How to Apply

The whole process is online, and most applicants get a decision within 2–3 business days. Here's how it works.

Submit Your Application

Start your application online - it takes about 10 minutes. Every adult who will be living in the home must complete an application.

Pro tip: Connect your bank account for instant income verification - it's the fastest way to speed up your decision.

We Review Everything

Our independent screening team, Resident Research, processes applications Monday through Friday during business hours. They verify your credit history, criminal background, rental history, employment, and identity - in the order applications are received.

Pro tip: Let your current employer and previous landlords know we'll be reaching out. Their quick response helps move things along.

Decision & Approval

Once screening is complete, we conduct a final review with the property owner and make a decision based on your household's complete application. If you're approved, you'll get an email with your lease terms and a request to confirm. If not, you'll receive a clear explanation - and if it's a documentation issue, you may be able to resubmit.

Sign & Move In

Once approved, you'll sign your lease electronically and receive your move-in date and information packet. Keys in hand. Portal set up. Emergency line saved in your phone. Welcome home.

What We Evaluate

Our independent screening team reviews each application across five areas. Here's an overview of what we look at - for the full breakdown including how each area is scored, visit our Screening Criteria page.

Income & Employment

Gross household income of at least 2.5x the monthly rent - additional deposits or fees may apply below 3x
Verifiable proof of income - paystubs, offer letters, tax returns, or bank statements. Connecting your bank account through our secure verification platform is the fastest way to verify.

Credit History

Household average credit score of 600 or above - additional deposits or fees may apply below 680. We average all adult applicants.
Your broader credit picture - payment history, any outstanding collections, and how your debt compares to your income

Criminal Background

Reviewed individually for each adult applicant 18+
We follow fair housing guidelines and assess conviction history based on nature, severity, and recency - not blanket policies

Eviction History

Prior evictions are reviewed in context, including timing and circumstances
An older or disputed eviction doesn't automatically disqualify you

Rental History

Landlord references and payment history from previous rentals
Overall standing with current and prior property managers

Not sure where you stand? Every application is scored individually across all five areas - and we look at the full picture, not just one number. If you're close on a metric or have context that matters, review the full criteria or reach out before applying. We're happy to talk through your situation.

Lease Terms

Lease Length

Standard leases are 12 months. Shorter and longer terms may be available depending on the property and market conditions. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Deposits & Fees

Move-in costs include:

• Security deposit (based on your screening results - we'll give you the exact amount with your approval)
• First month's rent
• Application fee ($75/adult, non-refundable)
• Monthly pet rent (if applicable - see pet policy)

You'll know exactly what's owed before you sign anything - no guesswork, no surprises at the finish line.

Rent Payment

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Pay through your resident portal via ACH or set up automatic payments. Easy, secure, no checks to mail.

Lease Renewal

We'll reach out about 60 days before your lease ends to discuss renewal options, any rent adjustments, and new lease terms. No surprises - you'll have plenty of time to plan.

Resident Benefits

Every Allay resident gets access to our benefits package - perks and services you won't get renting from an individual owner. It's one of the reasons people stay. $36/month. Pricing and availability may vary by property.

Tenant Liability Coverage

Your Resident Benefits Package includes $100,000 in tenant liability coverage - so the liability protection your lease requires is already set up and paid for. No shopping around, no extra steps. This covers the property itself, not your personal stuff - a separate renter's insurance policy would handle that.

Your Resident Portal

Your lease, your balance, your payments, your maintenance requests - all in one place. Pay rent via ACH, set up autopay, view your documents, and manage your account anytime. It's your home base for everything related to your rental.

24/7 Emergency Support

If something urgent happens - a burst pipe, no heat, a gas leak - you'll always reach a real person, day or night. For non-emergency repairs, submit a request through your portal anytime and our team will get it scheduled.

Credit Reporting

Every on-time rent payment gets reported to the credit bureaus. That's money you're already spending, now working to build your credit score - some residents see a boost of 20 points or more.

Utility Connection Concierge

One call sets up your electricity, gas, cable, and internet - and makes sure you're getting the best available rates. No hunting for phone numbers, no sitting on hold.

Home Buying Assistance

Thinking about making the jump to homeownership? Our team includes experienced real estate agents who can help you get there when you're ready.

Personal Service

Because our team is small and local, you'll always reach a real person during business hours. Not a call center. Not a voicemail tree. A person who knows your property and can actually help.

What It’s Like to Rent With Allay.