Criteria for renting our properties

Application Criteria

At Northern Pass Properties, we evaluate each rental application carefully and fairly. Approval decisions are based on a combination of credit, criminal background, rental history, and income verification.

Credit

We review every applicant’s credit report to assess financial responsibility.

• Applicants with a credit score below 600 may still qualify if they demonstrate strong income and a positive rental history.
• In some cases, approval may require a higher security deposit, ranging from 1.25 times to 2 times the monthly rent.

Criminal History

We conduct a criminal background check to help maintain a safe living environment for all residents.

• Felonies involving violence, arson, drug trafficking, or sexual offenses may result in denial.
• Each case is reviewed individually, taking into account the nature, severity, and date of the offense.
• Applicants are encouraged to provide context or documentation of rehabilitation for consideration.

Rental History

We verify rental history with your previous two residences to confirm reliable tenancy.

• Verifications are requested directly from current and prior landlords.
• A history of late payments, property damage, or lease violations may affect approval.

Income Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a net monthly income of at least 2.5 times the rental rate.

• Income must be verifiable through recent pay stubs, employment letters, or tax documents.
• Additional income sources such as military allotments or housing assistance are also considered.

Additional Tenant Information

What rental properties do you currently have available?

Although our rental properties are advertised on many different websites, the most current list of available properties is located under Homes for Rent on this website. We are constantly adding new properties, and the listings at nppelpaso.com are the first updated. Our website also has the most pictures, information, and even some video tours for you to view.

• Utilities — How much and which ones am I responsible for?

  Utilities are the tenant’s responsibility unless otherwise stated. Some utility companies will provide an estimate. Contact the utility company for more information.

• Does the property allow pets?

  Every property is different, as well as every landlord. Some properties will require a pet deposit. It’s best to ask before filling out an application to understand the requirements for your particular property.

• Do you allow roommates?

  Yes, however each individual roommate must be able to qualify on their own for the rental unit.

• How long does it take to know if I’m approved?

  Application processing typically takes 24 to 48 hours once all completed applications and all required documents have been submitted. After your application has been reviewed, someone from Northern Pass Properties will contact you directly with the results and next steps.

• What do you look at during the screening process?

  We look at many different factors during our screening process. The main categories we review are:

  • Payment History
  • Criminal History
  • Credit Score
  • Personal and landlord references
  • Rent-to-Income Ratio
  • Past residency
  • Collection and delinquent accounts
  • And more…

  Northern Pass Properties complies with the Fair Housing Act as amended, prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.

• Do you pull a full credit report?

  Yes.

• Why is the application fee charged for each person?

  In order to keep our tenants safe and our owners happy, we run a credit and criminal check on every applicant 18 years of age and older.

• If my application looks better, why can’t you bump me to the front of the line?

  We abide by Fair Housing Laws. Fair Housing dictates that applications must be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If a completed application has come in before yours, we are obligated to give them the opportunity to move into the property first if approved.

• What forms of payment do you accept?

  We prefer all payments to be done online with the exception of your initial deposit and rent payment, which should be paid with certified funds (cashier’s check or money order). No checks or cash are ever accepted.

• I have bad credit. Is that an automatic no?

  No. We consider other factors such as income and rental history. Our decision is based on a scoring system that includes multiple categories, not credit alone.

• How long will the deposit hold the property?

  The deposit will hold the property for two weeks. After that, you will have to start paying rent on the property unless otherwise noted by the property manager.

• When can I move in?

  Typically, you can move in within one day of signing your lease. This allows time to activate your utilities.

• Do you accept state-funded housing programs?

  In most cases, no. However, feel free to call and ask before applying.

• Is my application fee refundable?

  We do not refund application fees for any reason. Once you hit submit, the application has been run and processed and cannot be canceled.

• What is the Resident Benefits Package?

  All Northern Pass Properties residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for $30/month, which includes HVAC air filter delivery (for applicable properties), credit building to help boost your credit score with timely rent payments, $1M Identity Protection, utility concierge service to make utility connection easy during your move-in, our best-in-class resident rewards program, one basic pest control treatment per contractual year, and much more. More details are provided upon application.