Minimum Qualification Standards and Prescreening
Minimum Qualification Standards
The following list includes the minimum qualification standards for renting any property with Elkheart Properties LLC. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be approved:
Prescreening
Are you the right match for this property? We hope so! But first, we ask all potential applicants to review the complete Leasing Lifecycle below and then return to this section to take a prescreening short survey to help both you and us know if you might be a qualified applicant. If we are currently seeking a new tenant for a property, the survey link will be provided below:
Once you have completed the survey, we will provide you with feedback within 24 hours. This feedback will either be an invitation to view the property, or a recommendation that there may be another property that would be a better fit for your needs. Of course, anyone is welcome to submit an application (once n initial property viewing is completed), but if you don't meet the minimum qualification standards, your application will not be approved and you will lose your $30 non-refundable application fee. Either way, we sincerely appreciate your interest in this property and we look forward to receiving your prescreening survey response.
Minimum Qualification Standards
The following list includes the minimum qualification standards for renting any property with Elkheart Properties LLC. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be approved:
- Applicant(s) must have valid photo identification and a valid social security number (social security number is not submitted to the property manager at any time; rather it is submitted by the applicant directly to the SmartMove tenant screening site.
- Applicant or applicants' monthly household gross (before taxes) income must equal or exceed three times the rent. All income must be from verifiable sources and evidence must be provided during the application process.
- Applicant(s) must receive positive references from all previous landlords for the previous three years.
- Applicant(s) may not have any evictions or unpaid judgments from previous landlords.
- Applicant(s) must have three positive personal or professional references from non-related (no relatives) sources.
- Applicant(s) must exhibit a responsible financial life. This is qualified with a minimum credit score of 600. A qualified co-signer may be required for young applicants with unestablished credit or insufficient qualifications in other criteria.
- A background check will be conducted on all applicants over 18. Applicant’s background must exhibit a pattern of responsibility without any prior arrests.
- All perspective occupants must be non-smokers.
- Future tenants must be willing to purchase generally low cost (approximately $20 per month) renter's insurance from Assurant.
- Tenants must adhere to occupancy limits and a maximum of two non-related occupants is permitted per property unless otherwise indicated in the property description.
Prescreening
Are you the right match for this property? We hope so! But first, we ask all potential applicants to review the complete Leasing Lifecycle below and then return to this section to take a prescreening short survey to help both you and us know if you might be a qualified applicant. If we are currently seeking a new tenant for a property, the survey link will be provided below:
- 187 Old Turnpike East Prescreening Survey / 9-16-19 - Property on hold pending approved application. Note to prospective applicants: We are currently processing a completed application package. Should the applicant not be approved, we will return the property to active. Please check back, and thank you for your interest.
Once you have completed the survey, we will provide you with feedback within 24 hours. This feedback will either be an invitation to view the property, or a recommendation that there may be another property that would be a better fit for your needs. Of course, anyone is welcome to submit an application (once n initial property viewing is completed), but if you don't meet the minimum qualification standards, your application will not be approved and you will lose your $30 non-refundable application fee. Either way, we sincerely appreciate your interest in this property and we look forward to receiving your prescreening survey response.
Property Viewing
After completing the prescreening survey, the next step is a visit to the property. This will be your opportunity to find out if this home is truly right for you. Details about property viewing will be given to you once you have completed prescreening process. You are always welcome and encouraged to drive by the property anytime. But, please do not disturb neighbors or current tenants. APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED UNTIL THE INITIAL PROPERTY VIEWING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED. You will submit your availability for a property viewing in the prescreening survey.
After completing the prescreening survey, the next step is a visit to the property. This will be your opportunity to find out if this home is truly right for you. Details about property viewing will be given to you once you have completed prescreening process. You are always welcome and encouraged to drive by the property anytime. But, please do not disturb neighbors or current tenants. APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED UNTIL THE INITIAL PROPERTY VIEWING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED. You will submit your availability for a property viewing in the prescreening survey.
Application and Checks
Applications are not accepted until after the initial property viewing has been completed by the prospective tenant. You will be provided with an application and hold deposit agreement (see below for more information regarding hold deposits) during the initial property viewing. An application form must be completed by each non-related adult over the age of 18. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applications containing false information will immediately be disqualified. Processing the application will include direct contact with employers, current landlord, previous landlords, personal and professional references, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, consumer reporting agencies, public records, eviction records, and any other sources that may be deemed necessary. A consumer report will be used, as well, in the processing of all applications, to determine credit worthiness.
Application Form Requirements
To complete the application, you should have the following required information handy:
Submitting the Application Package: Application, Supporting Documentation, and Required Fee/Deposit and Deposit Agreement
A complete application package contains the following:
You will mail the application(s)/supporting documentation/hold deposit agreement plus $30 non-refundable application fee and $300 hold deposit ($330 total) by check made payable to Elkheart Properties, LLC, at P.O. Box 1101, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Alternatively, you may scan and email the application/supporting documentation/hold deposit agreement and pay the non-refundable application fee and hold deposit via PayPal.
About Background Checks
The property manager will request a SmartMove tenant screening for each applicant as soon as an application package has been received. The applicant will receive an email with a link to complete the screening and pay the $35 screening fee by credit card. In order to be approved, you must successfully pass the following checks:
Application Fee, Hold Deposit and Agreement, and Application Timeline
Application Fee: Elkheart Properties LLC requires a NON-REFUNDABLE $30 application fee, to be submitted via PayPal or check at the same time you submit your application. This covers administrative costs related to the processing of your application and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Furthermore, your application package will not be considered complete and ready for review until this fee has been paid and deposit completed.
Hold Deposit and Agreement: Elkheart Properties LLC requires a $300 hold deposit, to be submitted electronically through PayPal or check at the same time you submit your application. You will also be asked to sign a hold deposit agreement (preview) to go with the hold deposit. This deposit says you are serious about renting this home and you will promptly follow all directives to complete the application/checks process, and (if approved) sign the lease, transfer utilities, and pay move-in costs in a timely fashion. Be aware, your application package will not be considered complete and ready for review until the hold deposit has been paid and deposit completed. There are three possible pathways for your hold deposit from that point:
Application Package Processing and Lease Signing Timeline: Ideally, the entire application process should be completed within five-to-seven (5-7) days (unless there is another completed application package already under review from an earlier applicant), broken down as follows:
*Application Receipt Notification and Application Status: You will be notified by email (referred to as "application receipt notification") of the status of your application within 24 hours upon receipt of an application form:
Denied Applications
Should the applicant be denied without conditions to remedy (meaning that there will be no approval regardless), then the applicant will receive an Application Response-Adverse Action Notice via email. Should approval be possible with certain conditions met, then the applicant will receive an Application Response-Adverse Action Notice with Conditions via email.
Applications are not accepted until after the initial property viewing has been completed by the prospective tenant. You will be provided with an application and hold deposit agreement (see below for more information regarding hold deposits) during the initial property viewing. An application form must be completed by each non-related adult over the age of 18. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applications containing false information will immediately be disqualified. Processing the application will include direct contact with employers, current landlord, previous landlords, personal and professional references, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, consumer reporting agencies, public records, eviction records, and any other sources that may be deemed necessary. A consumer report will be used, as well, in the processing of all applications, to determine credit worthiness.
Application Form Requirements
To complete the application, you should have the following required information handy:
- Valid driver's license
- Social security number
- Addresses of residences and landlords for the past three years (email/telephone)
- Three personal or professional references (email/telephone)
- Employer (unless self-employed or retired)
- At least one piece of verifiable income evidence sufficient to demonstrate gross income amount (pay stub, bank statement, investment statement, front page of tax return, and/or letter of employment). Self-employed (includes independent contractors) applicants will be required to produce upon request two (2) years of tax returns or 1099s and three months bank statements.
Submitting the Application Package: Application, Supporting Documentation, and Required Fee/Deposit and Deposit Agreement
A complete application package contains the following:
- Application Form(s) - one per unrelated applicant over the age of 18.
- Supporting documentation (verifiable income evidence as described above)
- $30 non-refundable application fee
- $300 hold deposit
- Hold deposit agreement
You will mail the application(s)/supporting documentation/hold deposit agreement plus $30 non-refundable application fee and $300 hold deposit ($330 total) by check made payable to Elkheart Properties, LLC, at P.O. Box 1101, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Alternatively, you may scan and email the application/supporting documentation/hold deposit agreement and pay the non-refundable application fee and hold deposit via PayPal.
About Background Checks
The property manager will request a SmartMove tenant screening for each applicant as soon as an application package has been received. The applicant will receive an email with a link to complete the screening and pay the $35 screening fee by credit card. In order to be approved, you must successfully pass the following checks:
- Credit Check: Have a credit score of 600 or higher. Have no bankruptcies or prior evictions.
- Criminal Background: A clean record with no prior criminal convictions is an absolute must. Our tenants are upstanding citizens.
- Renter's Check: Have no prior evictions and fully list prior residences for the past five years.
Application Fee, Hold Deposit and Agreement, and Application Timeline
Application Fee: Elkheart Properties LLC requires a NON-REFUNDABLE $30 application fee, to be submitted via PayPal or check at the same time you submit your application. This covers administrative costs related to the processing of your application and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Furthermore, your application package will not be considered complete and ready for review until this fee has been paid and deposit completed.
Hold Deposit and Agreement: Elkheart Properties LLC requires a $300 hold deposit, to be submitted electronically through PayPal or check at the same time you submit your application. You will also be asked to sign a hold deposit agreement (preview) to go with the hold deposit. This deposit says you are serious about renting this home and you will promptly follow all directives to complete the application/checks process, and (if approved) sign the lease, transfer utilities, and pay move-in costs in a timely fashion. Be aware, your application package will not be considered complete and ready for review until the hold deposit has been paid and deposit completed. There are three possible pathways for your hold deposit from that point:
- If approved and all lease signing, move-in costs, and other steps are taken successfully, then your hold deposit will be applied to your first month's rent.
- Should you be approved and not complete the lease signing within the allowed timeframe (5-7 days unless otherwise negotiated, as described below), you will forfeit your hold deposit to Elkheart Properties LLC.
- Should you NOT be approved, your $300 hold deposit will be returned to you through PayPal (this may take approximately two weeks).
Application Package Processing and Lease Signing Timeline: Ideally, the entire application process should be completed within five-to-seven (5-7) days (unless there is another completed application package already under review from an earlier applicant), broken down as follows:
- Applicants are required to submit all requested documentation within 24 hours of application submission receipt notification*.
- Once the application and all requested documentation and fees (application fee and hold deposit) have been received (this is referred to as the "application package"), the application review and checks process takes in about 24 hours (except references; these may take slightly longer, hence the range of time in the timeline).
- Once approved, lease signing will happen within 72 hours. This provides the prospective tenant with sufficient time to review the lease and clarify any questions with the property manager or their attorney, if desired.
*Application Receipt Notification and Application Status: You will be notified by email (referred to as "application receipt notification") of the status of your application within 24 hours upon receipt of an application form:
- Accepted Being Reviewed: This means you have submitted a complete application, all required documentation, and paid both the application fee and hold deposit along with hold deposit agreement. Your completed application package is the first in line and is now in the review process.
- Accepted on Waitlist: This means you have submitted a complete application, all required documentation, and paid both the application fee and hold deposit along with hold deposit agreement. Your completed application package is ready, but there is another applicant in line ahead of you and they are being reviewed. By law, completed application packages must be reviewed in the order in which they have been received.
- Incomplete Application Form: This means you submitted an incomplete application package. The email will let you know what parts need to be completed. The application cannot be considered until the complete application package is received.
Denied Applications
Should the applicant be denied without conditions to remedy (meaning that there will be no approval regardless), then the applicant will receive an Application Response-Adverse Action Notice via email. Should approval be possible with certain conditions met, then the applicant will receive an Application Response-Adverse Action Notice with Conditions via email.
Lease Signing and Move In
Lease Signing and Payment Move-In Costs
After application approval and before occupancy will be granted, the lease, rules and regulations, and any addendums will be sent to the prospective tenant for signing. Once the prospective tenant signs all required documents, the lease will be countersigned by Elkheart Properties LLC and an original copy mailed to the tenant. Tenant(s) will be notified of the account information of their deposit, and provided with other tenant acceptance details in the New Tenant Acceptance Notification letter explained below.
New Tenant Acceptance Notification, Move-In Costs Payment, and Utilities Transfer Request
New Tenant Acceptance Notification
Once your lease has been signed, you will be sent a New Tenant Acceptance Notification letter via email. The letter will outline the following three tasks to be completed within 3-5 days of the letter being sent:
New Tenant Orientation, Move-In Inspection, and Keys/Clickers Transfer
On the day that lease begins, and just prior to actually moving in, we will first conduct a New Tenant Orientation at the property. This orientation takes about 30 minutes and it is important that the tenant(s) NOT be in a hurry so that we can do a thorough job of this important task. During the New Tenant Orientation, we will cover the following:
Lease Signing and Payment Move-In Costs
After application approval and before occupancy will be granted, the lease, rules and regulations, and any addendums will be sent to the prospective tenant for signing. Once the prospective tenant signs all required documents, the lease will be countersigned by Elkheart Properties LLC and an original copy mailed to the tenant. Tenant(s) will be notified of the account information of their deposit, and provided with other tenant acceptance details in the New Tenant Acceptance Notification letter explained below.
New Tenant Acceptance Notification, Move-In Costs Payment, and Utilities Transfer Request
New Tenant Acceptance Notification
Once your lease has been signed, you will be sent a New Tenant Acceptance Notification letter via email. The letter will outline the following three tasks to be completed within 3-5 days of the letter being sent:
- Move-In Costs Payment: The letter outlines the costs (security deposit, first month’s rent, and any other additional fees) must be paid prior to move-in (and within three [3] days of the New Tenant Acceptance Notification unless otherwise negotiated with the property manager).
- Renter's Insurance: Tenant purchases renter's insurance through Assurant and provides proof to property manager (within three [3] days of the New Tenant Acceptance Notification unless otherwise negotiated with the property manager).
- Utilities Transfer Requests: All required tenant-paid utilities, as listed in the lease, must be fully transferred into the new tenant’s name within five (5) business days of move-in. You will be required to submit proof of transfer requests to the property manager within three (3) days of new tenant acceptance.
New Tenant Orientation, Move-In Inspection, and Keys/Clickers Transfer
On the day that lease begins, and just prior to actually moving in, we will first conduct a New Tenant Orientation at the property. This orientation takes about 30 minutes and it is important that the tenant(s) NOT be in a hurry so that we can do a thorough job of this important task. During the New Tenant Orientation, we will cover the following:
- New Tenant Orientation:
- Review rules and regulations and clarify any questions.
- Review emergency procedures.
- Review maintenance requests.
- Review contact information for the property manager.
- Answer any remaining questions about the property, lease, rules and regulations, and anything else the tenant may have questions about.
- Move-In Inspection: Conduct a move-in inspection with the new tenant(s). During this time, we will document the condition of the entire property using photographs. You will be given access to these photos online for your reference.
- Keys and Clickers Transfer: Once the New Tenant Orientation and Move-In Inspection has been completed, the Property Manager or designee will give the new tenant all keys and applicable clickers; both parties complete the Key/Clicker Transfer Agreement at that time confirming that the transfer has taken place.
Routine Inspections
Once a quarter (every three months), we will conduct a routine inspection that is designed to ensure that household systems are in optimal operating order and the property is ready for the upcoming season. While the focus of these inspections are primarily geared toward finding and fixing structural and system issues, it may also be an opportunity to address issues regarding tenant responsibilities. Our goal is to work with our tenants, as partners, to care for the property and abide by all lease requirements. Please think of these inspections as opportunities for us to ensure you have the most comfortable and safe home possible. Review the following documentation for a thorough understanding of how this process works:
Once a quarter (every three months), we will conduct a routine inspection that is designed to ensure that household systems are in optimal operating order and the property is ready for the upcoming season. While the focus of these inspections are primarily geared toward finding and fixing structural and system issues, it may also be an opportunity to address issues regarding tenant responsibilities. Our goal is to work with our tenants, as partners, to care for the property and abide by all lease requirements. Please think of these inspections as opportunities for us to ensure you have the most comfortable and safe home possible. Review the following documentation for a thorough understanding of how this process works:
- Routine Inspection Tenant Checklist (in progress; will be posted here shortly)
- Routine Inspection Condition Report
- Notice to Enter
Lease Renewal or Move-Out
Sixty (60) days prior to your lease ending date, we will contact you regarding the renewal of your lease. Should either party decide that renewal is not preferred, then we will initiate the move-out process.
Sixty (60) days prior to your lease ending date, we will contact you regarding the renewal of your lease. Should either party decide that renewal is not preferred, then we will initiate the move-out process.
Ready to Apply?
Once you've reviewed the Leasing Lifecycle information above, select the property link in the top section of this page to begin the prescreening survey. Thank you for your interest!
Once you've reviewed the Leasing Lifecycle information above, select the property link in the top section of this page to begin the prescreening survey. Thank you for your interest!
Elkheart Properties L.L.C.
P.O. Box 1101, Banner Elk, NC 28604
All communication with property management is required to be in written format either through email or text messages.
Disclaimer: All information presented on this site regarding real property for rental is from sources deemed reliable. No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rentals or other conditions, prior lease or withdrawal without notice.
Note: All dimensions & square footage are approximate.
P.O. Box 1101, Banner Elk, NC 28604
All communication with property management is required to be in written format either through email or text messages.
Disclaimer: All information presented on this site regarding real property for rental is from sources deemed reliable. No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rentals or other conditions, prior lease or withdrawal without notice.
Note: All dimensions & square footage are approximate.