RENTAL CRITERIA

1. Open Application Period & Processing Order

  • Chronological Processing: In compliance with PCC 30.01.086, completed applications are recorded with an exact timestamp and evaluated strictly one at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. Unscreened backup applications receive a full fee refund.

  • 72-Hour Notice & Early Penalty: Public notice of unit availability is posted at least 72 hours prior to the Open Application Period. Any application submitted prior to the stated start time incurs a mandatory 8-hour timestamp penalty.

  • Acceptable Identification: Applicants do not need a Social Security Number or proof of lawful U.S. presence. We accept any valid government or non-governmental ID verifying legal name and birth date (SSN, ITIN, Passport, Visa, Resident Card, or State ID regardless of expiration date).

2. Income & Financial Capacity

  • Gross Monthly Income Cap: Combined gross household income must equal at least 2.0 times the monthly rent (when rent is at or above 80% Median Family Income) or 2.5 times the monthly rent(when rent is below 80% MFI).

  • Rent Subsidies & Vouchers: For applicants with Section 8 or housing vouchers, the income multiplier applies strictly to the applicant's personal out-of-pocket share of the rent.

  • Verification Sources: Two recent paystubs, executed employment offer, travel nurse/corporate housing stipend contract, prior year tax return (self-employed), or verifiable liquid savings equivalent to 6+ months of rent.

3. Credit, Rental, & Criminal History (Non-Low-Barrier)

  • Credit Standard: Minimum credit score of 650. Ten (10) or more unpaid collections (excluding medical and student loan debt) or unresolved utility/landlord arrears will result in denial. Discharged Chapter 7 or current Chapter 13 bankruptcies are accepted.

  • Rental History: Minimum 12 months of verifiable third-party residential history or homeownership within the past 24 months. Five (5) years eviction-free history (dismissed cases or judgments in the tenant's favor are excluded). Maximum of two late payments in the last 12 months.

  • Criminal Background: Arrests without conviction, expunged/sealed records, misdemeanors older than 3 years, and felonies older than 7 years are never considered.

4. Furnished Property Rules & Mandatory Pre-Denial Review

  • Furnished Inventory & Deposit: Offered fully furnished with a mandatory signed Move-In Inventory Checklist. Per PCC 30.01.087, the security deposit is capped at 1.5 times monthly rent (or 0.5x rent if last month's rent is collected up front). 100% smoke-free inside and within 10 feet of openings.

  • Right to Individualized Assessment: Before issuing a denial based on credit, rental, or criminal criteria, written notice is provided. Applicants have the right to submit mitigating evidence (e.g., cash reserves, hardship explanations, reference letters) for individualized review prior to final decision.

Mandatory City of Portland Disclosures: Applicants must receive and review the official Portland Housing Bureau notices alongside these criteria:

1. Statement of Applicant Rights and Responsibilities Notice (PCC 30.01.086.C.3.C)

2. Right to Request a Modification or Accommodation Notice (PCC 30.01.086.C.3.B)

Online Application Acknowledgment (ORS 90.295): No physical signature is required on this document. By submitting an online rental application or paying a screening fee, the applicant digitally certifies that they have reviewed and received these Residential Tenant Screening Criteria and the City of Portland Mandatory Disclosures prior to applying.