EPM Application Process Information and FAQ 

❖ SHOWING OPTIONS:

1. Online video tour (24/7):

The online video tour is the fastest way to view the interior of a unit type. If a video tour is available for a unit type, it will be on EPMellensburg.com/vacancies with the unit’s listing. Please also feel free to drive by the property to view the location and exterior.

2. Self-showing of vacant unit (by appointment only from 8 am – 8 pm):

If there is a vacant unit available for showing, EPM offers self-showings. Please schedule your showing time with EPM during office hours. You will receive a lockbox code for the lockbox containing the key for the unit. Lockboxes are on the unit’s front door unless otherwise noted.

3. Guided tour (by appointment only during office hours):

If there is no vacant unit available for self-showing, a guided in-person showing may be requested. Subject to availability. For multiple unit properties, please note that your guided showing may be of a comparable unit at the same property – exact unit tour is not guaranteed.

Property showings do not “hold” a unit, and an in-person showing is not required by EPM for applying.

❖ APPLY:

Applications are sent via email address link upon request. An individual application is required from anybody 18 or older who plans to live at the property. There are no joint applications. Please provide name(s) and email address(es) for all applicants. An application group will not be approved until ALL tenants and any co-signers have applied and been approved. All applications for tenancy or cosigning have an individual, $45.00 nonrefundable application fee, due at the time of application submission.

❖ TYPICAL APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME: 2-5 BUSINESS DAYS

You will be notified in writing after application submission if there are any additional items to be provided or questions regarding your application information. You will be notified in writing of approval or denial based on screening. Approval of application does not guarantee selection as a tenant for desired property or unit.

❖ RESERVE YOUR RENTAL – UPON APPLICATION GROUP APPROVAL:

After application group approval, you have 24 hours to complete paperwork and make payment of the reservation fee in order to reserve the unit. A reservation fee is not refundable under any circumstance. This includes if the tenants choose not to or are unable to sign a rental agreement. Upon rental agreement signing, the reservation fee paid will be credited toward the security deposit amount due.

Reserved properties will be held for an approximate lease start date as described in the advertised listing for the unit on EPMellensburg.com.

EPM will contact you to sign a rental agreement as soon as the property is vacant, necessary maintenance, cleaning, and carpet cleaning have been scheduled. The rental agreement must be signed to start at the earliest date EPM determines the property is available, and cannot be held for a later lease start date.

❖ FAQ:

• Unless otherwise specified in the advertised listing, most units are pre-advertised for an approximate lease start date (~2 week time period). Move-in timing depends on vendor scheduling for cleaning, carpet cleaning, and maintenance repairs. Lease start timing updates are sent to future tenants as soon as they are received. Continued on back

• Questions regarding personal judgement of likelihood of application approvability are not answered. The complete list of application criteria is listed in the acceptance policy at the beginning of the rental application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to choose whether or not they will apply based on the provided criteria. Conditional approval option(s) for unmet criteria (co-signer and/or increased deposit) may be offered and is dependent on severity of non-met criteria.

• Do I need to call for an update on my application status? No. You will receive any further application questions, requests, or application updates in writing. This includes screening decisions. In-office personnel are unable to answer or discuss screening criteria questions or screening results.

• EPM applications are typically able to be transferred between available properties within one month of application submission. We do not accept comprehensive screening reports, another Landlord’s application, or any joint applications (including for married couples).

• Pets:

The property’s listing will outline whether the property is a pet-friendly unit or a no pets property. At pet-friendly properties, pets are considered on a case-by-case basis. Pet fees outlined in the unit’s listing will apply for approved pets. All animals are screened through a third-party company, PetScreening.com.

Do properties listed as “no pets” properties allow for ESA or service animals? Yes, reasonable accommodation is able to be made for ESA or service animals. An ESA/service animal PetScreening profile must be completed and approved. ESA/service animal PetScreening profiles are free to tenants. A copy of EPM’s reasonable accommodation policy can be obtained upon request to the office.

An animal agreement addendum must be completed after animal approval and before the animal may reside at any EPM premises, regardless of ESA or service animal status.

CONDENSED APPLICATION CRITERIA:

INCOME: At least 3 times the rental amount (garnishable income considered only. Scholarships and financial aid DO NOT count toward income.)

RENTAL HISTORY: 24 months of favorable, verifiable rental history (not from family or close friends). Mortgage history also qualifies.

CREDIT HISTORY: Favorable history and good credit score. Score of 670 or above with at least 4 accounts of at least 1 year in good standing.

CO-SIGNERS:  If a co-signer is requested, the co-signer criteria is the same as the tenancy criteria, except the income requirement for co-signers is 4 times the rental amount rather than 3 times (garnishable income considered only).

❖ If there are multiple applicants, each applicant must meet criteria on their own and be approved for the group to be approved. Conditional approval option(s) for unmet criteria (co-signer and/or increased deposit) will depend on severity of non-met criteria.

THE FOLLOWING MAY RESULT IN DENIAL:

• An eviction

• Unfavorable credit score or history

• Collection accounts or charged off balances shown on credit report

• 2 or more late rent payments, NSF payments, or noise complaints during a one-year period

• Poor landlord reference, balance owed to landlord, or other bad reference

• Unverifiable identity

• Filing of Bankruptcy

• False information on rental application

• A conviction of a felony, violent, sex offense or drug-related charge. The criminal records search will evaluate

both felony and misdemeanor offenses. All felony or misdemeanor convictions do not result in immediate

denial. The decision will take into account specific crime, time since conviction, provable rehabilitation, etc.

**This is a condensed list. Complete information is found on the acceptance policy of the rental application**