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Before You ApplyRental application
Please review the following to see if you qualify, then complete the application below.
See if you qualify
We accept multiple applications per property and select the first approved, most qualified applicant. It's your responsibility to contact us to verify how many applications are being processed on the property you're applying for. Applications are submitted electronically, so we make no representation that yours will be the first submitted or considered.
How much is the application fee?
A tenant screening fee may be charged. By Washington law and Bellingham Municipal Code 6.16 it cannot exceed $50 plus the regional CPI adjustment, and only the actual cost of screening — disclosed to you in writing before any payment.
What income do I need?
Applicants generally show gross monthly household income of at least 2.5× the monthly rent (about the same as rent being 40% of income), applied consistently across all applicants.
What employment do I need to show?
- Last year's W-2 or tax return, your 2 most recent pay stubs, or 2 months of bank statements.
- 1 year of continuous employment.
What rental history do I need?
- Names and phone numbers of your 2 most recent landlords, or 2 years of rental history.
- On-time mortgage payments count as a positive reference.
What are the credit requirements?
You must have established credit. Collection activity, a judgment, bankruptcy, or a lien will require further review.
Criminal history & co-signers?
- A past felony conviction most likely will not qualify.
- Misdemeanors are reviewed on an individual basis.
- A co-signer with good credit may help if you're lacking credit, employment, or rental history (case by case).
How approval works
- The first qualified application is approved — the first application received may not be the one approved.
- If yours isn't approved on your first choice, it's kept on file for 90 days and can be transferred to other properties you become interested in.
- If you apply for a property that already has an approved applicant, we'll let you know it's no longer available — you can move your application to another property or have your application fee refunded.
I agree to the following
- I acquire no rights to a rental unit until I sign a Lease Agreement.
- When I present Lorimer Properties with a holding fee / security deposit, it is non-refundable as liquidated damages if I choose not to enter into the agreement.
- Once notified of approval, I have 48 hours to submit the holding fee to secure the unit, or Lorimer Properties may move on to the next applicant.
- I will not keep or harbor animals or pets of any kind on the premises without the written consent of the Owner/Agent.
- Any misrepresentation may result in termination of any agreement entered, and I declare the foregoing to be true under penalty of perjury.
We strive to be open and honest with all applicants as to the status and availability of a property for rent.
Apply online
Complete the application below. Each adult (age 18+) who will live in the unit must submit a separate application. Required fields are marked .
Tenant screening criteria & your rights (RCW 59.18.257)
Information reviewed. Lorimer Properties may review identity verification, credit history, civil court records (including unlawful detainer / eviction), criminal history where legally permissible, employment and income verification, current and prior rental references, and any information you voluntarily provide.
Criteria for denial. An application may be denied for: an incomplete or falsified application; insufficient or unverifiable income; negative credit information; unfavorable rental history (including prior eviction or money owed to a previous landlord); an undischarged bankruptcy; relevant criminal history reviewed individually for nature, recency, and bearing on tenancy; or insufficient or unverifiable references. Lorimer Properties does not consider lawful source of income as a basis for denial (RCW 59.18.255).
Income standard. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate gross monthly household income of at least 2.5× the monthly rent, or equivalent verifiable resources, applied consistently across all applicants.
Screening fee. Any screening fee will not exceed $50 plus the annual CPI-U adjustment for the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue region (BMC 6.16.030.A), and only the actual cost incurred to perform the screening (RCW 59.18.257) — disclosed in writing before any payment.
Applicant rights. If a consumer reporting agency is used, its name, address, and phone are disclosed in writing before the report is run. If an adverse action is taken based on a consumer report, you receive a written Adverse Action Notice and may obtain a free copy of any report relied upon and dispute its accuracy with the agency, per the Fair Credit Reporting Act and chapter 19.182 RCW.