FAQs

Landlord’s representative Information on TAR Authorization To Release Information Related To A Residential Lease Applicant form is as follows:

ECHO Real Estate Services (name)
817-809-6266 (phone)
admin@echorealestateservices.com (e-mail)

• The Property Management platform we use for all online payments (including all payments throughout your lease term, and any lease extensions) charges additional third-party surcharge fees per transaction. Fees are based on the type of payment used:

ACH - $2 per each transaction.

Credit Card - 2.99% per each transaction.

Zelle - Zelle® doesn't charge a fee to send or receive money. We recommend confirming with your bank or credit union that there are no fees for Zelle® transactions, and for the Zelle daily limit at your bank, we do not accept partial payments.

• The Application Processing Fee - NON-REFUNDABLE $60 to be submitted with each individual application through the application link we emailed you. Payable only by credit card due to TransUnion requirements, a 2.99% credit card processing fee applies in addition to the $60 Application Processing Fee. Please contact our office before requesting the online application link and starting your application if you prefer to pay this fee through Zelle. The Application Processing Fee payment through Zelle must be submitted before we email you the link to start your application.   

• The Administrative Fee - a NON-REFUNDABLE one-time Administrative Fee of $175.00 due within 24 hours of your application approval and prior to the Residential Lease Agreement being sent to you for signature. Only one Administrative Fee per the Lease Agreement. Payable online via ACH transaction, Credit Card, or Zelle. Payment processing fees are based on the type of payment used.

• Applicable Deposits (Security Deposit, Pet Deposit, etc.) - payable online via ACH transaction, Credit Card, or Zelle within 24 hours of your application approval. Payment processing fees are based on the type of payment used.    

• Move-In Funds (Pro-rated rent, First full month rent, pet rent, etc.) - payable online via ACH transaction, Credit Card, or Zelle within 24 hours of signing the Residential Lease Agreement. Payment processing fees are based on the type of payment used. Please refer to FAQs for more information.

• A credit score of 700 and a credit history showing no negative report is recommended. A negative report is considered any non-medical item 60 days past due or greater, collections, repossessions, liens, judgments, or garnishments.

• A freeze or block on your Credit Agency score will constitute an automatic denial.
  History of any bankruptcy(ies) may result in denial.

• The credit report will be carefully assessed, and the overall evaluation outcome may lead to one of the following decisions: Approved, Approved with Conditions (Additional Deposit, Last month rent, and/or Guarantor, pre-paid rent might be required), or Denied.

A background report will be processed for each applicant. Criminal conviction history or sexual crime may result in the application being denied.

• Please be prepared to provide the last 3 years of verifiable rental or mortgage history, mortgage payments must be current. This can be in the form of a tenant ledger or rental verification from your current landlord.

• Eviction-free rental history for seven years as of the date of the application is required.

• Rental history reflecting past due rent, late payments, collections, or an outstanding balance are grounds for denial.

• If a previous landlord gives a negative reference or refuses to give a reference, the application may be denied.

• A rental history demonstrating disruptive behavior, noise, or other documented complaints will result in an application being denied.

• A minimum six-month employment history with the current employer is recommended.  TWO (2) YEARS of verifiable work history is required.

• Special circumstances, such as a change of job within the last six months, may require previous tax returns or other information to verify employment history. An Offer Letter or Letter of Intent to hire should be submitted if employment has not yet started.

• Self-employed applicants will be required to show proof of income through copies of the two previous years’ tax returns including the Profit and Loss form plus the six most recent bank statements.

• Self-employed applicants will be verified through state records. A recorded business name, EIN, or corporate filing (Articles of Incorporation/Certificate of Formation, Business License) may be required to meet verification of employment standards.

• Military and government employees are required to furnish their latest LES report.

• The household income requirement is 3 times the monthly rent amount with any existing mortgages (or rental amounts) deducted. Income is calculated on the gross YTD amount. Please be prepared to submit two months' worth of most recent pay stubs and/or bank statements for the last 6 consecutive months.

• Applicants may be denied due to the debt-to-income ratio.

• Any open Mortgage Accounts will be deducted from the YTD amount in assessing annual income.

• If you currently own your home and are selling it, you will need to provide closing documents or a sales agreement. You must be outside of your option period to be approved.

• Guarantor applicants must meet ALL applicant requirements, go through application process like any other applicant would, make 4 times the monthly rent amount in standalone income, and have a credit score of 700 or above. 

Below are additional examples you may want to provide as Proof of Income:

• 1099 Form

• Federal Income Tax Return

• Letter from employer

• Social security statement

• Annuity statement

• Pension disbursement

• Workman’s compensation letter

• Court-ordered awards letter

• Interest and dividend income

• Severance statement

• Proof of bonus or incentive payment

• You must give notice to your current landlord for rental verification. Failure to do so will result in your rent payments being deducted from the YTD amount when assessing annual income. 

Any request for exception from Landlord's Tenant Selection Criteria must be submitted to our office in writing for the Landlord’s consideration. If approval is given for such exceptions, compensating factors such as an additional security deposit, Lease Guarantor, and/or additional advance rent payments may be required.

Each property owner is allowed to set their own pet policy. Though most Echo Real Estate Services properties do allow a pet, please see the property listing to determine if the home you’re interested in allows pets. This Pet Policy is not an agreement to allow you to have a pet. A Pet Agreement must be in place before you bring a pet on the property, including if you decide to get a pet after your lease starts.

• Most properties have restrictions on the number of pets and/or the size of the pet. Please check with the property listing for specific details.

• Be prepared to provide a picture of your pet and vaccination records.

• A pet deposit will be charged for each pet. The amount of the deposit may vary depending on the screening score of the pet but is typically $500. There will also be a monthly pet fee of $25.

• No pets over 35 pounds.

• No pets under 12 months old.

• No exotic pets.

• Breeds with a disposition for aggressive behavior are generally prohibited.

• Proof of health and vaccinations for each pet, provided by the licensed vet.

• All applications with an Emotional Support Animal(s) or Service Animal(s) must provide a photo of the animal(s) and relevant documentation, dated within the previous 12 months, from medical professionals regarding said animal(s).

• Assistance Animal(s) (i.e. service/emotional/support/etc.) accommodation requests are not subject to pet deposits or pet fees.

• All pets must be licensed following all applicable governmental provisions, have shots required by statute, and be spayed or neutered. Please be prepared to show documentation.

• The Landlord may request verification through PetScreening.com for each of the applicants' pets or service/companion animals prior to final application approval.

• Pet screenings are $20 for the first pet and $15 for additional pets.

• Service/companion animal registration is free.

Each tenant shall secure a renter’s insurance policy against personal property losses and liability claims. Said policy should be sufficient to cover all personal property and at least $300,000 per occurrence for any potential liability claims.

All Tenant(s) are required to provide proof of insurance (declaration page) to the Landlord at least five business days prior to the commencement date of the Lease Agreement.

Tenant(s) agrees to maintain renter’s insurance for the entirety of the lease term, any extensions or renewals, and any subsequent tenancies at will or at sufferance. Tenant(s) shall provide Landlord with proof of renewal at least five business days prior to expiration of the term of the policy. Failure to obtain or provide proof of insurance as required herein shall be considered a material breach for which the tenancy may be terminated.

Tenant(s) with canceled, lapsed, or lack of insurance shall be considered in default of the lease and the Landlord shall have the right to charge a NON-Compliance Fee of $100 per month as additional rent, in any month during which Tenant(s) allows the coverage to lapse, expire or cannot provide proof of coverage, in addition to any other remedies under the Lease Agreement. FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE NOR PRORATEABLE.

Failure to Maintain Insurance: You are in violation of the lease agreement if coverage is not in place during the entire term of the lease agreement and/or any lease extensions or renewals hereafter.

Waterbed or water-filled furniture is not allowed.

Please note all properties are No Smoking properties, no smoking and no vaping of any kind is allowed inside the house or the garage.