Rental Applications
How to Apply
for a Home
Our application process is simple, fast, and fair. We make decisions in 48 hours, look at the full picture — not just a credit score — and keep you informed every step of the way.
All units currently leased
We're not accepting applications right now — but we keep a waitlist and contact interested renters first when a unit opens up.
The Application Process
Six simple steps from interest to keys in hand. No surprises, no fine print.
Browse & Choose
Explore our available properties across Cleveland, Akron, Garfield Heights, and Maple Heights. All units are currently leased, but you can join the waitlist for your preferred property or location.
Contact Us
Call us at (216) 480-4166 or submit a contact form to express interest. We'll confirm your eligibility requirements and get you on the waitlist.
Submit Application
When a unit becomes available, we'll reach out to invite you to apply. You'll submit an application including basic personal information, rental history, and income verification.
Screening Process
We run a standard background and credit check (application fee applies). We review rental history, income, and references together — no single factor is automatically disqualifying.
Approval & Lease Signing
Approved applicants receive a lease agreement to review and sign. We walk you through every clause — no surprises. Lease signing can be done digitally or in person.
Move In
Pay first month's rent and security deposit, complete your move-in inspection, and pick up your keys. Welcome home!
Eligibility Guide
We evaluate every applicant as a whole person — not just a credit score. Here's exactly what we look at and what qualifies for each area.
Income Requirements
- •Gross monthly income should be at least 3× the monthly rent.
- •We accept: employment income, self-employment, Social Security/SSI, disability, pension, child support, alimony, housing vouchers (Section 8/CMHA accepted).
- •Tip: If you earn just under the 3× threshold, bring extra documentation — bank statements showing consistent savings help a lot.
Credit History
- •We look at the full story of your credit — not just a number.
- •Medical debt collections are often disregarded (new CFPB guidelines).
- •A lower score with consistent on-time payments for the past 12 months often reads better than a mid-range score with recent missed payments.
- •Prior evictions require a conversation — recent evictions within the last 2 years are the toughest hurdle, but we'll talk through your situation.
- •No credit history at all? We can work with additional documentation (employment letter, bank statements, strong references).
Rental History
- •We prefer 2 landlord references — current or previous landlords who can speak to how you maintained the property and paid rent.
- •First-time renters: An employment letter or personal references can substitute.
- •If you owned your home previously, a mortgage payment history serves as a rental history equivalent.
- •We specifically ask about: on-time payment history, property care, and notice given at move-out.
Background Check
- •A standard background check is required of all adult applicants (18+).
- •We follow fair chance screening practices — an older conviction does not automatically disqualify you.
- •We consider: the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of stability since.
- •Drug- and violence-related felonies within the last 5 years are the most significant concerns.
- •When in doubt, call us before applying — we'd rather have the conversation upfront.
Not sure if you'll qualify?
Call us at (216) 480-4166 before submitting a paid application. We can give you an honest read on your situation so you don't spend money on a screening that won't go through. We'd rather help you figure out if it's a good fit upfront.
Also see: Renting with Bad Credit in Cleveland — practical strategies to strengthen your application.
Qualification Requirements
We look at the full picture — not just your credit score. Our goal is to find tenants who will be happy in the home and take care of it. We consider income, rental history, and references together.
Documents to Have Ready
Having these ready when you apply speeds up approval significantly. Incomplete applications take longer — sometimes much longer.
- 🪪Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- 💵Pay stubs or proof of income (last 2–3 months)
- 🏦Bank statements (last 2 months)
- 🏠Previous landlord contact info (name, phone, address, dates)
- 👤Personal references — 2 non-family members who can speak to your character
- 🛡️Renter's insurance quote or active policy
- 🐾Pet vaccination records (if applying with a pet)
- 📄Housing voucher paperwork (if using Section 8 / CMHA)
Application Fees & Move-In Costs
Application Fee
Per adult applicant
Covers the cost of background and credit screening. Non-refundable. All adult occupants (18+) must apply separately.
Security Deposit
Typically 1 month's rent
Held per Ohio law (ORC 5321.16). Returned within 30 days of move-out minus legitimate deductions with itemized statement.
First Month's Rent
Due at move-in
First month due at lease signing. We do not collect last month upfront — just first month plus security deposit.
Application FAQs
Common questions from prospective renters — answered honestly.
What credit score do I need to rent from Cleveland Comfort Housing?
We don't use a minimum credit score cutoff. We review your full credit history — payment patterns, types of debt, and recent activity — rather than just a number. A score in the 580–620 range with recent on-time payments and stable income is often approvable. Much lower than that, we'll look for compensating factors like a co-signer, larger deposit, or strong rental history.
Can I apply if I have bad credit or a past eviction?
Yes, you can still apply. Bad credit on its own is rarely disqualifying — what matters most is the reason and what's happened since. A past eviction is harder, especially if it's recent (within 2 years). We evaluate the circumstances. We strongly recommend calling us before submitting a paid application if you have an eviction on record.
Do you accept Section 8 / housing vouchers?
Yes. Cleveland Comfort Housing accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) administered through CMHA and other housing authorities. The process is the same as a standard application — we just coordinate the HQS inspection and lease terms with your housing authority. Call us to confirm availability at the specific property you're interested in.
How long does the application process take?
Once we receive a complete application with all required documents, we aim to make a decision within 48 business hours. Incomplete applications take longer — having all your documents ready (ID, pay stubs, landlord contacts) speeds things up significantly.
Do all adults in the household need to apply?
Yes. Every adult (18+) who will live in the home must submit a separate application and consent to a background and credit check. The application fee applies per adult applicant.
Is the application fee refundable?
The application fee covers the cost of the third-party background and credit screening, which is run immediately upon receipt. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. We encourage prospective renters to reach out by phone first if they have concerns about their application — we'd rather save you the fee than have you apply into a situation where we can already tell it won't work.
Can I use a co-signer?
Yes. If you don't meet the income or credit requirements on your own, a qualified co-signer (guarantor) may help. The co-signer must have verifiable income sufficient to cover the 3× rent threshold on their own and will undergo the same background/credit screening.
What if I've never rented before?
First-time renters are welcome. Without a rental history, we place more weight on income stability, employment history, and personal references. A larger security deposit may be requested. Read our guide to tips for first-time renters in Cleveland for more on what to prepare.
How do I know which property to apply for?
All units are currently leased. You can join the waitlist for a specific property or a general area (Cleveland, Akron, Garfield Heights). When a unit in your preferred area opens, you'll be among the first we contact. Browse our properties page to see which locations fit your needs.
What is your pet policy?
Pet policies vary by property. Some units allow cats and small to medium dogs; others do not. When joining the waitlist, let us know you have a pet and we'll match you to eligible properties. Pet vaccination records will be required, and a pet addendum to the lease is standard.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Cleveland Comfort Housing is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All applicants are evaluated solely on their qualifications as renters. We also comply with Cuyahoga County's Source of Income Protection Ordinance — housing vouchers are welcome.
Helpful Resources for Renters
Renting with Bad Credit
Strategies to strengthen your application
🏠First-Time Renter Tips
What to expect when renting your first home
📋How to Rent in Cleveland
The complete guide to the rental process
🏛️Section 8 / CMHA Vouchers
Using housing vouchers in Cleveland
⚖️Ohio Tenant Rights
Your rights as a renter under Ohio law
📄Understanding Your Lease
Plain-English guide to Ohio lease clauses
Ready to Get Started?
All units are currently leased, but joining our waitlist is free and puts you first in line for the next available home.