Navigating the competitive rental market on the Monterey Peninsula can be challenging. To help you through the process, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to fill out a rental application effectively. Remember, our goal is to select the most qualified applicants, not necessarily the first one to apply.
Please Note: While we understand the eagerness to know the status of your application, frequent status check calls can disrupt and slow down the processing time. Rest assured, we will contact you via phone or email if we need any clarification or to provide an update on your application status. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Understand the Process
When you apply for a rental unit, you’re doing so without any promise or guarantee of securing the unit. We evaluate all applications based on various criteria to ensure we select the best fit. Due to privacy concerns, we do not discuss the reasons behind our decisions.
Key Information We Consider
We evaluate several factors when reviewing applications. These include:
- Job Stability: Duration of your current employment.
- Income: Amount, verifiability, and stability. We typically require a monthly income of at least three times the rent.
- Reserves: Proof of at least three months’ rent in reserves, excluding move-in costs.
- Credit History: A credit score of 700 or above is usually required.
- Landlord References: From current and previous landlords.
- Personal/Employment References: Additional references to support your application.
Equal Opportunity Housing
Bluhm & Company is committed to assisting all applicants without discrimination. We adhere to fair housing laws and do not consider race, creed, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, or other protected characteristics in our decision-making process.
Complete All Sections
Ensure you read and complete all sections of the application. If you have any questions, contact us immediately by email. After submitting your application, check your email regularly for updates on your application status.
Required Documents
To ensure timely processing, submit the following items together:
- Individual Applications: Each person aged 18 and older must complete a separate application. Guarantors must also complete an application.
- Proof of Income: Submit the last two months’ pay stubs. These must be legally verifiable, showing valid statements with names, dates, and amounts clearly visible. Screenshots are not accepted.
- Proof of Reserves: Provide summary pages of the last two months’ checking and savings account statements. These must also be legally verifiable, showing valid statements with names, dates, and amounts clearly visible. Ensure the balance covers move-in costs and three additional months’ rent. Screenshots are not accepted.
Rental History
Please be sure to contact prior landlords and verify their contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) for accuracy. Let them know to expect contact from Bluhm & Company as we validate your prior tenancy.
Invalid or out of date contact information and unresponsiveness is a frequent source of delay in application processing. We will put your application on hold until we can contact your prior landlords and verify your rental history. Don’t let something as simple as neglecting to verify prior landlord information before you apply cause needless delays and potentially result in losing your preferred rental property!
Pet Policy
Please note that we do not accept certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman, or any mix of these breeds.
Final Tips
- Be Thorough: Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Be Courteous: We reserve the right to decline applications if applicants are discourteous or uncooperative.
- Stay Informed: Keep searching for other rental options even after submitting your application.
By following these guidelines, you’ll improve your chances of securing a rental unit on the Monterey Peninsula. Good luck!