Applying

So, you're about to take the plunge and apply to rent a Downtownian.com apartment! So, how does it work, you ask? Read on!

Ready to Rent?

When you've decided that the Downtownian.com apartment you've just seen is the right one for you, it's time to make your application. Just click on the link in the listing on Downtownian.com, or send an email to leasing@downtownian.com and request an application. You'll also need to pay an application fee which we'll collect from you over the phone, so in your email don't forget to let us know the best time to give you a buzz.

Before applying, we recommend that you review a sample Apartment Lease agreement.

The Application Form

Applications are made via a secure web form. The application form will ask for a lot of personal information, but don't worry - our security is provided by Realpage, one of the largest software providers in the multifamily industry today. All required information will need to be filled out fully and the application will need to be electronically signed and submitted before we can process your application. Once you have completed your application and clicked the submit button, you'll immediately receive an email from DocuSign, the world leader in secure, electronic signatures. Follow the link in the email to a DocuSign version of your application, which will allow you to upload supporting documents. We'll need a valid (unexpired) government issued photo ID, which can be either a state Drivers License, state ID card, or a government passport. We'll also need your latest paycheck stub showing your year-to-date income. DocuSign will also collect your eelctronic signature, authorizing us to begin the screening process. We do not currently collect any application fees online. Once we receive your fully signed application, we will contact you by phone to collect your fee.

Note that we require a separate application to be submitted for each applicant and each guarantor, if applicable.

Application Fee

The application fee is applied towards the cost of performing a background check on you, and is non-refundable regardless of the final disposition of your application. This means that regardless of whether your application is approved or denied, you will not be able to receive a refund of any of the application fees you have submitted. In the event that a co-signer is required, the co-signer(s) must also submit application fees and fill out a co-signer application. We'll collect that over the phone from you, and it can be paid via credit card, or from any checking or savings account drawn on a U.S. bank. We unfortunately do not take personal checks, money orders or certified funds for applications. For a list of current fees, see Service Fees.

Things to Consider

Not every apartment is for everyone! Make sure you can afford the financial obligation of the lease term. We require leaseholders' gross income equal 3 times the monthly rental rate. If you do not financially qualify, you may want to consider a guarantor (also sometimes called a co-signer). If you have pets, take a look at our pet policy page before submitting an application.

Background Check

A full background check usually takes one to three days, and in some cases can take in excess of two weeks to complete. In order to expedite the process, please notify former employers and other references that we will be contacting them, and ask them to respond to us as quickly as possible. Your credit reports, criminal history and landlord/tenant history will be factored. Your income must be at least three times the amount of rent in order to be approved. We must also receive favorable references from previous landlords and/or mortgagors for a minimum five year period immediately prior to your application. Guarantor background check requirements may differ somewhat. Complete, accurate applications are processed much more quickly than incomplete applications.

Hold Fee

During the application process, the apartment you are applying for will still be listed for rent. In the event that the apartment rents prior to the completion of your background check, your application fee would be forfeit. In order to avoid such a scenario, we request that you submit a hold fee in order to hold the apartment during the application process. If you do not submit a hold fee, the apartment will remain on the rental market and may be rented to another applicant.

When you submit a hold fee to us, we will hold the apartment you have selected for a five business day hold period, in order to complete the background check. At the end of the five days you must have signed an Apartment Lease and submitted to us the required security deposit, rent, and all other fees required, otherwise the apartment will go back on the market and be available for rent to the public.

The hold fee is conditionally-refundable. Here’s how it works:

1. If your application is approved, we will apply the full amount of the hold fee against your security deposit.
2. In the event that your application is denied by us, you will receive the hold fee back in its entirety, and we will mail or email you the reasons behind our denial.