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A Guide to Our Rental Application Process: What Tenants and Owners Should Know

Finding the right place to live—or the right tenant to live in your property—can be a big decision. At Fetch, we aim to make the rental application process simple, fair, and transparent for everyone involved. Whether you’re a prospective tenant or a property owner working with us, this guide will give you a clear look at how we screen applicants and set the stage for great rental experiences.

So, let’s walk through the process, step by step.

Step 1: Start with Our Available Rentals

If you’re a tenant, your journey begins with checking out what’s available. We keep our listings fresh and updated, so you always know what’s move-in ready and what’s coming soon.

We offer rental homes across Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, Dauphin, and York counties. Our availability changes regularly, and we often have properties in the pipeline that may not be listed just yet. So be sure to check back often—or better yet, reach out to us here if you’re looking for something specific. We might already have something lined up that fits your needs.

👉 View Available Rentals Here 

Each listing includes photos, rent amounts, amenities, and any unique requirements. Once you find the right fit, it’s time to apply!

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Applying is easy and can be done online right from the listing page. Each adult (18 and older) who will be living in the home needs to complete a separate application.

Here’s what we check:

  • Income Requirements
    Applicants must earn 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent, depending on the type and location of the property. We verify income using pay stubs, offer letters, or other official documentation. If you’re self-employed, a tax return or bank statements work too.
  • Credit Score
    A minimum credit score of 600 is required to qualify. While we know credit doesn’t tell the whole story, it helps us understand how consistently bills are paid. If someone’s close but not quite there, co-signers or higher security deposits may be considered in some cases.
  • Background Check
    We run a full background screening, including criminal and eviction history, as part of our commitment to safety—for our property owners and for neighbors. A past issue doesn’t always mean an automatic denial, but it is part of the decision-making process.
  • Application Fee
    Each application includes a $45 non-refundable fee, which covers the cost of credit and background checks. This fee is paid at the time of application submission.

Step 3: We Review Applications Thoroughly (and Fairly)

Our team personally reviews every application to make sure it meets our rental criteria. We don’t rely solely on software filters—we believe in looking at the whole picture. If multiple qualified applications come in for the same property, we follow a “first qualified, first considered” approach.

This process typically takes 1–3 business days, and we’ll communicate every step of the way.

Step 4: Approval and Next Steps

Once an application is approved, we’ll reach out to finalize the lease, discuss move-in details, and collect any required deposits or pro-rated rent. We try to keep this part quick and smooth—our goal is to get you moved in without hassle.

For Property Owners: What This Means for You

As a property owner, your rental is an investment—and the tenant screening process is your first line of defense. At Fetch, we take that seriously.

Our application criteria are designed to:

  • Reduce payment risk by ensuring income and credit qualifications are met
  • Protect your property by vetting applicants with criminal or eviction histories
  • Minimize turnover by finding tenants who are financially stable and likely to stay long-term

Plus, we keep you in the loop. You’ll receive updates when applications are submitted, and we’re always available to discuss a potential applicant’s background, timeline, or move-in details.

Common Questions from Applicants

Q: What if I don’t meet the income or credit requirements?
We review all applications case-by-case. If you’re close, we may consider a co-signer or higher deposit. Reach out before applying—we’re happy to talk.

Q: Is the $45 fee refundable?
No—this covers the cost of screening, which we begin as soon as you apply.

Q: Do you accept Section 8 or housing vouchers?
We comply with all Fair Housing laws. Listings that accept vouchers will state so clearly.

Q: How long does the application process take?
Typically 1–3 business days, but it depends on how quickly we receive verification and documentation.

A Fair and Friendly Process for All

At Fetch, we believe the best landlord-tenant relationships start with mutual transparency. Our rental application process is designed to set expectations early, protect owners’ investments, and give tenants a clear path to success.

Whether you’re applying to rent or trusting us to manage your property, you’ll get a process that’s thorough—but never cold.

👉 Browse our current rental listings across Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, Dauphin, and York counties:

View Available Rentals Here 

Have questions about applying or our property screening process? We’re here to help. Reach out to the Fetch team anytime.

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