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About Invitation Homes

What is Invitation Homes?

Invitation Homes is America’s premier owner and manager in the U.S. single-family home rental industry. We own approximately 80,000 single-family homes for rent across the nation. We serve 16 of the country’s most popular metro areas with a wide selection of beautifully renovated 3-4-and 5-bedroom homes in a variety of great neighborhoods where you want to live. All of our houses for lease are professionally managed and backed by the strength and stability of the leading rental home company in the country. 

Where are your houses located?

Our homes are located in a variety of desirable neighborhoods across 16 of the country’s most popular cities. We have homes in great school districts, close to commercial hubs and transportation. We have houses for rent in communities with amenities like parks, pools and walking and biking trails. Search for your perfect home  .

What are the benefits of leasing with Invitation Homes?

Every Invitation Home is owned by our company, beautifully renovated with quality materials and careful workmanship.  Each house must pass a multi-point quality assurance inspection before you move in and then they are professionally managed and serviced by our local staff of trained professionals and licensed contractors. All of this expertise is dedicated to giving you the home you desire and the peace of mind you deserve. 

Are your homes renovated before I move in?

Each house owned by Invitation Homes is refreshed by our professional staff and local licensed contractors. We use only quality materials from some of America’s top brands. Licensed contractors install all of these products with careful workmanship and each home passes our quality assurance inspection before you move in. 

Do you offer services for my home?

Yes, each home is professionally managed and serviced by our local Invitation Homes staff. Customer service is available online through our Resident Services portal or by phone. To find the phone number or email address in your local city, please see our contact page

Where do I find out more investor information?

Investor Relations information is provided at INVH.com .

How long has Invitation Homes been in business?

Invitation Homes was created in 2012. From the very start, we were different. Our bar was set high. We wanted to offer top-quality homes managed and maintained by top-level professionals. Read more about our story

How many properties does Invitation Homes manage, and in which markets?

Invitation Homes owns and manages over 80,000 homes in some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the nation. Search by location on our website to find a list of the markets we serve. 

How does Invitation Homes ensure that its rental properties are well-maintained?

Invitation Homes hires local professionals in each of our markets to provide proactive maintenance so that our homes stay in great shape. We also provide 24/7 emergency maintenance to residents and we update homes between lease terms. 


How can I get in touch with Invitation Homes if I have questions or concerns?

If you need to contact an Invitation Homes representative, please visit our Contact Us page and fill out a contact form.   

Does Invitation Homes have any partnerships or collaborations with other companies or organizations?

Yes, Invitation Homes offers a wide range of services that are exclusive to our residents. Get great discounts from companies you know and love on desirable products and services just for being our resident. 

What are Invitation Homes’ mission and values?

Invitation Homes’ mission is “Together with you, we make a house a home.” Our shared values are Unshakeable integrity, continuous excellence, genuine care, and standout citizenship. Read more about our story

What makes Invitation Homes different from its competitors?

Invitation Homes is the premier single-family home leasing company in the nation. We are committed to continuously enhancing our residents' living experience. We offer updated homes with Smart Home technology in desirable neighborhoods. Find out more about The Invitation Homes Difference

What services can Invitation Homes offer vs an independent landlord?

Many independent landlords do not have the resources Invitation Homes has to offer our residents unique services and benefits like reliable 24/7 emergency maintenance, ProCare proactive maintenance, Lease Easy services like air filter delivery, utility management and Smart Home technology. We also partner with companies you know and love to offer our residents exclusive discounts on desirable products and services. Find out more about The Invitation Homes Difference

Is Invitation Homes a good landlord?

Invitation Homes is committed to being the #1 choice in home leasing by continuously improving our residents’ leasing experience. We have put processes in place to be responsive and communicate effectively with residents. We address maintenance issues promptly, proactively maintain our homes with ProCare and respect residents’ privacy and rights. We also take pride in being professional, transparent and in prioritizing the safety and security of our residents. 

Does Invitation Homes, and companies like it, make housing less affordable?

When looking for a home, we understand you have a number of choices. That’s why we price our rent competitively in every market in which we operate. Our prices align with local factors and are often below broader industry trends. Read more about how we set our rent prices .   

Fraud prevention

What websites do you lease homes through?

Our approved listings can be found on InvitationHomes.com , Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads, Rentals.com, Apartment List, Apartments.com and Zumper. Find out more about fraud prevention.   

I found a property on Facebook/Craigslist for a different price, does Invitation Homes post properties to Facebook/Craigslist?

No, while Invitation Homes does advertise our homes with Facebook ads, the links to the listings will direct you to our website. We do not list our properties on Facebook, Craigslist or any other classifieds service. If you see a house listed as an Invitation Home on these websites, please report the fraudulent listing to the website’s owner. Read more about fraud.

What are rental scams?

Rental scams are attempts by fraudulent actors to cheat well-meaning people out of their money when they attempt to rent a home from a legitimate landlord. Please see our fraud prevention page to find out more about preventing rental scams.  

How can I identify a scam?

The #1 sign that you are being scammed out of renting from us is if you are asked to apply for one of our homes somewhere other than our website. We only accept applications and leasing funds through invitationhomes.com. Protect your Invitation Homes username and password. Our employees will never ask for your confidential login information. A few other common warning signs of a rental scam include: 

  • Abnormally high security deposits 

  • No background checks required 

  • Eager requests for cash or wire payments may include an emotional plea 

  • Deals "too good to be true" 

  • Bad grammar or lack of photographs in fraudulent ads 

  • Requests to provide your Invitation Homes username and password

  • Being asked to provide your Self Tour code to an Invitation Homes associate 

  • Accessing the home through a door other than the front door 

  • The door is left unlocked when you come to tour 

Please see our fraud prevention page to find out more about preventing rental scams.  

What are some warning signs of rental scams?

The #1 sign that you are being scammed out of renting from us is if you are being asked to apply for one of our homes somewhere other than our website. We only accept applications and leasing funds through invitationhomes.com. Protect your Invitation Homes username and password. Our employees will never ask for your confidential login information.   A few other common warning signs of a rental scam include: 

  • Abnormally high security deposits 

  • No background checks required 

  • Eager requests for cash or wire payments that may include an emotional plea 

  • Deals that feel "too good to be true" 

  • Bad grammar or a lack of photographs in fraudulent ads 

  • Requests to provide your Invitation Homes username and password 

Find out more about preventing rental scams.  

What are some possible red flags that someone may be trying to scam me and does not represent Invitation Homes?
  1. An Invitation Homes associate will never ask you for your username and/or password for any of our websites. 

  2. Invitation Homes associates will never ask you to pay via Cash App, Zelle, PayPal or any other person-to-person payment apps.  

  3. Invitation Homes associates will never ask you to leave a money order blank or address it to an individual person. 

  4. Leases are drafted and delivered directly from Invitation Homes. You will never be asked to sign a paper version of the lease. 

  5. Legitimate leases and payments can only be submitted through the Invitation Homes website: https://www.invitationhomes.com/

Read more about fraud.  

What should I do if I think I have been the victim of a rental scam?

If you have been the victim of a rental scam, please: 

  • Report the scam to local law enforcement

  • Inform the website where you found the fraudulent ad

  • Inform Invitation Homes by submitting a Contact Us form 


I was scammed on one of your properties, what should I do next?

If you have been defrauded by someone pretending to represent us, that is a crime – please report it. Visit our fraud prevention page for advice on what steps to take. 

  • Please report the scam to local law enforcement

  • Inform the website where you found the fraudulent ad 

  • Inform Invitation Homes by submitting a Contact Us form


What do I do if I see a fraudulent listing?

If you see a fraudulent listing:  

  • Please report the scam to local law enforcement

  • Inform the website where you found the fraudulent ad

  • Inform Invitation Homes by submitting a Contact Us form


How can I report a rental scam?

To report a rental scam, please: 

  • Report the scam to local law enforcement

  • Inform the website where you found the fraudulent ad

  • Inform Invitation Homes by submitting a Contact Us form


How can I avoid rental scams?

Avoid rental scams by being careful when you attempt to lease a home. Always verify who you are sending your money to before you press “send.” 

Invitation Homes asks you to please take these precautions when you attempt to rent a home from us:  

  • Only send money to apply or lease with us to invitationhomes.com. 

  • Never send money to us by wire transfer or person-to-person payment apps like Zelle, PayPal or Cash App. 

  • Never give anyone your username or password. Invitation Homes employees will never request that information. If anyone is trying to convince you otherwise, it is a rental scam. 

  • Only apply for one of our homes through our website. We do not lease our homes through Facebook, Craigslist or other classified advertising services. 

  • Only look for approved Invitation Homes listings on our website and reliable 3rd party listing services, like Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads and Realtor.com. 

Find out more about preventing rental scams.  

Would an Invitation Homes employee ever ask for my username or password?

Never give anyone your username or password. Invitation Homes employees will never request that information. If anyone is trying to convince you otherwise, it is a rental scam. 

Find out more about preventing rental scams.  

What do I do if I have given someone my username or password?

If you have given your username or password to someone pretending to be an Invitation Homes employee: 

  • Please report the scam to local law enforcement

  • Inform the website where you found the fraudulent ad

  • Inform Invitation Homes by submitting a Contact Us form


General leasing

What are the advantages of renting a house instead of buying?

When you rent a house from Invitation Homes instead of buying your own home, you get a dream home without investing the time and money that comes with a mortgage. You get peace of mind made possible with professional property management delivered by our local team of friendly pros. We also offer proactive maintenance and 24/7 emergency maintenance. Thanks to our convenient Lease Easy services you won’t have to worry about many day-to-day chores renters are typically responsible for. Renting also comes with significantly lower up-front costs and is a great option if you’re not ready to buy a house yet. 

What is a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is an investment that allows individuals to buy shares in real estate properties without directly owning them. REITs pool money from multiple investors to buy and manage income-generating real estate, such as commercial buildings, apartments and single-family homes. REITs must distribute a significant percentage of their taxable income as dividends to shareholders. By investing in REITs, individuals can access the real estate market and potentially benefit from its returns without large capital reserves or direct property management responsibilities. 

What is the difference between a REIT-owned rental property and a privately-owned rental property?

Invitation Homes has the resources to offer our residents unique services and benefits like reliable 24/7 emergency maintenance, proactive maintenance services, and Lease Easy services including air filter delivery, utility management and Smart Home technology. We also partner with companies you know and love to offer our residents exclusive discounts on desirable products and services. 

Why should I rent from a REIT?

When you rent from Invitation Homes, you get an updated home with Smart Home technology in a desirable neighborhood all without spending the time and money it takes to buy a home of similar quality. You also benefit from a unique collection of services designed to help our residents live freer in homes that they love. Find out more about The Invitation Homes Difference

Why should I rent a house from a corporation?

When you rent from Invitation Homes you get an updated home with Smart Home technology in a desirable neighborhood all without spending the time and money it takes to buy a home of similar quality. In addition, renting with us is an important step on many of our residents’ journeys to homeownership.   

What is a single-family rental home?

Simply put, a single-family rental home is a home that is leased to residents by an owner who owns both the home and the land it sits on. It is normally a free-standing structure but can also be an attached dwelling, such as a townhouse, as long as the homes are separated by a ground-to-roof wall.   

Why should I rent a house instead of an apartment? How is renting a home different than renting an apartment?

Renting a house from Invitation Homes gives you the chance to live in a dream home without investing the time and money necessary to own one. You can get access to more space: bedrooms, bathrooms, a bigger kitchen and a pet-friendly backyard. And you can see what it’s like to own a home before you take on the risk that comes with a mortgage.  

How does Invitation Homes ensure that tenants are able to enjoy their rental homes without disruption or interference from the landlord?

Our residents’ privacy and ability to enjoy their homes without disruption or interference is of the utmost importance to Invitation Homes employees. Generally, we do not enter our residents’ homes unless we have coordinated a visit with the resident. An example of a coordinated visit is when our maintenance pros schedule their biannual proactive maintenance check-ins.   

Should I rent a house in a rental community? What are the benefits of renting a house in a rental community?

The benefits of renting a house in a rental community are living in a neighborhood without worrying whether there are homeowners who would prefer not to live next to renters and enjoying the benefits of a community filled with residents with whom you share common interests. Check out our communities to learn more about life in an Invitation Homes rental community.   

What are the pros and cons of renting a house with a fireplace?

The pros of leasing a house with a fireplace can include having a cozy atmosphere, potential cost savings on heating and having an additional decorative element. Cons can include maintenance and cleaning responsibilities, fire risks if not used safely, there’s a potential negative impact on indoor air quality and it may be harder to find a home with a fireplace.  Consider your personal preferences, maintenance obligations and the safety implications before you decide to move into a house with a fireplace. 

Tours

Can you look inside a house before you sign anything?

Yes, you can see the inside of a house before signing a lease agreement for an available home. First, when you go to the home’s dedicated listing page, if available, click on the “360° Virtual Tour” button. To schedule a Self Tour, go to the home’s dedicated listing page and click on the "Schedule a tour" button next to the "Apply Now" button. Follow the on-screen directions to verify your identity and then you’ll be able to schedule a tour. If a home is “Coming Soon,” you won’t be able to tour it until it is ready for move-in. 

How do I visit a home?

You can tour homes in person and virtually. If you schedule a Self Tour, you can see the house on your own at a time that is convenient for you. Schedule a Self Tour from the listing or with the Invitation Homes app. To take a virtual tour, navigate to the home’s dedicated listing page and click on the “360° Virtual Tour” button.

How do I take a virtual tour?

To take a virtual tour, navigate to the home’s dedicated listing page and click on the “360° Virtual Tour” button. The 3D tour sequence will pop up in your window.

How do I set up a Self Tour?

You can set up a Self Tour by clicking that option on the home’s online listing, or you can schedule a Self Tour through the Invitation Homes app. 

What is required to set up a Self Tour?

To schedule a Self Tour, you are required to create and verify an Invitation Homes profile. Once you have verified your identity, you will be able to choose a date and time that is convenient for your tour.

How do I tour a home that is coming soon?

Coming Soon homes cannot be toured because they may be occupied or going through our update and inspection process. When we complete that process, the home will be available for tours and/or move-in. Keep in mind, you can still apply for a Coming Soon home and take it off the market by paying a hold fee. Read more about our application process.

How do I access the home when my Self Tour appointment is scheduled?

You will receive a code via email or text message approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled showing. You will be allowed to reschedule the appointment if you need to.

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?

Unless otherwise stated by applicable law, the gross household income required to rent an Invitation Homes house is equal to 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, unless otherwise stated by applicable law, 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. 

Can I afford to rent a house? How can I find an affordable house to rent?

Please check out our Qualification Requirements page to learn more about what you need to qualify for an Invitation Homes house , including applicable income requirements.  

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?

Subject to applicable law, Invitation Homes generally does not accept money orders. Find out about our payment options.

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.

Are there any additional fees or costs associated with renting a home from Invitation Homes?

Yes, there will be several fees required by your lease including those related to our Lease Easy services. Please find more information on our Leasing fees guide.  

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.