Rental History

In reviewing your application, we will collect a prior landlord reference, lease ledger, or credit report to verify your prior rental history in the time leading up to your desired move in date. A strong application should show consistent, timely rental payments over an extended period of time (12+ months) with no or minimal late payments. In addition, we will consider prior evictions and rental related judgements made within the last five years. 

Verifiable Income

Our application process calculates an income-to-rent ratio based on an applicant's pay stubs, tax returns, assistance payments, or employment letter. A strong application will show an income-to-rent ratio of 2.5x or more. For example, if the monthly rent is $2,000, a strong application would show verifiable monthly income of $5,000 or more. Recipients of housing assistance will have their score based on an adjusted rent amount (the tenant’s portion of the monthly rent). For self-employed applicants, we will request a verification of net worth as a supplement to income verification.

Credit Report

A credit report through TransUnion will be completed as part of your rental application. This credit report will detail outstanding credit lines established in the applicant’s name, outstanding balances, past due amounts, and ongoing collections matters. A strong rental application will have a credit score of 680 or more. Applicants with no credit or a credit score of 580 or below will receive no points awarded in ProActive’s screening process. We will also consider bankruptcies discharged in the last three years.

Other Rental Applicant Screening Factors

In addition to the above factors, our application process considers criminal background history, employment stability, co-signers, pets, move-in date, and other factors. Should one of the main criteria be unsatisfactory, applicants are given the opportunity to pay a higher security deposit (up to 2x one month’s rent) to strengthen their application.

How long does the application process take?

Typically, we will review an application alongside the rental property owner within a week from the time the application is submitted and application fee is paid. Once received, you will hear from our team to confirm that we have the information needed to process your application. After collecting your application, we will request a screening report authorization through Buildium, conduct a rental history check, and communicate with you on any additional information needed. Once a decision has been made, our team will communicate with you via email to provide an update.

ProActive Real Estate Services Equal Opportunity & Fair Housing Statement

ProActive Real Estate Services and its representatives do not discriminate against applicants or tenants in the provisions of services. All properties will be shown and made available to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status in compliance with all applicable and federal, state, and local fair housing laws and regulations. All applicants are reviewed based on the same standard screening criteria. ProActive Real Estate Services accepts Section 8 and other housing assistance vouchers at all rental units in Virginia. All animals undergo screening. Emotional support animals and service animals will be accepted at all rental units under our management with no fees applied or incurred after verification is performed and accepted.