Rental Screening Criteria

Effective September 29, 2026

RentLeaf applies the same written criteria to every applicant for every property we lease. We follow the federal Fair Housing Act, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, and California's Fair Chance Housing regulations. Owners who hire us agree to these criteria.

Fair housing

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

Housing vouchers are welcome. We accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other rental assistance as a lawful source of income.

How applications are processed

• Each adult 18 or older who will live in the home completes an application.
• Complete applications are reviewed in the order they are received. An application is complete when the form, ID, income documents, and screening fee (if any) are submitted.
• We only accept applications and fees when the home is available, or will be available within a reasonable time.
• The screening fee never exceeds California's legal maximum, adjusted each year. We give you a receipt, and refund any part not used for screening, including the full fee if we do not screen your application.
• We accept a reusable tenant screening report if it was prepared within the last 30 days and includes the information listed below.

Our criteria

Identity. A government-issued photo ID. An SSN is not required. An ITIN or other identification is accepted.

Income. Combined household income of at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. For applicants with a voucher or other rental assistance, we compare income only to your share of the rent. All lawful, verifiable income counts, including wages, self-employment, benefits, child support, and savings or assets. A qualified co-signer may be used if income falls short.

Credit. We review credit for unpaid rent or balances owed to prior landlords. We do not require a minimum score, and we do not count medical debt or student loans against you. If you have a government rent subsidy, you may choose to provide other proof that you can pay your share of the rent, such as bank statements or benefit letters, instead of relying on your credit history.

Rental history. We verify up to two years of rental history when available. No rental history is not a reason for denial. We do not consider rent debt from March 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 that was related to COVID-19.

Eviction history. An eviction judgment for nonpayment or lease violation within the last three years may result in denial. We do not consider cases that were dismissed, settled without a judgment against you, or resolved in your favor, or records that are sealed or masked under California law.

Occupancy. Generally two people per bedroom plus one additional person, consistent with fair housing guidance. Children under two are not counted.

Criminal history (Fair Chance Housing)

RentLeaf does not have a blanket ban on applicants with a criminal record. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify anyone.

• We review criminal history only after we confirm you meet every other criterion above.
• We never consider arrests that did not lead to a conviction; being questioned, detained, or investigated; referral to or completion of a diversion program; convictions that were sealed, dismissed, expunged, vacated, pardoned, or otherwise set aside; infractions; or anything from the juvenile justice system.
• We only consider convictions from the last seven years that are directly related to the safety of other residents or the property.
• Before any decision, we tell you in writing what we found and give you at least five business days to respond with context or evidence of rehabilitation, in writing or in person. This can include how long ago it happened, your age at the time, completed programs, employment, references, and your rental history since.
• Each case is decided individually. We check the record for accuracy, and you can dispute anything that is wrong or not yours.

If your application is denied

You will receive a written notice with the reason, the name and contact information of any screening company we used, and your right to a free copy of that report and to dispute it. You may ask us to reconsider with additional information.

Security deposit

The security deposit will not exceed the amount allowed by California law, generally one month's rent. There are no pet deposits or fees for assistance animals.

Reasonable accommodations

If you have a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation in our rules, policies, or practices at any point in the process, including help completing the application. Assistance animals, including service and support animals, are not pets and are not subject to pet rules or fees. Contact us through our contact form to make a request.

A copy of these criteria is available on request. Criteria may be updated. The version in effect when your complete application is received will be used.