The following is our rental applicant screening criteria for prospective tenants applying for rental properties of 85 West Management Services LLC. These guidelines are designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all applicants while protecting the interests of property owners and maintaining a safe and responsible living environment for residents.

1. Non-Discrimination Policy

In compliance with local, state, and federal laws, applicants will be evaluated without regard to:

• Race

• Color

• National origin

• Religion

• Sex

• Disability

• Familial status

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity

We adhere to the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibit discrimination based on the characteristics listed above.

2. Application Process

• Application Form: All applicants must complete a rental application form. Applications must be filled out completely, honestly, and accurately.

• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee may be required to cover the cost of background and credit checks. This fee is disclosed at the time of application.

• Supporting Documents: Applicants will be asked to provide the following supporting documents:

• Proof of identity (e.g., government-issued ID)

• Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns)

• Rental history (contact information for previous landlords)

• Credit report (may be requested directly from the credit bureau)

3. Credit History

• Minimum Credit Score: Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 600. If the applicant's score is between 600-650, additional conditions will apply, such as a security deposit of 1.5x the monthly rent. If the score is below 600, application will require a co-signer.

• Co-Signer Qualifications:

• Income Requirement: Five-times the monthly rent

• Verifiable Source of Income

• No Outstanding Collections

• In-state co-signers must have a minimum of 650 credit score; out-of-state co-signers must have a minimum of 700 credit score

• Each co-signer must pay a separate application fee

• Must be over the age of 18 and not living in the unit you are applying for

• Negative Credit History: Applicants with:

• Current bankruptcies or recent bankruptcy filings

• Evictions or outstanding landlord judgments

• Unpaid collections for rent or utilities

• Delinquent utility bills will be grounds for denial.

• The applicant must not have any past due payments exceeding 30 days for personal credit, including but not limited to car loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, trade accounts, etc.

4. Income Requirements

• Minimum Income: Applicants must have a verifiable monthly income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1,000 per month, the applicant’s monthly income must be at least $3,000.

• Self-Employment: Applicants who are self-employed must provide the last two years of tax returns and proof of income for the last 3 months (e.g., bank statements or profit and loss statement).

5. Rental History

• Previous Rental History: Applicants must provide at least two years of verifiable rental history. Applicants with no rental history may still be considered but may be subject to additional requirements, such as a higher security deposit or a co-signer.

• References from Previous Landlords: Applicants must have a positive reference from previous landlords. Negative references (such as complaints of property damage, late payments, or eviction notices) may result in denial.

• Evictions: Applicants with a history of eviction within the past 5 years may be disqualified from approval.

6. Criminal Background Check

• A criminal background check will be conducted on all adult applicants.

• Felony Convictions: Applicants with felony convictions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Felony convictions related to violent crime, drug trafficking, or 

• crimes that pose a threat to the safety and security of the property or other residents may result in disqualification.

• Misdemeanors: Applicants with misdemeanor convictions will also be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to the type and recency of the offense.

7. Smoking Policy

• Smoking is not allowed inside the rental units, common areas, or within 25 feet of building entrances.

• Vaping: The use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) is also prohibited inside the units and common areas.

8. Pets Policy

• Pets are permitted in certain rental units, subject to the following conditions:

• An additional pet deposit and/or pet rent may apply.

• There may be breed, size, or weight restrictions for dogs.

• The number of pets per household may be limited.

• Service Animals: In accordance with the Fair Housing Act, service animals are allowed in all rental units, regardless of pet policy, with no additional fees or deposits.

9. Security Deposit

• Standard Security Deposit: The security deposit will typically be one month’s rent. A higher deposit may be required for applicants with poor credit, low income, or a previous eviction record.

• Refund of Deposit: The security deposit will be refunded within 30 days after the lease ends, provided the unit is returned in good condition and there are no outstanding charges.

10. Lease Term and Renewal

• Lease Term: Standard lease terms are 12 months. Other lease terms may be available on a case-by-case basis.

• Lease Renewal: Rent increases and other terms will be discussed at least 60 days prior to lease expiration. All lease renewals will require a new screening if significant time has passed since the last application.

12. Other Conditions

• Occupancy Limits: The maximum number of occupants per rental unit is determined by local housing codes and the size of the unit.

• Renters Insurance: Proof of renters insurance may be required for all tenants. The policy must provide liability coverage.

13. Approval and Denial Process

• Approval: Once the application is processed, applicants who meet all criteria will be approved and offered a lease agreement.

• Denial: Applicants who do not meet the screening criteria may be denied. If the applicant is denied based on credit or criminal history, they may request a copy of the report.

14. Fair Housing Compliance

This rental property adheres to all local, state, and federal laws concerning fair housing practices, including the Fair Housing Act, Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and any applicable local ordinances in Grand Rapids. All decisions regarding tenant eligibility will be made in accordance with these laws.

Contact Information

For further questions or clarifications regarding the application process or screening criteria, please contact:

Property Management Office
85 West Management Services
Phone: (616) 209-8508
Email: Jill.DiSerio@85Westmgt.com
Address: 2100 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Website: www.85WestMgt.com

Each property may have its own specific qualifications. Please refer to the details of each individual property for the exact requirements.