Rental Criteria
What You Need to Qualify at Athens Reserve
We want the application process to be clear and straightforward. Review the information below before applying so you know what is required, what to expect, and how apartments are reserved.
Application Process
Before You Apply
Every applicant should review the requirements below carefully before submitting an application.
Who Must Apply
Every person age 18 or older who will live in the apartment must complete a separate application.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $75 application fee is required for each applicant before processing begins.
ID Required
Each applicant must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
Income Documents
Accepted income documents include recent pay stubs, W-2s, and 1099s. Documents must show one full month of income. Bank statements, payment apps, screenshots, and handwritten letters are not accepted as proof of income.
Not Sure?
Check Before You Apply
Our quick qualification tool reviews common approval standards and may help you determine whether you meet the general requirements before submitting an application.
Qualifying Criteria
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed using rental history, income, credit, criminal background, occupancy standards, and the completeness of all required information.
Rental History
- Verifiable and comparable rental history is required when applicable.
- Rental history from family members is not considered verifiable.
- No prior evictions or serious lease violations.
- No balance owed to a current or previous landlord.
Employment & Income
- Current, verifiable income is required.
- Gross monthly income must equal at least 2.5 times the monthly rent.
- Income documents must show one full month of income.
- Accepted documents include pay stubs, W-2s, and 1099s.
- Bank statements and pay app records are not accepted as proof of income.
Credit History
- Credit is reviewed based on the overall profile.
- No more than five negative credit lines within the past five years.
- Outstanding landlord balances will result in denial.
- Medical and student loan debt are not counted as negative credit factors.
Criminal History
- Reviewed in accordance with applicable law and fair housing guidelines.
- Convictions older than five years may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Certain felony or misdemeanor convictions may result in denial.
Pet Policy
Pets at Athens Reserve
Athens Reserve welcomes approved pets and requires compliance with the community pet policy and Pet Perks Program.
Pet Costs
- $150 refundable pet deposit per pet.
- $25 monthly Pet Perks Program for 1 pet.
- $40 monthly Pet Perks Program for 2 pets.
- $60 dog DNA registration per dog, if applicable.
Pet Guidelines
- Maximum of 2 pets per apartment.
- Pets must be under 30 pounds each.
- Pets must be current on vaccinations.
- Pets are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions
- Certain aggressive or restricted breeds are not accepted.
- Fish aquariums up to 20 gallons may be accepted with approval.
- Contact the office to review current restrictions before applying.
Important Pet Approval Reminder
Animals may not be brought onto the property until approval is complete. Submitting a pet application or service animal request does not mean the animal has been approved.
Service Animal Information
Service Animals and Assistance Animal Requests
Athens Reserve reviews service animal requests in accordance with applicable housing requirements and the current Wright-Way service animal request process. Approved service animals are not considered pets and are not charged standard pet deposits, pet fees, or Pet Perks charges.
- A completed Resident Request for Assistance Animal form must be submitted for review.
- A service animal must be individually trained to perform work or tasks related to the person’s disability.
- Service animals are working animals, not pets.
- The requested animal must provide a specific trained disability-related task or service.
- Animals whose sole function is comfort, companionship, therapy, or emotional support may not qualify under the updated federal enforcement standard.
- Current veterinary and vaccination records are required.
- Residents remain responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
- Community animal rules still apply, including sanitation, control, conduct, and safety requirements.
Co-Signers
When a Co-Signer May Be Considered
A co-signer may be considered in certain situations, but additional qualifications apply.
- Must complete a separate application.
- Must pay the $75 application fee.
- Must be an immediate family member.
- Must have gross monthly income equal to at least 5 times the rent.
- Must meet all other qualifying criteria.
Deposit Information
How Apartments Are Reserved
Apartments are leased on a first-come, first-served basis. An application alone does not reserve an apartment.
Holding a Unit
A security deposit is required to hold an apartment. A deposit may be placed before applying and will hold the apartment for 1 business day if an application is not yet submitted.
Refundability
The deposit is refundable while the application is under review. Once the application is approved, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
After Approval
Approved applicants must respond within 3 business days with deposit and confirm a move-in date. Deposits hold an apartment for a maximum of 14 days from approval or from the date the unit becomes available, whichever comes first.
Application Denial
Why an Application May Be Denied
Applications may be denied for failure to meet the qualifying criteria, incomplete information, unverifiable documents, falsification of information, failure to provide required documentation, or failure to comply with rental criteria.
Questions?
Need Help Before You Apply?
If you have questions about rental criteria, application requirements, pet approval, service animal requests, or deposits, email our team before submitting your application.