Broker: Alyssa Martin | Lockbox Realty (NY) • Effective: [January 01, 2022] • Last updated: [August 10, 2025]

We apply these steps uniformly and follow all federal, state, and NYC fair-housing laws, including source-of-income protections and NYC’s Fair Chance for Housing rules. 

1) Showings & ID

• Private, tenant-occupied units: We may request photo ID before the appointment and may log ID at check-in.

• Open houses: No photo ID required by us (building rules may differ).

• We do not retain ID numbers unless required by the building; numbers may be redacted.

2) Qualification Guidelines (typical)

• Income: Target 35–40× monthly rent (combined, if applicable).

• Credit: Target 680+.

• If the above is not met but credit is 600–679, we may consider a US-based guarantor.

• Personal guarantor (if permitted): typically 70× monthly rent or 700+ credit (case-by-case).

• Third-party guarantor at participating properties: TheGuarantors or Insurent.

• Source-of-Income: We accept vouchers/subsidies and do not apply income multiples to amounts covered by lawful subsidies.

Listing-specific criteria set by owners/managers may vary and will be applied uniformly to all applicants.

3) Application Package (what we typically request)

• Photo ID (number may be redacted)

• Income: last 4 pay stubs and 3 bank statements, employment/offer letter, most recent tax return

• Housing history: prior landlord reference and 4 months proof of rent payments

• Students: photo ID, 3 bank statements, proof of enrollment, aid/loan docs, landlord letter, proof of rent payments

• Credit check authorization (managed via Weimark using TransUnion) if required by the owner/manager

4) Screening Fees (NY cap & waiver)

If screening is required by the owner/manager, the application screening fee is capped at $20 per person (applicant or guarantor) or actual cost, whichever is less, and must be waived if you provide a credit/background report from the last 30 days; a receipt/copy of any report we purchase will be provided. We do not charge additional “processing” fees. 

5) Criminal Background Checks (NYC Fair Chance Housing)

We comply with NYC’s Fair Chance for Housing law. If a background check is used, it occurs only after a conditional approval, and only “reviewable” convictions may be considered, following required notices and timelines. We do not make statements about criminal history in ads or apply blanket bans. 

6) Timing

• Pre-review of a complete application within 3 business days.

• Final owner/manager decisions can take up to two weeks, depending on building requirements.

7) Deposits, Move-In Funds & Payments

• Security deposit: Capped at one month’s rent under state law. Typically collected at lease signing by the owner/manager or their agent.

• First month’s rent is typically due at lease signing.

• Broker fees: Under NYC’s FARE Act (effective June 11, 2025), if we represent the landlord, tenants do not pay our broker fee. If a tenant hires us directly as their representative, a tenant-paid fee may apply and will be disclosed in writing. 

• Never send money to personal accounts. Payments go only to the landlord/manager or escrow as instructed in writing.

8) Decision Authority

Lockbox Realty acts as an intermediary. Final application decisions are made by the property owner/manager, not by us.

Equal Housing Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on any protected class under federal, NYS, or NYC law.

Fair Housing Inquiries are welcome at admin@lockboxnyc.com. We provide reasonable modifications to these procedures consistent with law.