent. Required documentation includes:
- Two most recent pay stubs, OR
- Proof of government, pension, or program-based income, OR
- If self-employed: two years of tax returns + six months of bank statements
- New employment: provide an offer letter with compensation listed
- Remote workers: provide a letter stating remote work from Washington is permitted
If applicants do not meet the income requirement, a qualified co-signer is required.
2. Credit Requirements #
Applicants must authorize a credit report. We expect credit to be in good standing. Common reasons for denial include:
- More than two delinquent payments in the last 24 months
- Unpaid accounts or debts in collection
- Active bankruptcies or recent bankruptcies within the last 7 years
- Money owed to prior landlords or property managers
- Credit score below 700 (unless offset by strong income/co-signer)
We do not conduct criminal background checks in Seattle, per city regulations.
3. Co-Signer Criteria (if required) #
Co-signers must:
- Reside in the U.S.
- Own property or have a verifiable rental history
- Meet a minimum credit score of 700
- Demonstrate monthly income of at least 4x the rent
- Show three years of on-time payment history and at least 7 open credit lines
4. Rental History #
Applicants must have verifiable, positive rental history within the last 12 months.
We may contact previous landlords to confirm:
- Timely rent payments
- Property condition upon move-out
- Lack of lease violations or unresolved complaints
Landlord references must be reachable within 72 hours of application submission.
5. Criminal History #
Where allowed by law (outside Seattle), criminal history may be evaluated case-by-case based on:
- Type and severity of offense
- Time since conviction
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Risk to persons or property
6. Pet Policy #
Pets are allowed only with prior written approval from the property owner.
If approved, all pets must:
- Be licensed (if required)
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Be covered under a pet agreement
Additional pet deposit and monthly pet rent may apply.
Equal Housing Opportunity #
We follow all applicable laws related to screening and Fair Housing. If your application meets the published criteria and your references respond in a timely manner, we will consider your application fairly and without discrimination.
