MAKING MOVING A BREEZE

Applying for an Acorn + Oak property is easy as pie!

1. Go to our Properties tab and find the property you wish to apply for

2. Once you have found the property, click the green “Apply Now” button

• Read through the instructions carefully and complete the application
• Don’t forget to upload your photo ID, pay stubs/proof of income and employment, and any other documents you’d like to share with us
• Pay the $75 application fee

3. Make sure to choose “I am applying as a tenant”

Your cosigner will apply the same way you did. Please have your cosigner follow the instructions above but choose “I am applying as a co-signer/guarantor for another applicant”.

Our application fee is $75 per applicant. Anyone over the age of 18 years old that will be living in the property full-time will need to complete an application and pay an application fee.

Yes, we’ll need an application from anyone over the age of 18 years old that will be living in the property full-time. Even if you and your partner share a credit score, we still need to verify each individual’s criminal and eviction history.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to refund your application fee.  We are charged for every screening including a thorough criminal background check, an eviction history check, an identity fraud check, a credit check, an income validation check with fraud assessment of submitted documents, etc. 

We try to be as fair and as upfront as possible when prospective tenants apply for an A+O home. Many of the homes we post for rent have dozens of inquiries come in on them and the frenzy that ensues can cause an already anxious applicant both stress and disappointment. We like to make sure applicants understand how this process will work to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

• When an application is submitted on a home in which we have low interest, the property manager may keep the application collection period open for another 24-48 hours. If no other applications are received in this time period, we will run the initial submitted application. If another application is submitted within those 24-48 hours, all applications will be considered. All applicants should receive an update on their application in no more than 72 hours of the cut off time.
• When an application is submitted on a home in which we have high interest, we will give all other interested parties until X time on X date to submit their application. Once we reach X time on X date, no additional applications will be accepted and we will only consider the applications received by the announced cut off time. All applicants should receive an update on their application in no more than 72 hours of the cut off time. 
• Once an application is run, there is a freeze period on the property. No other applications will be run or considered during this period. We will use this freeze period to review your background check, call references, and ask for additional documents or information. If your application is approved, we will offer you a lease and you will have 24-48 hours to review it, ask any questions, and sign it. If we do not receive your signed lease within this 24-48 hour period, we reserve the right to void the lease and move on to the next applicant.

We’re animal lovers here at Acorn + Oak and understand our four-legged friends are family. That’s why for 99% of A+O properties you’ll only need to pay a refundable pet deposit instead of a one time or monthly pet fee. Our pet deposits for dogs range from $300-600 per dog based on the dog’s age, breed, and weight. Our pet deposits for cats range from $150-200 per cat based on the cat’s age. Deposits for caged animals or fish will vary. When your lease ends, any damage will be deducted from your deposit and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded to you!

We get that life happens and sometimes credit scores take a beating. While we like to see a 650+ credit score, we may be able to work with you if your score is lower but most likely we will need a higher security deposit (as much as 2 x rent) and/or a cosigner with a 650+ credit score. If your credit is low due to unpaid medical bills, student loans, or because of a divorce, we’re more likely able to work with you. If your credit is low due to collections from former landlords or if you have been evicted in the past 7 years, unfortunately, we may not be able to work with you.

While we understand it can be difficult to make time to visit before your move date, we really recommend you try to! While some of our properties can be rented sight unseen, some cannot. Usually newer homes or new construction properties can be rented sight unseen; older homes with quirks most likely cannot be. If a property has high interest and multiple applications, generally more weight is placed on an applicant that has seen the property in person than an applicant that has not. If at all possible, try and make a trip to NC before your move or have a friend, family member or colleague take a look on your behalf. If you sign a lease on a property sight unseen, you are obligated to fulfill the terms of the lease, even if you arrive and the home is not what you expected.

Remove your hands from your head, take a deep breath, and follow these tips:

• Sign up for our What’s New? email list on our homepage. We email all the folks on this list with our new, featured properties.
• Like us on Facebook. We post a lot of our “Coming Soon” and new listings here first.
• Fill out an application ahead of time so we have your information on file. If you want to take this a step further, pay the application fee and tell us to run your background check so we know if you’re pre-qualified. Note: if you are not selected for a home or do not end up renting from us, we will not be able to refund this fee. Also, filling out an application ahead of time or even having us run your background check does not put you “first in line” for a property.
• Be flexible with your showing times. If we list a home on Monday and you can’t come and see it until Friday, you may lose out on it. If the property manager asks if you can see it at 12 pm on Tuesday, try to move your schedule around to be there.
• Be flexible with your move in date and lease end date. For properties that have a lot of interest, do your best to make yourself the best applicant. Even if you aren’t moving here until July 25th, be willing to start your lease on July 1st to put yourself ahead of the pack.
• Understand that you are 1 of hundreds of renters looking for housing and that we’re in a competitive market. You may lose out on a house or two but try not to get discouraged–we’ll do our best to help find you the home that was meant for you.