How Applications Are Reviewed When a Property Has Multiple Applicants

Our goal is to handle this process as transparently and fairly as possible while still protecting the property owner’s interests and respecting everyone’s time and expectations.

This article explains how applications are considered, how timing affects your chances, when fees are refundable, and why being declined does not necessarily reflect negatively on your qualifications.

How the Review Process Works

When multiple applications are received:

• We present all completed applications to the owner at the same time.

• The owner makes the final decision—not the property manager.

• Decisions are often based on a combination of application strength, confirmed move-in date, and timing.

• Once an application has begun screening, screening fees become non-refundable.

Owners may also consider:

• Earlier move-in dates

• Less risk of vacancy

• Stability and length of tenancy

• Total number of applicants

• Strength of application relative to the pool, not simply individual qualifications

Refund vs Non-Refundable Application Fees

We always try to minimize unnecessary fees, and the key determining factor is whether screening has begun.

Why Timing and Move-In Date Matter

In competitive situations, move-in date can have a dramatic impact on approval.
If one applicant is prepared to move in immediately and another requires a date several weeks out, the owner may choose to avoid additional vacancy cost.

For popular listings:

• The sooner the move-in date, the higher the likelihood of approval.

• A long future date may significantly reduce the chance of being selected.

• A strong application may still be declined if another aligns more closely with the owner’s timeline.

Being Declined Does Not Always Reflect Your Credit or Credentials

It’s important to understand that in many cases:

• Multiple applicants have excellent credit

• Income requirements are met by more than one person

• Rental history checks out for several applicants simultaneously

When that happens, a decline simply means:

Another applicant’s timing, move-in date, or owner preference aligned more closely with the property’s availability.

Being declined in a competitive situation does not necessarily say anything negative about your creditworthiness.

What If I Want to Apply to Another Property?

If your application has already been processed, we are usually able to transfer your application to another one of our available homes, depending on timing and expiration requirements.

If your application has not yet entered screening, we recommend letting us know if you’re considering multiple properties, so we can help guide the best approach.

You can view available homes here:
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Summary