Rental Criteria & Application

Equal Housing Opportunity

Ember Realty is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity, and we fully comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act. We do not discriminate against persons because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or age. We also comply with all state and local fair housing laws. We offer our online application to anyone who wants to apply for one of our properties.
What Are The Minimum Qualifying Standards?
Tenant qualifying standards are the first step in our screening process. We use these criteria to help ensure peace of mind for our property owners. This page outlines the key factors we review when evaluating applicants, including:

Household Income
All leaseholders must show a combined net monthly income of at least 2x the rent. Self-employed applicants must provide proof of steady income for the past 12 months.

Rental History
Positive rental references are required from all landlords in the past 3 years. No unsatisfied landlord actions within 3 years and no evictions in the past 7 years.

Credit History
A minimum credit score of 550 is required. Applicants will be denied for open bankruptcies, eviction proceedings, liens, judgments, lawsuits over $1,000, or foreclosures within the past 36 months.

Criminal Records
Applicants must have no felony convictions for violent crimes, property crimes, or drug manufacturing/distribution within the past 7 years.
Many of our rentals are in high demand and may have multiple applications. Availability is not guaranteed, even if a unit is listed when you apply. Homes are rented to the best qualified applicant who has fulfilled the deposit requirement. Deposits can only be paid after application approval and after you’ve viewed the property.
Rental application process
Step By Step Prospective Resident Guide
- Select your rental unit you wish to apply for.
- Pay your non-refundable credit/screening fee.
- Applicants must complete the application in detail and provide current picture identification and proof of legal income.
- If unable to verify rental history, employment or driver’s license etc. within 48 hours, we reserve the right to deny your application.
- Each applicant must qualify, at Ember Realty's sole discretion, either: (a) individually, or (b) jointly with other applicants.
- You will also be required to pay any conditional deposits or fees at the time you enter into the Rental Agreement.
- If applying with a section 8 voucher, you can only apply for the number of bedrooms that is stated on your voucher.
- All applicants must complete a Pet Screening Profile. Click here to complete your Pet Screening Profile
Note: Completed applications are typically processed within 48–72 business hours. Processing is done during business hours only. If your application is missing documents or information, we’ll notify you by email. If we don’t hear back within 72 hours, your application will be considered abandoned and canceled. Prompt communication helps keep the process moving smoothly
Applicant Identification
Acceptable Identification Accepted By Ember Realty
- Current State Driver's License
- Current State Identification
- Current Military Identification
- Current Passport
Unacceptable Identification includes, without limitations
- Work Identification
- Identification That Is Not Current or Expired
- Identification That Cannont Be Read
- Other Forms of Identification that, In Ember Realty's Sole Discretion, are unsatifactory
Financial Criteria
All applicants must provide proof of income and have at least 6 months with their current employer or in the same line of work. Ember Realty uses Payscore.com to verify income as part of our screening process. For details on income requirements, see the net income-to-rent ratio section below.

The following documents are accepted as proof of income:
- Three (3) pay periods worth of paystubs
- Letter Verifying Your Current or Future Employment
- Signed, dated and notarized contract
- Bank Statements for the past six (6) months (if self-employed)
- Proof of student loans
- Profit and loss statement
- Tax returns for the past two (2) years (if self-employed)
- Award Letter for Disability, social security, and/or rental assistance
- International student's I-20
Rental History Criteria
A positive rental or mortgage history is required to rent from Ember Realty. Applicants must provide a rental reference or lease ledger from the past 36 months. If you have no rental history or less than 12 months, you may not qualify. We will contact your current and previous landlords to verify on-time payments, lease compliance, and property care. Applicants will be denied if their rental history within the last 36 months includes landlord actions such as (but not limited to):
- Four (4) or more late rent or mortgage payments
- More than two (2) noise complaints on record
- Broken lease agreements with previous landlords
- Inaccuracy or falsification of the rental application
- Collection fillings caused by breach of lease agreement or utilities
- Violation of rules relating to unauthorized residents and/or animals
- Causing damage to a rental property
- A party to an eviction in the last seven (7) years
- Negative Landlord Reference
- Improper notice to vacate
- Failure to cooperate with housing assistance program
- Failure to disclose your true rental history on your application
Credit History Criteria
A credit report is required for all applicants over the age 18 (with the exception of students residing with parents/guardians). The results of the credit report will be evaluated. Unsatisfactory credit can and will disqualify applicants from renting a property.

Other Deniable Factors Include the Following:
- Unverifiable Social Security or ITIN Number
- Liens, or suits within the last thirty-six (36) months.
- $1,000 in non-medical collections.
- Landlord collections of any amount in the past 7 years
- Active bankruptcy proceedings within the last thirty-six (36) months
- Pending foreclosure or foreclosure with debt(s) owed
- More than three (3) late or missing payments
Criminal Records Criteria
A criminal background check will be completed for each applicant and occupant 18+ years of age. All criminal records are evaluated from the date of disposition, regardless of the applicant’s or occupant’s age at the time such offense was committed. The application will be denied for the following:
- Physical Offenses Against Persons (Violent-Fatal, Violent-Non-Fatal, Kidnapping, Sex Offenses)
- Financial Offenses (Fraud, Bad Check)
- Drug Manufacturing or Distribution
- Drug Use Offenses (Marijuana, Other)
- Any individual on the OFAC’s SDN list.
- Other Felony Offenses (Motor Vehicle & License, Prostitution, Alcohol, Wildlife, Government Obstruction)
Criminal offenses and convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We consider factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the applicant’s age at the time, surrounding circumstances, time passed since the conviction, and rental history before and after the incident.
Applications may be denied if the criminal history suggests the applicant poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or if tenancy could result in significant property damage.
Please note: These requirements do not guarantee that current residents have not been convicted of or are subject to deferred adjudication for a felony, misdemeanor, or sex offense. Our screening relies on information provided by applicants and third-party services.
Criminal history which indicates that an applicant’s tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or whose tenancy could result in substantial physical damage to the property of the owner or others may result in denial of the application.
Pet & Animal Policy
Pets may be permitted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the Rental and community. The following breeds are prohibited, which may result inthe denial of the application:
- Pit Bull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier)
- Rottweiler
- Malamutes
- Cane Corso
- Pit Bull Mixes
- Doberman
- Presa Canario
- Wolf/Dog Hybrids
- Chow
- or any mixed breeds of the above mentioned will not be approved.
Pet Policy Summary
Aggressive breeds are not allowed on the property at any time, including visits from guests. The combined weight of all pets must not exceed 100 lbs.
- All pets must be declared on your application. Undisclosed pets may result in denial.
- Ferrets and venomous animals are strictly prohibited. Other species are subject to management approval.
- Your application may be considered secondary to others without pets.
- Not all properties accept pets — check the listing for details.
- A photo of your pet is required. Pet rent and an additional deposit will apply.
- Negative pet references or history of aggression will result in disqualification.
- By applying, you certify that your pet has never harmed anyone and is not a threat.
All applicants, with or without pets, must complete the screening process at PetScreening.com. Failure to do so will result in revoked pet privileges.
Security Deposit Alternative
Enjoy Financial Flexibility!

Ember Realty is proud to offer deposit-free living to qualified renters through Obligo! We understand that moving costs can add up, so we want to extend financial flexibility to our residents.
When you move in with us, you can skip paying a security deposit and keep the cash for activities you care about.
Learn more about the benefits of deposit-free living with Obligo’s brochure or on their website.
Miscellaneous Policies
Additional Important Information To Know.
All tenants are required to carry $100,000 in property damage liability insurance to cover tenant-caused damage to the landlord’s property. Coverage must include fire, smoke, explosion, accidental water discharge, and sewer backup.
Automatic Enrollment
Tenants will be automatically enrolled in Ember Realty’s master tenant liability policy for $12.00/month ($9 insurance + $3 admin fee), unless they opt out.
Opt-Out Requirements
You may opt out by providing:
- Proof of active insurance showing coverage start/end dates and policyholder details.
- Ember Realty is listed as “Additional Interest.”
- Liability coverage of at least $100,000.
Failure to Maintain Coverage
If your personal policy lapses, Ember Realty will enroll you in the default program at $12/month plus a $25 one-time setup fee.
Important Notice
This policy does not cover tenant belongings and does not name you as an insured party under the landlord’s policy. It is not a substitute for personal renters’ insurance.
The Ember Realty Resident Benefits Package (RBP) delivers savings and convenient, professional services that make taking care of your home second nature. By applying, Applicant agrees to be enrolled and to pay the applicable cost of $30/month, payable with rent.
Your RBP may include, subject to property mechanicals or other limitations:
- HVAC air filter delivery directly to your door approximately every 60 days.
- Utility concierge service: one call set up your utility services, cable, and internet services
- A resident rewards program that helps you earn rewards for paying your rent on time.
- Credit building to help boost your credit score with timely rent payments.
- $1M Identity Protection for all adult leaseholders
- 24/7 online maintenance reporting
- Home buying assistance for when the time is right to buy your “forever” home.
- Online portal: Access to your account, documents, communication and payment options.
- Vetted vendor network: we find the technicians who are reputable, licensed, and insured.
NOTE: The total monthly cost of the Resident Benefits Package is all-inclusive, and no discounts will be given if any element of the package is unavailable due to a lack of HVAC or another limitation at a specific property.
All vehicles must remain operational throughout a lease term and must maintain current registration. In addition, all vehicles must comply with all state laws and municipal ordinances. If applicable, the municipality and HOA’s parking requirements must be followed. Please contact the local branch representative for further details. Boats, trailers, or any other non-ordinary vehicle or object parked outside are not permitted on the property unless approved in writing by the Landlord.
Residents are responsible for paying their own utilities and will be required to have electric, water, and other services turned on in their name before moving into their rental homes. Certain rental properties may have additional services that are part of the lease, such as, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc. These services will be considered part of the rent but charge separately.
Smoking of any kind (including vaping) will not be allowed inside any of our managed residences. Smoking is permitted outside of the residence. Although Florida has legalized the use of medical marijuana, under Federal law, marijuana remains a Class I Controlled Substance and therefore illegal under the Federal Laws. Federal law gives us the right to prohibit it. Marijuana use, possession, and/or growing is prohibited at all our rental homes and violators will be evicted per our lease agreement.
Occupancy limits have been established by the size of the unit. Maximum number of persons allowed is as follows (unless otherwise defined by statute or local ordinance): No more than 2 occupants per bedroom plus one unless otherwise provided for under applicable state law.
All Applicants are strongly encouraged to view the Property prior to filling out an application. Landlord makes no express or implied warranties as to the Property’s condition. Should Applicant and Landlord enter into a lease, Applicant can request repairs or treatments in writing through Ember Realty’s Resident Center. All rental properties are leased AS-IS and no additional upgrades or improvements will be made prior or during the leasing term. Any upgrades or improvements to the premises are at sole desecration of the landlord and/or Management.
The total cost to rent will vary depending on the property, policy, and location. However, you can expect to pay something similar to the following:
- Monthly Rent: (Varies. Depends on the Unit/Rental. See listing for price)
- Renter’s Insurance: (Varies, depends on the insurance company the renter chooses)
- Security Deposit Alternative: (Varies, depends on the credit history of the tenant, or if the current landlord accepts SDA)
- Residential Utilities: (Varies with the unit, location, and usage)
- Resident Benefits Package: $30 a month (See above for what is included)
- One Time Application fee: $75 per adult
- Lease Processing Fee: $199
- Pool Services: $150
- Lawn Services: $100
- Pest Control Services: $25 – $50
Please contact management if you have any questions or concerns about the cost or any of the above mentioned fees involved.
Applicant must physically reside in the Rental for which they are applying. Applicant must live in the Rental and disclose all persons that will be occupying the Rental. All persons 18 years of age or older must be a leaseholder and qualify for the Rental with the applicant.
Next Steps After Approval
Approved applicants will be notified by phone, email, or both. Once approved, you’ll have 3 business days to:
- Sign the lease
- Pay the security deposit
- Submit the first month’s rent
- Pay any lease processing fees
If these steps are not completed within the timeframe, Ember Realty may proceed with the next qualified applicant.
Lease Start Date Policy
- Your lease must begin within 2 weeks of approval.
- If multiple applications are received, preference goes to applicants who can move in within 2 weeks of the property’s availability date.
- Move-in dates beyond this period must be pre-approved in writing by management.
- If you have not viewed the property, notify management at the time of your application.
Move-In Requirements
Access to the home is granted on the lease start date only, and only after utilities have been transferred into your name at least 3 days prior to move-in. No exceptions.
If the applicant has submitted the First Month’s Rent, Security Deposit, and signed the lease, they may terminate the lease by (1) giving written notice to the Property Manager, and (2) if the termination is within 14 days of the lease signing, the applicant must give an amount of money equivalent to the First month’s rent or security deposit to the Landlord or if the termination is more than 14 days after the lease was signed by giving an amount equivalent to the security deposit and one month’s rent to the Landlord. This provision applies only to those tenants who have NOT taken possession of the rental property.
ATTENTION! READ BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Have Questions? Ask Before You Apply!
We’re here to help! if you have any questions about our policies, please reach out before submitting your application. Our screening process is designed to find the best-qualified tenants while staying fully compliant with Fair Housing laws. By applying, you confirm that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to all Ember Realty policies.
⚠️ Important: If you do not meet the minimum requirements, your application will be denied, and application fees are non-refundable. Save time and money — review our policies carefully before applying. Want to see how you measure up? Check out our Tenant Scoring Matrix to get a clear picture of your qualifications. Thank you — we look forward to helping you find your next home!