Rental Criteria

To become a resident:

1. Select your desired rental unit.
2. Complete an application form. Each person 18 years or older must submit a separate application.
3. Pay the non-refundable screening fee, which is an out-of-pocket expense that covers the cost of the screening
4. Upon approval, pay the minimum refundable security deposit and application fee
5. Please allow one business day for application verification.
6. You are encouraged to review the rental agreement at the time of application.

Modifications for accessibility may be made at the applicant’s expense, subject to the following:

• Written landlord approval prior to modifications.
• Written description of proposed work.
• Names and qualifications of all contractors.
• Required permits and licenses must be made available for inspection.
• Applicant must agree to restore the unit to its original condition, if requested.

• Government-issued photo ID is required.
• Application must be complete and accurate, with current and one prior rental reference.
• Each applicant is screened individually.
• Must be legally able to enter into a binding contract.
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or falsified information will result in denial.
• Current illegal drug use or conviction for drug manufacturing/distribution will result in denial.
• Applicants posing a threat to health/safety or property will be denied.

• Household income must be 3 times the monthly rent.
• A recent paycheck stub is required.
• Unemployed applicants must provide verifiable income or availability of funds that otherwise satisfy the income requirements (e.g., bank statements, support payments, benefits, loans).
• Self-employed applicants must provide previous year's tax return.
• Qualifying income or funds cannot come from a source exempt from execution/collection under Montana law and Mont. Code Ann. § 25-13-608, as may be amended.
• If income is below 3x rent, applicant must provide an additional security deposit equal to a full month's rent payment or a co-signer that satisfies the income requirements.
• Applications will be denied if income cannot be verified.

• Must have at least 1 year of verifiable employment.
• Self-employed status must be verified by business registration or corporate filing.
• Applicants not meeting employment requirements must provide an additional security deposit equal to a full month's rent payment or a co-signer that satisfies the income requirements.
• Applicants without employment and no alternative income or funds sufficient to satisfy the income requirements will be denied.

• 2 years of verifiable third-party rental history is required.
  • History ending more than 12 months ago will not be considered current.
• Homeownership will be verified via the county tax assessor.
• 4 years eviction-free history is required.
• If no rental history or non-third-party references, a co-signer is required.
• Applications with outstanding or past-due rent balances will be denied unless the debt is settled and no new negative balances have occurred.

• A minimum credit score of 600 is required.
• Scores:
  • Under 600: Denied.
  • 600–699: Require an additional deposit or co-signer.
  • 700 or higher: Approved with satisfaction of other requirements.
• Unscored applicants will be reviewed based on account history. Negative remarks will result in denial.
• Bad debt over $100 (collections, liens, bankruptcies, etc.) requires an additional deposit.
• Bankruptcies filed within 3 years of application date will result in denial.

• Must have a credit score of 700 or higher.
• Qualifying income must not be from a source exempt from execution/collection under Montana law and Mont. Code Ann. § 25-13-608, as may be amended.
• Must earn or possess at least 3 times the monthly rent.

• All pet/animal owners must use our third-party pet screening service (fees may apply).
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their pet(s) meet the unit-specific pet criteria (e.g., breed, weight, number).
• Out-of-pocket fees for third-party pet screening are non-refundable, even if the pet does not meet criteria.

Applications will be denied for:

• Ever convicted of serious felonies (e.g., murder, arson, sex crimes, major drug offenses, Class A/Felony burglary or robbery).
• Felony convictions within the last 7 years for other crimes.
• Misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor convictions within the last 7 years involving assault, drugs, weapons, or property damage.
• Class B or C misdemeanors within the last 3 years involving trespass, theft, dishonesty, prostitution.

All criminal history is reviewed based on:

• Type and severity of the conviction.
• Time elapsed.
• Pattern of behavior (recidivism).
• Any supporting documentation submitted.

If your application is denied based on background information:

• Contact AmRent at (888) 898-6196 to discuss your application.
• Contact the credit reporting agency to:
  • Confirm who reported negative information.
  • Dispute any incorrect data.

To appeal a denial:

• Email to: info@rentinmissoula.com
  Equal Housing Opportunity Manager
  Missoula Property Management
• Include your explanation and any relevant supporting documentation.
• Your file will be reviewed within 7 business days, and you will be notified of the outcome.