Relocation
Rent-setting algorithms ban
Repairs and maintenance
Retaliation
Quick guide and video
Read our quick guide about renter rights
Watch our video about renter rights
Housing Liaisons
We help renters and property owners solve housing issues.
See our services
Renter screening
When you apply for rental housing, property managers have two options for reviewing your application.
Inclusive screening criteria
A property owner can use the City’s inclusive screening criteria when a renter applies.
The City's guidelines limit:
What information a property owner can use to deny your application, including your:
Criminal history
Rental history
Credit history
How far back they can look in your history for a criminal conviction or eviction action
Examples
Misdemeanor older than three years:
A property manager cannot use this to deny your application.
Credit score:
Property managers cannot set a minimum credit score for renters.
They can look at your credit report, but only to see if you could pay rent.
See our Guide to screening and security deposit rights
Individual assessment
If property managers decide to use criteria that is stricter than the City guidelines, they must:
Look at your application individually
Let you submit more information with your application
Consider everything you provide when they look at your application
Give a specific reason if they deny your application
See our Guide to screening and security deposit rights
Screening and security deposit rights guide
Our guide explains the City's rules for rental screening and security deposits. The guide is available in English and Spanish.
See guide
Security deposits
Learn your rights related to security deposit limits and returns
Security deposit limit