A Clear, Honest Guide from Deese Property Management

Wondering if you’ll qualify before you spend money on an application? You’re not alone. Here’s exactly what Deese Property Management looks for—and why.

Applying for a rental can feel stressful—especially when fees, deposits, and screening standards aren’t clearly explained upfront. We believe transparency creates better experiences for everyone, so this guide walks through what tenants can expect when applying for and renting a home we manage.

Our goal is simple: clear expectations, fair screening, and respectful long-term tenancies.

Application Fee: $40 (Non-Refundable)

All adult applicants are required to submit an application with a $40 non-refundable application fee.

By Washington State law, property management companies cannot profit from application fees. This fee is used only to cover:

• Credit reports
• Background checks
• Identity verification

We keep application fees as low as possible while remaining compliant with state requirements.

Income Requirement: 3× the Monthly Rent (Combined Income)

We require that the combined gross monthly income of all leaseholders equals at least three times the monthly rent.

Example:

• Monthly rent: $1,000
• Required combined income: $3,000 per month

Income can be combined across all adults on the lease.

Income Sources We Accept

We count lawful, verifiable income, including:

• Employment income
• SNAP
• Section 8
• Catholic Charities
• SSI and other fixed-income assistance programs

If you’re unsure whether an income source qualifies, we’re happy to review it with you.

Credit Requirements: Typically 620 Minimum

We generally require a minimum credit score of 620 for each adult occupant.

That said, credit isn’t always black and white.

Depending on the situation, we may be able to:

• Approve with a higher security deposit (a double deposit is customary)
• Allow a qualified co-signer
• Consider compensating factors like strong income or rental references

Each application is reviewed individually and fairly. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every year.

Click HERE for a copy of your free credit report.

Rental History: What We Look For (and What We Don’t)

We do review rental history, but our focus is on identifying serious issues, such as:

• Evictions
• Unpaid rent balances
• Documented lease violations

Having no rental history does not automatically disqualify you.

Examples that are not automatic disqualifiers:

• First apartment
• Previously owning a home
• Living with family
• Limited rental background

We’re looking for patterns of risk—not perfection.

Security Deposit: Typically Equal to One Month’s Rent

Most properties require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.

Example:

• Monthly rent: $1,400
• Typical security deposit: $1,400

Deposits are held to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or excessive cleaning after move-out.

Our Honest Perspective on Deposits

We genuinely want tenants to get their deposits back.

Keeping deposits actually creates more work on our end—documentation, accounting, repairs, and follow-up.

When a home is returned clean and undamaged, we can make it rent-ready faster, which benefits everyone.

We have no incentive or desire to keep tenant deposits unnecessarily.

Pets: Deposits and Monthly Pet Rent (When Allowed)

For pet-friendly properties, the following typically applies:

• $350 refundable pet deposit per pet
• $35 per month, per pet (pet rent)

If there is no pet-related damage beyond normal wear and tear, the pet deposit is refundable.

Maintenance: Please Report Issues Early

We strongly encourage tenants to report maintenance issues as soon as you notice them.

A few important things to know:

• We will not raise rent because you submit maintenance requests
• Reporting issues early helps prevent bigger, more expensive problems
• Unresolved issues tend to create additional damage over time

Prompt reporting helps us honor our responsibility to owners and keeps homes safer and more comfortable for tenants.

No Surprise Fees or “Gotchas”

We believe clarity prevents frustration.

You won’t find:

• Hidden application fees
• Surprise administrative charges
• Arbitrary deductions

Any deposit deductions are itemized and documented, as required by Washington State law.

Final Thoughts

Renting a home shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.

At Deese Property Management, we aim to be transparent, fair, and consistent—from application through move-out. Clear expectations help create better relationships between tenants, owners, and management.

If you have questions about a specific property or your situation, we encourage you to ask before applying. We’re always happy to provide clarity.