Tenant Screening Notice

Tenant screening criteria is to be reviewed and acknowledged by each purposed applicant prior to submission of an application for lease on any available units provided by Westwood Property Group. Should you have any questions, please reach out directly at 503-793-7542 BEFORE submitting your rental application and fee. 

It is henceforth acknowledged and understood that any application fees are nonrefundable if the background check has been screened. It is furthermore understood that Westwood Property Group operates on a first come, first serve basis for screening. It is critical that your application, including tenant screening, is complete upon submission. Applications are not considered complete until received by each potential tenant 18 years and older. We comply with all federal, state and local laws regarding Fair Housing.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Application Process

A. Government issued identification with a photo will be required. Acceptable identification include: Drivers License, State issued ID Card or Passport. 

B. We are unable to run credit reports and process applications without valid social security numbers and a current US address. Exceptions to this would be if the lease is under the name of a major Corporation, or if the applicants have documentation of residency (ITINS Accepted)

C. A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 (fifty dollars) is required for each adult or emancipated minor taking financial responsibility for the lease and must be paid in the form of a cashier's check or money order. This fee pays for the credit and criminal reports as well as the process of obtaining rental references. 

Adults residing in the unit but not taking any financial responsibility for the lease, will be charged $25.00 (twenty five dollars) for the background check. No credit report is necessary for these individuals. This fee covers criminal reports as well as the process of obtaining rental references. 

D. Applicants must be able to enter a legal and binding contract. 

E. Upon approved application, the lease start date must begin within 2 weeks (14 calendar days). 

F. Applications could result in a denial for the following reasons: unpaid, incomplete, inaccurate or falsified information. The application is not considered complete until each party has fully completed their application and provided the backup documents required, including copies of the financial information required, acceptable photo ID, along with names, emails and phone numbers of the applicants rental references. 

G. The application process usually takes 1-3 business days to process. 

H. If the application is approved, the lease agreement must be signed electronically & 50% of the secutiry deposit, as an execution fee, must be received within 48 hours of receiving the lease agreement. If your application is withdrawn after the lease is signed, this execution fee is nonrefundable. Upon move-in, this execution fee is applied towards your deposit. The deposit can be paid via certified funds dropped off at our office at 5635 NE Elam Young PKWY #306 Hillsboro,OR 9124. If an approved applicant is out of town or relocating, funds may be overnighted with tracking number to office listed above. This cost is the responsibility of the applicant. Prior to mailing, please take a photo of the certified funds and tracking number. Failure to sign the lease or submit the security deposit within the necessary time frame may result in the cancellation of your application or breach of contract. 

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Screening Requirements

Income Requirements:

• Gross monthly income must be at least 2.5 times the stated monthly rent. 
• Income must be from a legal verifiable source with a history of at least 6 months. 
• Monthly income must be verified by paycheck stubs, retirement documentation, spousal support / child support (if included for consideration), trust accounts, social security, unemployment, housing vouchers, welfare (SNAP, Tanif...), or grants and loan documents. Newly employed applicants will be required to show an offer letter of employment on a corporate letterhead. 
• If the application holds a house voucher, legal verified monthly gross income must be at least 3 times their portion. The current year voucher MUST be presented at the time of application to consider the application complete. 
• Self-employed applicants must show a recorded business name or Corporate filing sufficient to meet the verification of employment standard. Tax returns from the previous year and 2 months of recent bank statements will be required to show current income. 
• Applicants without a source of income must show liquid assets equal to 2.5 times the annual rent. 

Only complete applications with all supporting documentation will be considered.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Screening Requirements

Credit Requirements:

• Any property-related unpaid debts (including utilities) from a previous rental will result in a denial of an application. 
• If an eviction is more than 5 years from the application submission date, or if the case was dismissed, your application will not be rejected. 
• Collections, judgements, liens, garnishments, "past dues" etc... will be considered with well established credit (660 credit score and above) under the following conditions: A) Any singular applicant or all applicants combined having 2-3 items of past due accounts or collections will require an additional security deposit equal to 25% of one month's rent.  B) Any singular applicant or all applicants combined having 4 or more past due accounts or collections will result in denial of application. 
• A discharged bankruptcy or foreclosure/short sale of your home within the last 3 years will require an additional security deposit equal to 25% of one month's rent and a credit score above 660. 
• "No Credit Score" can be accepted assuming no negative items. An additional 25% security deposit or co-signer will be required. If a co-signer is utilized, co-signer must complete an application and pay the $50.00 (fifty dollar) nonrefundable application fee and complete the screening requirements. In the case of "No Credit Score," the application will be denied if there are any negative items noted.  
• Medical collections do count unless no other negative items are showing on the credit report and the credit score is above 660. 

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Screening Requirements 

Criminal History:

Upon receipt of the rental application and screening fee, Westwood Property Group will conduct a search of public records to determine whether an applicant or any proposed resident or occupant has charges pending for, been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, any: drug-related crimes, person to person crimes, sex offenses, crimes involving financial fraud - including identity theft and forgery, or any other crime if the conduct for which the applicant was convicted of or charged with, is of a nature that would adversely affect the property of the landlord, tenants or the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises of other residents within the last 10 years. 

Each applicant will be screened on a case by case basis considering the nature of the conviction, date of conviction, completion of any rehabilitation programs and other material facts. If you have any questions regarding this requirement or would like us to consider additional details or extenuating circumstances, please contact the leasing agent prior to submitting an application.

All application fees are nonrefundable upon background screening. 

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Screening Requirements 

Rental References Requirement:

•  A positive current rental reference will be required totaling at least 3 or more years. 
• Two years of rental history will be accepted with positive current reference AND past rental reference from a third-party source. Some exceptions may be made on a case by case basis or with a co-signer. If utilizing a co-signer, co-signer must complete a rental application and provide a $50.00 (fifty dollar) application fee. Any questions, please contact the leasing agent prior to submitting an application. 
• Three years of current positive mortgage payments can be substituted for rental references, and an inspection of your current residence may be required. Rental references must be from a third-party source, unrelated to the applicant. 

Grounds for Denial of Application:

• Any rental history reflecting 2 or more late payments in the last 12 months, 72 - hour notices, outstanding balances or documented complaints will result in denial of the application. 
• If a landlord gives a negative reference or refuses to give a reference, the application may be denied. 
• A balance owed on a previous rental will result in a denial of the application. A paid balance may require an additional security deposit of 25% of the total monthly rent along with a positive rental reference. 

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Denied Application Policy

If your application is denied due to negative or adverse credit, you may dispute the report by contacting the credit reporting agency, if the information is incorrect. 

If your application is denied due to rental referenced or lack of verifiable income, that will be explained when you are contacted. 

If your application has been denied and you believe you qualify as a resident under the criteria outlined above, you may write us at: 

Appeals Manager, Westwood Property Group 

5635 NE Elam Young PKWY #306 

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Your letter should include reasons why you believe your application should be re-evaluated and request a review of your file. This request needs to be in writing. Once received, your application will be reviewed within seven (7) business days from receipt. You will be notified in writing of the outcome of the review. 

Appeal of application denial for criminal conviction: 

If your application has been denied due to a conviction, an appeal can be submitted in writing if you meet all other application criteria. Please provide all supporting documentation with the written request and send it to:

Appeals Manager, Westwood Property Group 

5635 NE Elam Young PKWY #306 

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Supporting documentation may include: Letter from Probation or Parole Officer, Therapist, Counselor, Caseworker, Employer (with proof of employment) or a Certificate of Training, Treatment or Rehabilitation completion. 

The Appeal Manager will review your documentation for evidence of mitigation factors, age when convicted, nature of the conviction, tenant history, history since the conviction, time since release or end of parole, and completion of any rehabilitation program. Result of the appeal will be mailed to the applicant within a reasonable timeframe. The proposed unit for lease will be held for a reasonable time during the appeals process, up to 7 business days, unless another application is received for the unit prior to the appeals process request being received.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Accepted Applications

If the application is approved, the lease agreement must be signed electronically & 50% of the secutiry deposit, as an execution fee, must be received within 48 hours of receiving the lease agreement. If your application is withdrawn after the lease is signed, this execution fee is nonrefundable. Upon move-in, this execution fee is applied towards your deposit. The deposit can be paid via certified funds dropped off at our office at 5635 NE Elam Young PKWY #306 Hillsboro,OR 9124. If an approved applicant is out of town or relocating, funds may be overnighted with tracking number to office listed above. This cost is the responsibility of the applicant. Prior to mailing, please take a photo of the certified funds and tracking number. Failure to sign the lease or submit the security deposit within the necessary time frame may result in the cancellation of your application or breach of contract.

You are required to transfer ALL utilities you are responsible for into your name as of the date of possession. Documentation will be required prior to your move-in walk-through. Any reconnect fees from failure to transfer required utilities will be the responsibility of the tenant.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Reasonable Accommodations Policy

To accommodate a disability, the existing premises may be modified at the expense of the disabled person, if the disabled person agrees to restore the premises to the pre-modified condition prior to moving out. BEFORE any modifications can be made, Westwood Property Group must approve all modifications and contractors in writing. Any permits or licenses needed must be provided along with a Reasonable Accommodation letter. 

A person requesting reasonable accommodations must submit a request for an exception, change or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice or service of a disability. 

Landlord may request reliable disability-related information that: verifies the individual has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities, describes the needed accommodations, and shows the relationship between the individual's disability and the need for the requested accommodation. Information MUST come from a qualified professional familiar with the individual and their disability. 

For more information regarding Reasonable Accommodations, visit HUD.gov

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Occupancy Policy

Two (2) persons are allowed per bedroom. An exception will be made for a child or children under 2 years of age sharing a bedroom. Bedrooms are defined as a space primarily used for sleeping, with at least one window and a closet for clothing. All parties occupying the unit MUST be listed on the lease, including children under 18. Any changes to the occupancy of the unit must be reported, non-minors REQUIRE approval prior to move-in.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542

Inspections

Westwood Property Group does periodic inspections of the home and premises. As required by law, you will be mailed or e-mailed a 24-hour Notice of Entry a minimum of 24-hours prior (but usually is given several days earlier for your convenience).  As a new tenant, your first inspection will be in 3-4 months from your move-in. A follow up will be at month 7-8 of your lease. Assuming no issues are noted, inspections then move to once annually. Westwood Property Group reserves the right to provide a 24-hour notice outside these scheduled events, as needed. 

Photographs will be taken of any damage(s) or violation(s) for records.

Questions? Call 503-793-7542