Overview
RentWise uses a comprehensive two-tier qualification system to match renters with properties. This ensures you only see properties where you have a real chance of approval, saving you time and money on application fees.
Hard Requirements (Pass/Fail)
These are non-negotiable requirements that must be met to qualify for a property. If you fail any hard requirement, you'll see a "Not Qualified" badge for that unit.
Income Ratio Requirement
Your monthly gross income must be at least 3x the monthly rent.
Credit Score Threshold
Your credit score must meet the property's minimum requirement.
Eviction History
If a property prohibits recent evictions, you cannot have an eviction in the past 3-5 years.
Pet Policy Match
If you have pets, the property must allow them (with potential restrictions on breed, size, or quantity).
Household Occupancy Limits
Most properties follow the 2 people per bedroom rule (plus reasonable exceptions for infants).
Soft Factors (0-100 Score)
After passing hard requirements, your application is scored on soft factors. These determine your qualification level and approval likelihood.
Financial Strength (30 points)
- Income buffer (15 pts): How far above 3x rent is your income?
- Credit quality (15 pts): Higher credit scores earn more points
Rental History (25 points)
- Experience (15 pts): Years of rental history with good landlord references
- Clean record (10 pts): No evictions, late payments, or lease violations
Employment Stability (20 points)
- Duration (12 pts): Longer tenure = more stable income
- Type (8 pts): Full-time W-2 > Self-employed > Gig work
Application Readiness (15 points)
- References (8 pts): Previous landlord + employment references
- Background check consent (4 pts): Pre-authorized checks speed approval
- Guarantor (3 pts): Co-signer available if needed
Lifestyle Alignment (10 points)
- Bedroom fit (5 pts): Household size matches bedrooms comfortably
- Lease term match (5 pts): Desired term aligns with property's preferred lease lengths
Score Breakdown Example
Qualification Levels
Based on your total score (0-100), you'll receive one of five qualification levels:
Excellent (90-100)
Highly qualified. You exceed all requirements with a strong financial profile. Fast approval likely with minimal additional documentation.
Strong (80-89)
Strong match. You meet all hard requirements and have solid soft factors. Very competitive applicant with high approval chances.
Qualified (60-79)
Good match. You meet requirements and should have good approval chances through normal review process.
Conditional (1-59)
Passed hard requirements but lower soft score. You can apply, but approval may require additional negotiation, documentation, or concessions (larger deposit, co-signer, etc.).
Not Qualified (0)
Failed one or more hard requirements. This property is not a match. Focus on units where you meet all hard requirements.
Tips for Improving Your Application
💰 Strengthen Finances
- Add a co-signer with strong income
- Include all income sources (bonuses, side gigs)
- Offer a larger security deposit
- Pay off credit card balances to boost score
📄 Complete Documentation
- Upload all required documents early
- Get landlord reference letters
- Provide employment verification
- Pre-authorize background checks
🏠 Find the Right Fit
- Target properties matching your budget (3x rule)
- Choose units with right bedroom count
- Match your desired lease term
- Apply to pet-friendly properties if needed
⏰ Build Rental History
- Maintain good relationship with landlord
- Pay rent on time every month
- Keep lease violations to zero
- Renew leases to show stability
Ready to Get Pre-Qualified?
Complete your application and see your RentWise Score and qualification level.