How the Rental Application Process Works at Rentals and Renovations
Most rental applications at Rentals and Renovations are processed within 1–3 business days of receiving a complete application with all documentation. To apply, you'll need a photo ID, proof of income, and your Social Security number for the credit and background check. The minimum credit score is 550. Apply online at rentalsandrenovations.net/apply-online/ or call (731) 499-1217 with questions.
Not knowing what to expect from a rental application is one of the most common reasons people delay applying — or submit incomplete applications that slow down their own approval. This guide walks through exactly how the process works at Rentals and Renovations: what we look at, what the thresholds are, how long it takes, and what happens when you're approved.
What Rentals and Renovations Looks At During Your Application
Every application at R&R goes through the same review. Here's what each component evaluates:
Credit Check
We run a credit check on every adult applicant. The minimum credit score is 550. A score below 550 typically results in denial. Items that weigh most heavily: evictions (especially recent ones), debt owed to prior landlords, and outstanding judgments.
Income Verification
We require verifiable monthly gross income of approximately 3 times the monthly rent. This is about confirming you can sustain the rent payment. Accepted forms of income documentation include pay stubs, bank statements, employer letters, Social Security award letters, TANF documentation, child support records, and Section 8 voucher documentation.
Rental History
We contact prior landlords when possible to confirm on-time payment, no property damage beyond normal wear, and lease compliance. A positive reference from a prior landlord is one of the strongest things an application can include. If you've never rented before, having a strong employer reference and clean financials compensates for the absence of rental history.
Background Check
Background checks cover criminal history and identity verification. Our review focuses on felony convictions, particularly violent crimes and crimes related to property damage or theft.
What Documents You Need Before You Apply
✓ What to Have Ready
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number (for background/credit check)
- 2–3 months of pay stubs or bank statements
- Employer name and contact for reference
- Prior landlord name and contact (if applicable)
- Section 8 voucher documentation (if applicable)
✗ What Slows Down Your Application
- Incomplete fields in the application form
- Missing or outdated income documentation
- Not disclosing a prior eviction upfront
- Providing incorrect contact info for references
How Long Does a Rental Application Take?
Complete applications with all documentation receive a decision within 1–3 business days. This covers the credit pull, background check processing, income review, and reference contact. What extends this timeline is almost always incomplete documentation — a missing pay stub, a reference who doesn't respond immediately, or an application form with blank fields that requires follow-up.
The practical advice: submit a complete application with everything attached on the first submission. Every back-and-forth communication adds time. Properties that are actively listed don't wait — if a complete application from another applicant comes in while yours is still being followed up on, that applicant may be approved first.
After You're Approved — What Happens Next
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Approval notification You'll receive notification of approval and information about the lease and move-in timeline.
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Review and sign the lease Read the full lease before signing — particularly sections on rent amount and due date, maintenance responsibilities, pet policy, guests and occupancy, and security deposit terms. Ask questions before you sign.
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Pay move-in funds Move-in funds — first month's rent plus a security deposit. The security deposit is held separately and returned at move-out after a condition assessment, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear.
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Access your tenant portal Rentals and Renovations tenants have access to an online portal for rent payment. Setting this up at move-in keeps your rent history clean.
Rentals and Renovations accepts JHA and THDA Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers on most properties. The application process is the same — income verification, background check, and rental history — with your voucher documentation serving as supplemental income verification. Confirm Section 8 eligibility on a specific property by calling (731) 499-1217 before applying.
Ready to Apply? Start Here.
Applications are processed online and reviewed within 1–3 business days. Browse available properties first, then apply directly for the home you want.
Apply Online Now Browse PropertiesFrequently Asked Questions About Applying at Rentals and Renovations
How long does a rental application take at Rentals and Renovations?
Most rental applications at Rentals and Renovations are processed within 1–3 business days of receiving a complete application with all required documentation. Incomplete applications — missing pay stubs, missing ID, or incomplete fields — take longer because follow-up is required. Having every document ready when you apply is the single most effective way to speed up the process.
What does a rental background check show?
Rental background checks typically show criminal history, eviction records, and identity verification. Credit checks show payment history, outstanding debts, judgments, and credit score. At Rentals and Renovations, a minimum credit score of 550 is required. Items reviewed include: previous evictions, outstanding debt to prior landlords, criminal history, and identity verification against the information you provided in your application.
What income do I need to qualify for a rental in Jackson, TN?
Rentals and Renovations requires verifiable monthly gross income of approximately 3 times the monthly rent. For a $1,000/month home, that means demonstrating roughly $3,000 in monthly income. Pay stubs are the most straightforward documentation, but employer letters, Social Security award letters, and child support documentation are also accepted forms of income verification.
What if I'm living with my parents and have no rental history?
No rental history is a common situation for first-time renters and doesn't automatically disqualify you. Without a prior landlord reference, strong income documentation (demonstrating at least 3x the monthly rent) and a solid employer reference carry more weight. Being upfront in your application about being a first-time renter — rather than leaving rental history fields blank without explanation — is always the better approach. Rentals and Renovations evaluates first-time renters based on the full picture.
Can I apply for a Rentals and Renovations property if I have a prior eviction?
Prior evictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but a recent eviction is a significant barrier to approval. Evictions from within the last 2–3 years — particularly those involving unpaid rent or property damage — typically result in denial. Older evictions, combined with a demonstrated positive rental history since, may be considered differently. If you have a prior eviction, being transparent in your application and providing context is better than letting the background check be the first mention of it.