Qualification Requirements

What are your qualification requirements?

• Each applicant must be at least 18 years old and complete a separate application.
• The application must be fully completed; incomplete applications can lead to denial.
• We prefer online applications.
• If a guarantor is needed, they must also complete a separate application.
• Applications are processed upon receipt.
• Applicants must upload verifiable photo identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, state ID, or passport. Merchant store IDs are not accepted.
• All co-applicants must be listed in the application if applying with multiple applications.
• You may need to complete a Landlord Verification form.

What criteria do you use to evaluate applications?

We evaluate applications based on sufficient and steady income, acceptable credit score, criminal history, and rental or property ownership history. Negative findings in any of these areas can lead to application denial. False statements or documentation result in immediate denial.

Income Requirements

• Applicants must provide legal documentation of all income, which can include W-2s, 1099s, employee records, income tax records, social security documentation, monthly stipends, trust funds, and other legal sources.
• We must be able to verify all income sources, and failure to provide adequate documentation may result in disqualification.

Credit Requirements

• We purchase a credit report for all applicants and guarantors and do not accept personal credit reports.
• Discharged bankruptcies are acceptable if the applicant has re-established good credit.
• Negative credit reports can lead to application denial.

Rental History or Property Ownership Requirements

• We require at least two years of recent, acceptable rental history or homeownership unless a guarantor is provided or mitigating circumstances are proven.
• References must be verifiable; family references are not accepted.
• Negative references can lead to application denial.

Co-Applicant Scenarios

• We often consider rentals to couples or small groups. If there are issues with one co-applicant's circumstances, such as a low credit score, we will discuss and disclose the situation to all co-applicants to find a solution. By signing and submitting your application, you authorize us to share this information with your co-applicants or guarantors.

Acceptance/Denial Process

• We aim to notify applicants of acceptance or denial within 3-5 business days or as soon as possible. If additional documentation is required or verifications cannot be completed, we will inform you.
• If one applicant in a group is denied based on rental or criminal history, all applicants are denied.
• Providing false information results in automatic denial.

Co-Signer / Guarantor

Longford will allow for a guarantor in special circumstances. Please see information below about guarantors:

• Longford takes co-signors in accordance with DC law case-by-case but only at the Owner's direction of the property.
• Accepting a co-signer may require an increase in the security deposit or move-in fee. 
• The increase to the deposit will not exceed the maximum allowed by law. 
• Co-signers must sign our Personal Guarantee of Lease with reference to the Lease on which he/she is co-signing.

What are your application fees?

• A non-refundable application fee of $50 (may vary by location) covers the costs of processing your application, including credit and background checks. The fee amount is specified on the unit's listing page.
• Guarantors also require a non-refundable application fee.

I still have questions about the application process

For any questions on the application process, please contact our office at (202) 747-6555 or hello@longforddc.com. We look forward to receiving your application!