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How Does The Rental / Leasing Process Work?

When someone is interested in your property, they can apply online 24/7 through our secure digital system.

Our application and screening process is comprehensive and data-driven, designed to identify high-quality residents while maintaining fairness and compliance.

Step 1: Application and Screening

Our process includes:

  • National credit and background check

  • Employment and income verification

  • Several years of rental history, including eviction search

  • Proprietary screening methods that generate honest, open-ended responses about the applicant’s circumstances

Rather than relying solely on a credit score, we analyze the full financial and behavioral profile. For example, we give minimal weight to medical and education-related collections, which often have little bearing on rent payment reliability.

This balanced approach has proven extremely effective. Over the past decade — even through COVID — fewer than 1% of residents we approved experienced serious payment issues they didn’t resolve.

Step 2: Deposit and Lease Execution

If the applicant is approved, they’re instructed to pay the security deposit within 24–48 hours, or risk losing the property.
We typically collect at least one full month’s rent, and sometimes more, depending on application strength and market factors.

Once the deposit is received, we:

  • Prepare and execute the lease agreement

  • Send a finalized copy to the property owner for review

To ensure smooth legal proceedings if needed, owners do not sign the lease directly. If you have specific clauses or preferences, we’ll discuss and incorporate them before the lease is executed.

We use a standard lease derived from the North Carolina Bar Association’s template — a form known for being:

  • Legally sound and proven in court

  • Clear, conservative, and balanced

  • Recognized across multiple states as an industry gold standard

You can view a sample copy of our lease here.

Step 3: Lease Term and Renewal Strategy

We generally encourage two-year leases when possible, as reducing turnover is one of the most effective ways to maximize profitability.
However, in today’s market, one-year terms are more typical.

In some cases — such as seasonal cycles or infrastructure projects — a shorter lease can be strategically beneficial. For example, aligning lease expirations with spring and early-summer market conditions often results in higher renewal rates and stronger rental performance.

Learn more about this topic here:
Seasonal Vacancy Tips →

Step 4: Accounting and Payment

We typically process owner payments around the 10th, 17th, and 23rd of each month.
In most cases, we do not disburse funds until after the resident has moved in, to ensure all funds clear properly and all conditions are met.

Resident security deposits are held in a licensed escrow account in full compliance with state real estate law.

The Bottom Line

Our process combines rigorous screening, clear communication, and strategic leasing to ensure your property is occupied by reliable residents — fast, safely, and profitably.