Rental Criteria & Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in renting with TruMade Property Management! We understand you have many choices when selecting a home, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Our goal is to provide safe, well-maintained housing and a fair, transparent application process for all applicants.
Please review the following rental criteria and frequently asked questions before submitting an application.
Important Notice
The information below is intended as a general guide and may be updated from time to time. All applications are evaluated individually using our written screening criteria and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
What screening reports do you use?
We use screening services through MyRental.com to conduct credit, criminal background, and rental history reviews.
All applicants must provide written authorization before any screening reports are obtained.
Who Must Apply?
All occupants eighteen (18) years of age or older must submit a rental application, pay the required application fee ($50), and satisfy applicable screening requirements.
Applicants may be required to provide identification and supporting documentation as part of the application process.
What are the income requirements?
Applicants should generally demonstrate verifiable gross monthly income of at least three (3) times the monthly rent.
Income qualifications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and additional factors may be considered as part of the overall application review.
Additional documentation may be requested to verify income, including:
- Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Employment verification
• Other supporting documentation
What credit score do you require?
TruMade Property Management does not have an automatic minimum credit score requirement. However, applicants with a credit score of 650 or higher generally meet our preferred credit criteria.
Credit history is evaluated as part of the overall application review and may include consideration of:
- Payment history
• Outstanding debt obligations
• Collections and charge-offs
• Judgments or liens
• Overall creditworthiness and financial responsibility
Applicants with limited credit history, adverse credit history, or lower credit scores may still be considered. Additional requirements may apply, including a qualified co-applicant, guarantor, or other approved risk-mitigation measures.
All applications are reviewed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
Do you review rental history?
Yes.
We may review rental history as part of the screening process. We reserve the right to contact current and former landlords to verify:
- Rental payment history
• Lease compliance
• Property care and maintenance
• Move-out history
• Other tenancy-related information
Do you conduct criminal background checks?
Yes.
Criminal background screenings are conducted as part of the application process.
Criminal history is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. We do not impose blanket exclusions based solely on criminal history.
Factors that may be considered include:
- Nature of the offense
• Severity of the conduct
• Time elapsed since the offense
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Relevance to resident safety and property protection
Do you have occupancy standards?
Yes.
Occupancy standards apply to all rental units and are determined in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, building codes, zoning regulations, HUD guidance, and property-specific conditions.
The City of Morganton restricts occupancy in certain single-family dwellings based on its legal definition of a family. Generally, a family consists of any number of persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together as a single housekeeping unit.
As a general guideline, occupancy is limited to two (2) persons per bedroom; however, actual occupancy limits may vary depending on the property and applicable law.
Are you an Equal Housing Opportunity provider?
Yes.
TruMade Property Management is committed to providing housing in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic recognized by law.
All applicants are evaluated using consistent screening criteria and procedures.
Do you allow pets?
Yes, subject to management approval and compliance with our pet policy.
Pet Fees & Limits
- One-time pet fee: $300
• Monthly pet rent: $50 per pet
• Maximum pets: 2
• Maximum weight: 40 pounds per pet
Pet Owner Responsibilities
Residents agree to:
- Keep pets under control at all times.
• Clean up after pets inside the unit and throughout the property.
• Immediately collect and properly dispose of pet waste.
• Keep pets on a leash whenever outside the rental unit.
• Prevent pets from roaming freely on the property or neighboring properties.
• Avoid leaving pets outdoors unattended.
• Avoid leaving pets unsupervised inside the residence for unreasonable periods of time.
• Ensure pets do not cause excessive noise, odors, damage, or disturbances.
Residents may be held financially responsible for damage, cleaning costs, or other expenses caused by their pets.
Service Animals and Assistance Animals
Service animals and assistance animals are not considered pets and are accommodated in accordance with applicable fair housing and disability laws.
Pet fees, pet rent, breed restrictions, and weight limits do not apply to approved service animals or assistance animals.
How much is the security deposit?
A security deposit is required prior to move-in.
In most cases, the security deposit will be equal to one (1) month's rent. However, a higher security deposit may be required based on the results of the applicant's screening, credit history, rental history, income qualifications, or other factors permitted by applicable law.
The required security deposit amount will be disclosed before lease signing.
What utilities am I responsible for?
Residents are responsible for all utilities except trash collection, which is included with rent.
What lease terms do you offer?
Lease terms vary by property but are typically twelve (12) months for the initial lease term.
Available lease options will be discussed during the application process.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the first (1st) day of each month.
Payment methods, grace periods, and any applicable late fees are detailed in the lease agreement.
Can I move in immediately after approval?
Move-in dates depend upon:
- Unit availability
• Completion of the lease agreement
• Payment of required deposits and fees
• Completion of all move-in requirements
Do you accept co-signers or guarantors?
In certain circumstances, a qualified co-signer or guarantor may be accepted.
Co-signers and guarantors must:
- Submit an application
• Pay the required application fee
• Meet screening requirements
How long does the application process take?
Applications are typically processed within one (1) week after all required documentation has been received.
Processing times may vary depending on the completeness of the application and the responsiveness of third-party verification sources.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Applications will not be processed until all required information and supporting documentation have been received.
Failure to provide requested documentation may delay or prevent application approval.
Do you allow smoking or vaping?
No.
Smoking, vaping, and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems are prohibited inside all rental units.
Can I sublease my apartment or home?
No.
Subleasing, assignment of the lease, or short-term rental activity is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by management.
Is parking included?
Yes.
All rental units include at least two (2) parking spaces at no additional charge unless otherwise stated in the lease.
Application Fees
Application Fee: $50 per applicant age 18 or older
Application fees are non-refundable once screening has begun.
The application fee covers the cost of credit, criminal background, and rental history screening.
All adults eighteen (18) years of age or older who will reside in the property must submit a separate application and pay the required application fee.
Final Note
Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. All applications are evaluated using our written screening criteria and are reviewed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.