Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

If you are a prospective tenant looking into renting a home, there are probably many questions you have about renting, our company, and/or the legal and practical issues surrounding property lease. Here are some answers to the most common questions you may have.

What is your rental criteria?

Applications are only accepted through the McNally Management website not from any other source. At the time of submitting a rental application, you will be required to provide a copy of a valid form of government issued identification, information and proof of monthly income, seven (7) years of landlord references, residential history or home ownership, and contact information for your rental references, as well as any other information not specified above. Please note the minimum income qualifications require that the applicant(s) combined gross income is at least a minimum of three (3) times the monthly rent amount and co-signers are not accepted.
Credit: Applicants may not have derogatory items on their credit or rental history (ex. late or missed payments, charge offs, collections etc.) or have any balance owed to a current or previous landlord. Comprehensive, reusable credit reports are not accepted.

Applicant must be employed at current job for a minimum of 6 months or transferring from a similar job with at least 1 year of history. Applicant must provide a valid formal offer letter from a new employer including employment start date and income amount if there is new employment.

These are basic minimum criteria only; meeting these minimum criteria does not guarantee approval

Automatic Rejection of Application: These items may cause an automatic rejection of an application: record of an unlawful detainer or eviction, derogatory credit item(s), lack of credit and or credit history, undischarged bankruptcy, record of a collection action, unpaid debt to a landlord, falsified information, incomplete information, unverifiable information, and/or income, criminal record involving conviction on charges for dealing, possession or manufacture of illegal drugs or harm against persons or property.

Who is required to complete an application?

Each resident over the age of 18 that would be living in the property, must submit a separate rental application including married couples.

How do I apply?

Our applications are available on our website at mcnallymanagement.com. An application will be considered complete once all applicants/co-applicants have applied and submitted all required paperwork.

How long is the lease?

Most of our leases are for 1 year. Any shorter or longer lease term is at the discretion of the owner. Our minimum lease term is 6 months with owner approval. If your 1 year lease start date is any date other than the 1st of the month, the lease will be reduced to 11 months and X days.

How much is the security deposit?

Our general rule of thumb is that the security deposit is equal to approximately one month's rent, (usually $100 less than the rent amount). We reserve the right to increase the advertised security deposit. If an application is weak in any area, (ie. credit, income, landlord references/history, etc.) this may cause denial of application, or the applicant may be asked to provide additional refundable security deposits.

Do you accept Housing Vouchers?

We accept all forms of housing vouchers with proper documentation and all minimum rental requirements must still be met.

How much will it cost to move in?

We require a full first month's rent + the security deposit + pet deposits (if any) to move in. If your lease starts any date other than the 1st day of the month, you will pay a full month's rent and the second month's rent will reflect the pro-rate, due the first day of the following month.

What do I have to do to get started?

A complete and signed rental application will provide us with the information we need. Once we receive the complete application and the application fees are paid, we check credit, employment, income, criminal background, and rental history. If additional information is needed, we will contact you. Then the application is presented to the homeowner for consideration.

What utilities am I responsible for?

Tenants are responsible for all utility charges, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance. Tenants are responsible for changing all billing information to their name and mailing address effective with their lease start date. We sometimes have rental units available with utilities included or flat fees for utilities, see our website for details. Not providing proof of utility account set-up could delay move in.

Are pets allowed?

The pet policy can change from one property to another. Where pets are allowed, they are approved on a case-by-case basis and we ask that pets are over a year old. We will require a deposit for your pet. The amount can depend on the type, size, and age of the pet and whether or not we can obtain a good reference for your pet from your previous landlord. The minimum deposit/fee is $300 per animal. Pet rent may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Do you accept ESA/Service Animals?

Yes, as long as, all necessary, current, valid and legal documentation is supplied. Refer to HUD for further information.

Am I responsible for HOA fees and dues?

The homeowner is responsible for paying all regular HOA dues. Not all properties have Home Owners Associations (HOA). Tenants will be provided with the lease of any community rules and are required to abide by them. Please ask our office if the property you are interested in has an HOA.

Can I make alterations to the property?

Generally no, but it depends on the alteration. Any alterations, modification or improvement requires prior written approval. Before you move in we complete a written condition report and that includes photographs of the property. When you move out, you must return the property to us in the same condition in which you received it. Contact our office with any terms or requests for changes to the property.

Do you rent furnished houses?

Yes, we do rent furnished homes. Our rental ads will indicate whether a property is furnished.

A few more helpful resources:

Agency Law Pamphlet

Mold, Moisture Guide

Lead Paint Pamphlet

City of Tacoma Rental Housing Code - TMC 1.95.030

Real Estate Brokerage in Washington

 

Please contact our office with any other questions you may have!

Each person and property is unique, so please let us help you find the property that will best fit your needs! Please contact us at (253) 858-7368 or info@mcnallymanagement.com