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Applying

How do I apply for a home?

To apply for a home, simply click the “Apply Now” button on the home’s listing page, create an application account and pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 per applicant who 18 years old or older (may vary by location). Please read our qualification requirements before you apply. 

How do I apply to lease a home?

To apply for a home, simply click the “Apply Now” button on the home’s listing page, create an application account and pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 per applicant who is 18 years old or older (may vary by location). The application can be completed in less than 10 minutes, and you can even save your application to complete later. Please read our qualification requirements before you apply. 

Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted it?

Yes, but you can only make changes to your application after submission by working with your leasing professional to submit an amended paper application. Please do not provide any personal information or sensitive documents via email. We highly recommend confirming all the information in your application is accurate and complete before submission. Making changes may lengthen the application approval process. Read more about the application process.

Can I transfer my application to another Invitation Homes house?

Yes, under some circumstances you may be eligible to transfer your application to another Invitation Homes house. You must have submitted all the required information, and you must have completed the screening process. Please reach out to your leasing professional for more details.  

Can I apply for a home before it is available?

Yes, homes that are still undergoing our update and inspection process are called Coming Soon homes and will be ready for move-in within 30-45 days. You can apply for a Coming Soon home, and when your application is approved, we will hold the house for you when you pay a hold fee. Read more about our application process.  

How much is the application fee?

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee (may vary by location) for each person over 18 applying to lease a home with Invitation Homes. Any roommate information will be needed as part of the application. Read more about our leasing fees.  

Is the application fee refundable?

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee (may vary by location) for each person over 18 applying to rent a home with Invitation Homes. This fee covers the cost of background checks, time spent reviewing the application, and any other expenses involved with the application process. It is non-refundable because expenses occur regardless of an application’s outcome. 

What happens once my application is approved?

Upon approval, you will have 48 calendar hours to take the next step toward your lease agreement. There are different options depending on whether you’re applying for an available or Coming Soon home. Read more about our application process.  

Can I visit an office to fill out an application for a home?

We recommend completing your application for one of our homes online. However, if you need to discuss alternatives, please work with your leasing professional to find an option that works for you.  

How will the information on my application be used?

The information you submit will be used to start processing your application, starting with a credit and criminal background screening. We provide all communication regarding your application to the email address you used to apply for the home so keep an eye on your email. We’ll let you know if any extra documentation is needed or if any submitted documentation needs verification.  Read more about our application process.   

Qualification requirements

What are the qualification requirements?

You can find our qualification requirements on our website.

Is there an income requirement, or any other requirements to apply?

Yes, applicants should review the qualification requirements for more information regarding income, rental history, criminal history, occupancy,  insurance , pets and income documentation.  Read our qualification requirements to find more information.

What is the gross household income required to rent with Invitation Homes?

The gross household income required to rent an Invitation Homes house equals 3x the monthly rent. Guarantors will be accepted for applicants who do not meet the required rent-to-income ratio. Only one (1) guarantor per home is permissible. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

Is 3x monthly income required to rent?

Yes, the gross household income required to rent an Invitation Homes house equals 3x the monthly rent. Guarantors will be accepted for applicants who do not meet the required rent-to-income ratio or credit denials. Only one (1) guarantor per home is permissible. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

What are your age requirements?

All individuals 18 years of age or older residing in the home are required to complete an application, undergo the screening process, and provide the necessary documentation, valid government-issued photo identification, and application fee. Dependents 18 years of age or older must undergo a criminal background check and provide the necessary documentation and application fee. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

How many years of credit history are required?

There is no minimum length of credit history required to qualify. However, the length of your credit history is a factor in determining your screening results. Applicants must adhere to Invitation Homes’ qualification requirements, which include a favorable credit history. 

What does Invitation Homes define as favorable in terms of credit history?

Applicants must adhere to Invitation Homes’ qualification requirements, which include a favorable credit history.  We use our 3rd party contractor, TransUnion, to review an applicant’s credit history and make an approval recommendation.  

Do you have a minimum credit score?

Invitation Homes uses our 3rd party provider, TransUnion, to review credit history and provide approval recommendations. TransUnion does not only rely on credit scores to evaluate applications. The company uses its proprietary rental score.

How important is my credit to the application?

Your credit is one of several factors used in your application. Our application process also considers income, employment, rental history, and background.  Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

Can I rent a house even if I have bad credit?  Does Invitation Homes work with bad credit?

Applicants must adhere to Invitation Homes’ qualification requirements , which include a favorable credit history.

Can I rent if I have a bankruptcy on my credit record?

Debt to a previous landlord and open bankruptcies will result in an automatic denial of the application. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

I still owe my previous landlord money. Can I still rent with Invitation Homes?

No, applications for residency will be automatically denied for debt to a previous landlord or an open bankruptcy. Read our qualification requirements to find more information.

How many years of criminal history are reviewed?

All criminal records are evaluated. The application will be denied for any felony conviction up to six (6) years prior to the application date (subject to local laws/requirements). The application will be denied for any felony conviction for any sex and/or terrorism-related offense(s), regardless of the conviction date. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

Does Invitation Homes accept applications from people who have an eviction on their record?

No, Invitation Homes does not accept applicants who have left a previous rental while owing a landlord money or who have an open bankruptcy. 

In what cases will residency be automatically denied?

If an applicant does not meet our leasing criteria as detailed on the Qualification requirements page, the application will be automatically denied.  

Do you allow a cosigner?

Yes, a cosigner, also known as a guarantor, will be accepted for applicants who do not meet the required rent-to-income ratio or credit denials. Only one (1) guarantor per home is permissible. Guarantors must make at least 4x the monthly rent. Having a guarantor does not guarantee an application will be approved. Read our qualification requirements to find more information. 

What is required of a guarantor?

Only 1 guarantor per home is permissible. The guarantor must complete an application and pay the application fee. Guarantors must have a gross monthly income of 4x the monthly market rent and meet all other qualifying criteria identified in this screening policy. The guarantor will be required to sign the lease as a Leaseholder. Guarantors may be relatives or an employer; friends may not serve as a guarantor. Read more about guarantors in our qualification requirements.

Why does Seattle have different qualification requirements than all the other markets?

When determining our qualification requirements, we must follow the laws established by each jurisdiction. The City of Seattle’s guidelines vary greatly from other U.S. regions. 

Background screening

How does Invitation Homes screen for their tenants?

We use TransUnion, an independent 3rd party, to conduct both a credit screening and a criminal background screening. Visit our Before you apply page to learn more about the application process. 

What kind of information is in the background and credit screening?

We review all applications by utilizing the services and established screening criteria of TransUnion, our independent 3rd-party screening provider. We rely on TransUnion for credit and criminal background checks. Read our qualification requirements for more information.  

How long does the background screening take?

Our 3rd party provider, TransUnion, completes most background screenings in approximately 48 hours, but some jurisdictions may take longer to process information. Background screening generally takes up to 2 days, but it may take longer to obtain an applicant’s records in some locations.  

How long does it take for an application to be processed?

It usually takes up to 2 days to process a leasing application. During that timeframe, you will receive emails to request any additional information that may be needed to complete your application.  Please be prepared to upload supporting documentation immediately upon request to prevent your application’s cancellation. If your application is canceled because we do not receive supporting documents in a timely manner, the home will be placed back on the market.  

What happens if my application gets denied?

If your application is denied, Invitation Homes will notify you by email. You will also receive communication from TransUnion with a link to more specific information regarding your screening results.  

If I have already gone through a background check with Invitation Homes in the past, do I need to go through one again? 

If you were approved to lease a home within the last 30 days, you don’t have to repeat the screening process. However, if it has been more than 30 days since your last approval, your status has expired, and you will have to reapply. Read more about our application process.

Leasing fees

Are there any fees in addition to the monthly rent?

Yes, all extra fees are outlined in the resident’s lease. Please read more about our leasing fees for more information.

How can I avoid unnecessary fees?

Your account will be charged for the following situations:

  • Damage caused by you, your pet or a guest. 

  • If an issue is not reported to us and causes damage. 

  • If someone over the age of 18 is not at your home during a service visit. 

  • If an appointment is canceled in less than 1 business day.


What is Lease Easy? Why do I have to pay a fee?

Our Lease Easy bundle – which includes Smart Home technology , Air Filter Delivery, and Utility Management – is an important part of your Invitation Homes worry-free lifestyle. That’s why it’s required with your lease. The additional fee covers the cost of these services made for your convenience. 

How much is the Lease Easy standard service fee?

While pricing and availability will vary by market, Lease Easy services are required as part of your lease at the cost of up to $60 per month in addition to your rent. Read more about our leasing fees.

Do I have to pay pet rent or fees for my service animal?

Fees, deposits, pet rent and additional insurance are not required for authorized service, assistance, or companion animals. Applicants must submit documentation confirming their service animal’s status. We will review an applicant’s documents in order to confirm they have an approved reasonable accommodation.

Can I pay my first month’s deposit with a money order?

No, Invitation Homes does not accept money orders. Please use the payment portal to pay online. You can also submit certified funds (certified or cashier’s checks) to the local Invitation Homes office. 

What if I can't sign the hold agreement or provide the hold fee within 48 hours of receiving my application approval? Can I have an extension?

If you can't sign the hold agreement or provide the hold fee within 48 hours of receiving your application approval, the home will be placed back on the market to allow other applications. However, as long as it is still on the market, your leasing professional can help you reapply to the home within 30 days. After 30 days, you must start a new application for the home.

Lease agreement

What's the difference between a hold fee and a lease agreement? When would I use one or the other?

You only pay a hold fee if the house you have selected is Coming Soon and not already available. The fee holds the home for you until it’s ready for move-in.  A lease agreement states you will agree to live in the home and pay rent throughout the term of the lease. A lease agreement must be signed for all homes. Read more about our application process. 

How do I sign my Lease Agreement?

After you receive your application approval, we will reach out to confirm the details of your lease (the lease start date, term, pets, etc.). Once the home is near completion and you have confirmed those details, we will email your lease agreement via DocuSign to the email address you provided in your application. Please follow the on-screen directions provided by DocuSign to review and sign your lease.

How do I pay hold fees if I have been approved?

You can pay the hold fee for a Coming Soon home through our online portal after you have signed your hold agreement. Read more about our application process.   

Where can I find the Hold Agreement form?

The hold agreement will be sent to you via DocuSign.   

How much is the hold fee?

The hold fee for all Coming Soon homes is $500 and must be paid within 48 hours of receiving application approval from Invitation Homes. The hold fee will reserve your home until it is ready for you to move in. Read more about our leasing fees.   

Is the hold fee refundable?

The $500 hold fee is non-refundable if you decide not to move forward with leasing the home and wish to void the hold agreement. If you sign a lease, the hold fee is applied towards your move-in charges. Read more about leasing fees.

What if I can't sign the hold agreement or provide the hold fee within 48 hours of receiving my application approval? Can I have an extension?

If you can't sign the hold agreement or provide the hold fee within 48 hours of receiving your application approval, the home will be placed back on the market to allow other applications. However, as long as it is still on the market, your leasing professional can help you reapply to the home within 30 days. After 30 days, you must start a new application for the home. 

Pets

Do you allow pets?

Yes – we love your pets and your pets are going to love your new home, yard and neighborhood. All pets are subject to approval, of course.  

Do I need to register my pet?

Yes, up to 3 cats and dogs are welcome with a $325 initial fee per pet (or deposit, depending on local laws) and $40 additional monthly pet rent for each pet as permitted by applicable law. Fees and service availability may vary by location or home. Pet fees and/or deposits and pet rent will be charged for dogs and cats only. Other animal types are welcome without a fee or pet rent subject to Invitation Homes’ animal restrictions. 

Fees, deposits, pet rent, and additional insurance are not required for authorized service, assistance, or companion animals. As a safety precaution, Invitation Homes does not accept American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terriers, or any dog that is a mix of these breeds – among other restricted breeds. For more information on restricted breeds, read our qualification requirements .


What are Invitation Homes' dog breed restrictions?

Restricted dog breeds include American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terriers, and any dog that has a percentage or mix of any of those breeds. Any canines other than domestic dogs are not permitted, such as wolves, coyotes, dingoes, jackals, etc., along with any canine or wolf hybrids. For example, a Husky Wolf or Timber Wolf mix is not permitted. 


Why is there a limit on the number of pets per home?

Our policy is to allow no more than 3 pets inside homes that allow animals. Read more about our pet requirements.  

What documentation is required to request my pet be treated as a service animal?

Before you move in, you must notify us that you are bringing a service animal through our 3rd party pet screening and review process. Next, fill out the Invitation Homes Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form and Disability Verification Form and take the Disability Verification Form to your healthcare provider to verify the statements at the end of the form. Invitation Homes may request additional information to evaluate the request. 

Where can I access the Invitation Homes Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form?

We will send the Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form to applicants who disclose their ownership of a service animal in their application.  

Do you have recommendations for who to get Dog Bite Insurance from?

Invitation Homes recommends residents use ResidentShield, our preferred renters insurance provider. Generally, dog bites are covered in a renters insurance policy. If your carrier excludes coverage for any dog at the residence, you must obtain a separate, stand-alone dog bite liability insurance policy with at least $100,000 in liability coverage for each excluded dog. Read more on our Renters insurance page.   

Lease Easy bundle

What is Lease Easy? Why do I have to pay a fee?

Our Lease Easy bundle – which includes Smart Home technology , Air Filter Delivery, and Utility Management – is an important part of your Invitation Homes worry-free lifestyle. That’s why it’s required with your lease. The additional fee covers the cost of these services made for your convenience. 

What do I get for my $9.95 monthly fee?

Your service includes all the air filters you need for your home, conveniently delivered to your doorstep every three months. It's healthier air, hassle-free.

Why is air filter delivery required in my lease?

Replacing your HVAC’s air filter every three months keeps the system functioning properly and is simply too important to leave to chance. Our partnership with Second Nature protects both you and your home.

Is there a monthly fee for Smart Home services?

Yes, a monthly fee is shown in your lease as an additional fee above your rent. It will be automatically added to your resident account each month.