Application Policies

This policy outlines the procedures and requirements for prospective tenants applying to rent properties managed by RAM Commercial Enterprises, Inc (RAM) in California. Our goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent application process for all applicants while complying with all relevant state and federal regulations.

Application Requirements

1.  Application Form

• Each adult (18 years or older) intending to reside in the rental property must complete a separate rental application.
• Applications must be filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

2.  Application Fee

• An application fee of $50 per applicant is required. This fee covers the cost of processing the application, including credit and background checks.
• The application fee is non-refundable if you are deemed by RAM to not qualify,  or if you are approved and do not move forward to rent the property within 24 hours of your approval.  The application fee is only refundable if RAM chooses a different applicant before your application is completely processed or if it is approved and a different applicant is chosen  (see Tenant Selection below).  

3.  Identification

• Each applicant must provide a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state ID).

4.  Income Verification

• Applicants must provide proof of income for the past two months. Acceptable documentation includes pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or a letter from an employer or an award letter from a government entity.
• Combined gross monthly income of all applicants must be at least three times the monthly rent.  Section 8 applicants must have income three times their share of rent.
• Self employment: Applicant must provide the most current filed tax return and supporting business bank statements for that year, and business bank statements for the current year.

5. Credit Check

• A credit check will be conducted for each applicant.  Credit score must be at least 650 on each qualifying adult.  See Co-Signer Policy below.

6. Rental History

• Applicants must provide rental history for the past two years, including contact information for previous landlords.
• Positive references from prior landlords are required. Negative rental history, including evictions or frequent late payments, may result in denial.

Co-Signer Policy

• If an applicant does not meet the income, credit, or rental history requirements, a co-signer may be accepted at RAM's discretion. The co-signer must complete a separate application including paying an application fee, meet all application criteria, sign the lease agreement, and live within 50 miles of the property being rented.  

Approval Process

1.  Processing Time

• Applications are processed as quickly as possible once the application fee is verified as paid in full for all applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The processing time is typically 3-5 business days, provided all required documents are submitted.

2.  Tenant Selection

• If your application is being processed, but is not completed for any reason, RAM reserves the right to process other applications.  RAM reserves the right to accept the application that meets our requirements with the best credit and best rental references even if it is an application that was submitted after your application.

3.  Applications are processed as quickly as possible once the application fee is verified as paid in full for all applicants.

4.  The processing time is typically 3-5 business days, provided we have all required documents.

5.  Notification

• Applicants will be notified of the approval or denial of their application via email or phone.

6.  Lease Agreement

• Approved applicants must sign the lease agreement and pay the security deposit within 2 business days of approval to secure their rental unit.
• With a paid security deposit and signed lease, we will hold your rental for up to two weeks, giving you time to plan your move with no rent being charged until you take possession.

Denial Policy

Applicants may be denied for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Insufficient income
• Unsatisfactory credit history, no credit history
• Unsatisfactory or negative rental history, no rental history

Applicants will be notified of the reason for denial and provided with information on how to obtain a copy of their credit report.

Fair Housing

RAM adheres to all Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected class.

Amendments

This policy is subject to change. Applicants will be informed of any significant changes that may affect their application.