Tenant Screening

Every applicant undergoes a multi-level process: administrative review for completeness, AI-powered underwriting for consistency and fraud detection, Leasing Manager review for final decision, and Senior Manager escalation when needed. Screening includes credit report (TransUnion), criminal background check, eviction history, income verification (2 months), employment verification, and rental history with landlord references.

Owners choose their applicant criteria at onboarding based on their comfort level and asset objectives. Once set, criteria are locked in and applied uniformly to every applicant. Criteria are not altered without the owner's written authorization. This ensures consistency and Fair Housing compliance.

Completed applications are processed and responded to within 24 hours. An application is considered incomplete until all applications from occupants 18+ and all supporting documents are received.

Sagareus requires two months of income verification, which can include: recent paystubs, previous year's tax return, signed offer letter for pending employment, or a letter confirming SSI, retirement, child support, Section 8, rental assistance, or other recurring income.

Yes. Sagareus accepts Section 8 and other rental assistance programs. 

Conditionally. Co-signers/guarantors are accepted for applicants who are within 50 points of required credit criteria.  Co-signers must submit a separate application and screening fee. They are fully responsible for rent and lease obligations and will sign the lease alongside all tenants.

All declined applicants receive an Adverse Action Notice outlining the reason the application was not approved, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants can request a copy of their application results through our customer service form.

Yes. Sagareus applies the same criteria to every applicant without exception. Our multi-level process, including AI underwriting, is specifically designed to remove subjective decision-making and ensure consistent, objective evaluations. We comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Washington State RCW 49.60, and all applicable local ordinances including Seattle's First-in-Time and Fair Chance Housing rules.