Finding your next home should be an exciting and welcoming experience. At Cox Realty, we do our best to make the application process clear, fair, and stress-free. Our rental requirements help ensure safe, well-maintained communities while giving every applicant an equal opportunity to qualify.
We understand that everyone’s background is different, and many applicants come to us with unique situations. We follow consistent criteria, considering context when appropriate. If you ever have questions about qualifying, we’re always happy to talk through them.
How We Evaluate Applications
Every adult 18 or older who will live in the home must submit a separate application.
We look at four primary areas when reviewing applications: income, credit history, rental history, and background checks. While we have guidelines, we understand that real life is nuanced. If your situation is close to qualifying, we may review additional documentation and/or discuss your circumstances further.
1. Income Requirements
Income helps us determine whether applicants can comfortably afford the home.
- Combined gross income should generally be 2.5 – 3× the monthly rent
- Debt-to-income ratio (including rent) should be 36% or lower
- Income may be verified through pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, employer verification, or tax returns
- Self-employed applicants may be required to provide 1099s, tax filings, and bank records
If you do not meet this criterion, it is likely you will not qualify however if your income is close to meeting the guidelines, we may review compensating factors such as savings, rental history, or additional documentation.
2. Credit Requirements
Credit history helps us assess financial consistency.
Factors that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to:
- Housing-related debts or unpaid balances
- Overall credit patterns
- Length of credit history
- Total obligations
- Late payments
- Credit scores
General guidelines regarding credit scores:
- Below 599 → will require further review and/or additional documentation or may not qualify
- 600–699 → may qualify with compensating factors
- 700+ → typically meets the credit criteria
We understand that credit histories vary and may include past challenges. Applicants are welcome to provide explanations or relevant documentation.
We also report positive rental payment history to Experian RentBureau, helping residents build their credit.
3. Rental History Requirements
Rental history provides insight into past tenancy behavior.
We look for:
- On-time payments
- Good communication with landlords
- Respect for the property
Situations requiring further review may include:
- Gaps or incomplete history
- Late payments
- Lease breaks
- Prior evictions
- Outstanding housing-related balances
If your application shows issues with the above requirements, it is likely you will not qualify. However, if you’ve had challenges in the past, you’re encouraged to share context. We are open to discussing stability, improvements, or supporting documentation.
4. Criminal Background Requirements
We conduct background checks to ensure safe communities.
We evaluate:
- The nature and severity of offenses
- How long ago they occurred
- Rehabilitation efforts
- Applicant’s current circumstances
Convictions involving violence, serious offenses, or active sex-offender registration may require further review or may not qualify.
We encourage applicants with prior convictions to communicate openly and provide information that may help provide clarity.
Occupancy Guidelines
- Maximum occupancy is generally 2 persons per bedroom
- Roommate households must follow our roommate policy
- Every occupant 18 years or older must submit an application
Pet Policy
Most homes are pet-free, unless explicitly noted. If pets are approved there will be additional deposits and/or pet rents
Service and support animals are always accommodated in accordance with fair housing guidelines.
No Smoking or Vaping
All homes are 100% smoke-free and vape-free, including garages and outdoor areas.
Utilities
Tenants must transfer utilities into their name by the lease start date.
Prohibited Items & Activities
Certain items and activities may not be allowed due to insurance or safety regulations. These may include:
- Trampolines not provided by owner
- Waterbeds
- Unauthorized pets
- Smoking/vaping
- Swimming pools not provided by the owner
- Inoperable vehicles
- Boats, campers, mobile homes, or similar vehicles unless kept inside the garage or behind the home’s side gates. Storage of these items is also subject to all applicable city, county, or HOA regulations, which may impose additional restrictions or prohibitions.
If you plan on having any of the items above, please call us to see if we can work something out. You MUST discuss them with us first and receive approval before placing any of these items on the property.
Agency Disclosure
Cox Realty® represents the property owner in rental transactions. Cox Realty® does not represent prospective tenants as an agent or fiduciary. When you submit a rental application you indicate that you understand this. Applicant understands that if a licensee is involved in leasing the property, that the licensee does not represent them as an agent. Even so, we are committed to treating all applicants with professionalism, fairness, and transparency in accordance with NAR, NARPM, and Utah Rental Housing Association standards.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
We understand that every applicant’s story is different. If you’re unsure whether you meet a requirement or would like to discuss your circumstances, please reach out. We’re always happy to help you understand your options. the Utah Rental Housing Association we will treat all parties to all transactions honestly and fairly.