How It Works
The 5-Step Application Process
- 01
Browse and choose a property
Visit /rentals and find the home you want. Each listing shows photos, rent, key details, and whether pets are allowed.
- 02
Click Apply Now on the listing
Each property listing has an Apply Now button. Click it to begin the application for that specific property.
- 03
Complete the online application
Every adult 18+ who will live in the home submits a separate application. The application fee is $160 per applicant, non-refundable.
- 04
Provide documentation
Upload proof of income, valid photo ID, and any other documentation requested during the application. See Section 3 for what to prepare.
- 05
Screening, decision, and lease signing
We screen and verify, notify you of the decision, and (upon approval) hold the property for 24 hours pending your reservation deposit. Lease signing is electronic.
Gather These First
What to Prepare Before You Start
The application takes about 15 minutes once you have everything ready. Gathering these in advance speeds processing and reduces back-and-forth.
Required for Every Applicant
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Two months of recent bank statements OR thirty days of recent pay stubs (employed applicants)
- Most recent federal tax return (self-employed applicants)
- Two years of rental history with prior landlord names and contact information
- Current employer name, supervisor name, and direct contact
- Application fee ready: $160 per adult 18+
- Move-in funds available: first month's rent + security deposit equal to one month's rent
- Renter's insurance quote ready (required before lease signing — see /tenants/rental-criteria)
If Applicable
- Pet information ready: type, breed, weight, age (all pets register through PetScreening.com)
- Non-refundable pet fee per approved pet — see /pet-policy for current amounts
- Service animal or emotional support animal documentation (registered through PetScreening.com but not subject to pet fee)
- Co-signer information if applicable (cosigner subject to the same screening criteria)
If you have a non-traditional income source (retirement, alimony, government assistance, etc.) contact our leasing team before applying so we can confirm acceptable documentation.
What It Costs
Application Fees at a Glance
| What | Amount | When | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $160 per adult 18+ | At application submission | Non-refundable screening cost |
| Reservation deposit | One month's rent | Within 24 hours of approval | Holds the property AND becomes your first month's rent at move-in |
| Security deposit | One month's rent | At move-in | Refundable per Florida Statute 83.49 |
| Pet fee (if approved) | See /pet-policy | At move-in | Non-refundable, per approved pet. Amount varies by FIDO score. |
| Renter's insurance | Varies (often under $40/month) | Proof required before lease signing | Paid to your insurance provider directly |
Total Cash At Each Step
- At application: $160 per adult applicant
- Within 24 hours of approval: One month's rent (reservation deposit — becomes your first month's rent)
- At move-in: One month's rent (security deposit), plus pet fee if any
First month's rent is already paid as the reservation deposit at approval. You do not pay rent again at move-in.
Florida Statute 83.49 governs security deposit handling. We hold deposits in compliance with the statute and provide all required disclosures at lease signing.
What Happens Next
After You Submit
Application received (within minutes)
We confirm receipt of your completed application by email.
Screening and verification (1–3 business days)
Third-party screening (criminal, sex offender, credit) plus direct verification of employment, income, and rental history. Processing time depends on response speed from your employer and prior landlords.
Approval decision
You're notified of approval, denial, or any documentation gaps by email and phone.
Reservation period (24 hours from approval)
Upon approval, the property is reserved for 24 hours pending your reservation deposit (one month's rent — which becomes your first month's rent at move-in). If the deposit is not received within 24 hours, the property remains available and the next qualified application may be processed.
Lease signing and move-in scheduling
Electronic lease signing through our portal. Move-in coordinated for the date specified on your application. Renter's insurance proof and reservation/security/first-month funds required before move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying
This page describes the standard application process. The specific terms of any tenancy are governed by the executed lease between the tenant and the property owner. Sea Dog Property Management is a licensed Florida real estate brokerage (License No. CQ1068457). All applicants are screened consistently under our published rental criteria in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing laws.