Rental Qualification Criteria
Thank you for your interest in making a home with Forge Management. We’re committed to offering a transparent, fair, and supportive rental experience for every applicant. The following Rental Qualification Criteria outlines the standards used to evaluate each household’s application for residency. All applicants are screened equally and in accordance with federal, state, and local fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act, Washington Law Against Discrimination, Seattle Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Non-Discrimination Policy
Forge Management does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, source of income, age, ancestry, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
Reasonable accommodation and modifications are made upon request.
Application Requirements
- All occupants 18 years of age or older must complete an application.
- A non-refundable application fee of $45 per applicant is required.
- Applications must be complete and accurate. False, misleading, or unverifiable information may result in denial.
Accepted identification
- Valid U.S. driver's license or state ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- Valid U.S. government-issued identification
Forge Management does not accept Comprehensive Reusable Tenant Screening Reports (CRTSRs) as permitted under RCW 59.18.257. All applicants must complete a new screening through Entrata ResidentVerify, which includes income, identity, credit, eviction, and (where applicable) criminal history verification.
Screening Provider
All applications are screened through Entrata ResidentVerify, which completes:
- Credit evaluation
- Income verification
- Identity verification
- Eviction records search
- Criminal background check (where permitted by law)
- Sex offender registry screening
Forge Management follows ResidentVerify's Accept / Conditional / Deny recommendations.
Income Requirements & Verification
Income standard
Household combined gross monthly income must equal at least 2.5× the monthly rent. Households using Housing Choice Vouchers or other rental subsidies must meet all other criteria except the income-to-rent ratio.
Verification methods
Income must be verified through Plaid using one or more of the following:
- Plaid bank deposit verification
- Plaid payroll verification
- Plaid-verified paystub or hire letter
Alternative income sources
The following may qualify when verifiable through Plaid:
- Gig workers / self-employed applicants (via bank deposit history)
- Retirement income
- Students supported by verifiable recurring deposits
Credit Standards
Forge Management does not require a minimum credit score. However, applicants may be denied for:
- Open bankruptcy
- Unpaid rental collections
- Past due landlord debt reported as collections
- Evictions within the last 7 years
Rental History
- Evictions within 7 years may result in denial
- Unpaid landlord debt is evaluated
Criminal Background Screening
City of Seattle properties
Under the Seattle Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, Forge Management:
- Does not consider arrest or criminal conviction records
- Screens only the adult sex offender registry as permitted under SMC 14.09
- Provides an individualized assessment when legally required
Properties outside the City of Seattle
- A full criminal background check is conducted
- Applicants may request an individual assessment of the screening results in an adverse decision, consistent with HUD guidance
Guarantors / Co-Signers
Guarantors may be accepted when an application receives a Conditional recommendation due to income or credit factors.
Guarantor requirements
- Must independently earn at least 4× the monthly rent
- Screened through Entrata ResidentVerify
- May reside inside or outside the United States
- Subject to the same verification standards as applicants
Occupancy Standards
To ensure comfort, safety, and compliance with housing standards, Forge Management uses the following maximum occupancy limits:
Minimum room sizes
Pets & Assistance Animals
Forge Management proudly welcomes pets.
Pet policy
Renter's Insurance
A minimum of $100,000 liability coverage is required. Your policy must list the landlord as an Interested Party.
Insurance is not required if
- Household income is ≤ 50% AMI, or
- The unit is subsidized with public funds (excluding Housing Choice Vouchers)
However, Forge strongly recommends insurance to protect personal belongings. Proof of insurance must be provided before signing the lease and moving in.
Deposits, Fees & Move-In Costs
We aim to make moving into your new home smooth and straightforward.
No other standard move-in fees apply unless disclosed by the specific community.
Smoking Policy
Forge Management is a 100% smoke-free housing provider. The following are prohibited inside units and all indoor/outdoor common areas:
Some communities may offer designated outdoor smoking areas located at least 25 feet from buildings, in compliance with local law. Please contact your leasing office for additional information.
Utilities
- Electricity: residents must establish service directly with the provider
- Water, sewer, trash, and gas (if applicable): billed back monthly via a Resident Utility Billing Service (RUBS) provider
- No utilities are included in the rent
Payment Methods
Electronic payments — including ACH, credit/debit card, and eMoneyOrder — are strongly encouraged for convenience and timely posting.
Adverse Action & Rights
If your application is denied:
- You will receive an Adverse Action Notice from ResidentVerify
- You have the right to dispute inaccurate information
- You may provide supplemental evidence for reconsideration as allowed by law
- You may request a free copy of your consumer report within 60 days
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or create a lease agreement. Forge Management may update these criteria at any time to comply with changing laws or operational needs.