Residential Tenant Resources
Everything you need as an EquityTeam resident — pay rent, submit maintenance requests, review your application terms, and get answers fast.
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Residential Tenants FAQ
You'll need combined household net income of at least 2.5× the monthly rent (housing vouchers count toward income), two years of verifiable rental history with no evictions or eviction filings in the past three years, and a clean standard background check. There's no single credit cutoff score — we use published, rent-tiered credit standards with a minimum floor, and applicants who fall below their tier can still qualify with a small credit surcharge or added income. Our full screening criteria are published so you know exactly what we look at before you apply.
You can apply online through our tenant portal. The application takes about 15–20 minutes and requires basic personal information, employment details, income verification, and rental history. Each adult (18+) who will occupy the property must submit a separate application.
$49 per adult applicant. It's non-refundable and covers credit, background, and rental history checks. Every adult 18 or older who will live in the home applies separately, even if they won't be on the lease. Bonus: apply on the same day you tour and we'll credit your application fees back at lease signing.
A government-issued photo ID, proof of income (most recent two months of paystubs, last two years of tax returns if self-employed, or a signed offer letter), and contact information for your current and previous landlords going back two years. Having everything ready up front is the difference between a 1-day and a 4-day decision.
Most complete applications are reviewed within 2–3 business days. We'll reach out if anything is missing and contact you with a decision as soon as screening is complete. We do not place applications on indefinite hold — if we can't move forward, we'll tell you.
Typically one month's rent. Higher deposits may apply based on screening results. Once approved, you'll sign the lease and pay move-in funds — first month's rent, security deposit, and any pet fees — to secure the home. Security deposits are held in a separate account per Ohio law and returned within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Most of our leases are 12 months. In some cases, shorter or longer terms may be available depending on the property and owner preferences. Month-to-month leases may be available after the initial term, typically at a higher rate.
Yes, but all adults (18+) who will be living in the property must apply and be approved. Adding an unapproved occupant is a lease violation. If you want to add someone after move-in, contact us to go through the proper process.
Most homes are pet-friendly. We allow up to two pets in most properties with breed and weight restrictions that vary by home. Every pet (and service/assistance animal) is screened through PetScreening.com — $25 per pet. Approved pets carry a one-time pet fee plus monthly pet rent. ESAs and service animals are not charged pet fees per fair housing law.
Yes, where the property qualifies. Voucher applicants meet the same screening criteria as other applicants — the voucher counts toward the income requirement. The property also has to pass the housing authority's inspection before move-in.
Yes. If you don't meet the income or credit standard on your own, a cosigner can apply with you. When a cosigner is used, the combined net income requirement is 3.5× the monthly rent, and the cosigner completes a full application and pays the $49 fee.
Yes. Most homes are available for self-tours — pick a time on the listing page and we'll text you access instructions. If you'd rather tour with someone from the team, you can schedule a guided tour instead.
You'll receive your lease for e-signature within one business day of approval. After signing and paying move-in funds, the home is yours on your lease start date. We will provide you access to the home and help you get settled — including utility setup through the concierge in the Resident Benefits Package.
You can submit maintenance requests through your tenant portal at any time. For non-emergency issues, log in, describe the problem, and upload photos if helpful. For emergencies (no heat in winter, flooding, gas leak, etc.), call us immediately at (513) 444-4010. Emergency line is available 24/7.
Rent is due on the 1st of each month and can be paid through your tenant portal by ACH bank transfer or credit/debit card (processing fees may apply for card payments). We encourage setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Emergencies include: no heat when temperatures are dangerously cold, active water leaks causing property damage, gas leaks, total loss of electricity, sewage backup, broken exterior door or window (security issue), or anything that makes the property uninhabitable or poses a safety risk. For these, call us immediately rather than submitting a portal request.
We'll reach out to you 60–90 days before your lease expiration to discuss renewal options. You may receive a rent adjustment offer reflecting current market rates. Review the renewal terms carefully — if you decide to renew, sign and return the renewal agreement by the deadline we provide.
Your lease specifies the required notice period, typically 30 or 60 days. Submit your notice in writing through the tenant portal or by email to your property manager. Be sure to include your intended move-out date. Vacating without proper notice can result in charges.
After you vacate, we'll conduct a move-out inspection and document the property's condition. We compare this to the move-in inspection report. Normal wear and tear is expected; damages beyond that may be deducted from your deposit. Ohio law requires us to return your deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 30 days of move-out.
Short-term guests (typically up to 14 days) are generally permitted under most leases. Extended stays of an unauthorized occupant can be a lease violation. If someone needs to move in permanently, contact us — they'll need to apply and be added to the lease.
Tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance (replacing light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, keeping the property clean, lawn care if specified in the lease, and unrestricted drain clogs). The owner/manager is typically responsible for major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances if included). When in doubt, submit a maintenance request and we'll sort it out.
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