To Qualify
The Six Minimum Qualification Requirements
These six requirements apply to every applicant. They are published, consistent, and applied uniformly. Exceptions and modifications are not granted based on individual circumstances — please read Section 7 on Fair Housing for the full statement.
Move-in funds available
First month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent must be available at move-in.
Minimum credit score of 620
Credit report is reviewed as part of third-party screening (see Section 5). 620 is the minimum threshold; higher is welcomed.
No prior evictions
A prior eviction filing on your record disqualifies the application, regardless of outcome.
Income at 3x the monthly rent
Verifiable gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent of the property you're applying for. Income is verified directly with employers (see Section 5).
Move-in within 30 days
Your intended move-in date must be within 30 days of the application date. Properties cannot be held past 30 days from approval.
Two years of verified rental history (or homeownership)
Minimum two years of verifiable rental history with on-time payments and no adverse landlord references — or proof of homeownership with a history of on-time mortgage and property tax payments.
Fees & Reservation
Application Fees & Reservation Process
Fees
- Application fee
- $160 per occupant age 18 or older. Non-refundable.
- Minimum lease term
- 12 months.
- Pet fee (if approved)
- Varies by FIDO score. Non-refundable. See our published pet policy for current amounts.
- Reservation deposit
- One month's rent, due within 24 hours of approval. Credited toward your first month's rent at move-in — not an additional charge.
Reservation Process
- 1
Your application is reviewed against the criteria above.
- 2
You are notified of approval or denial within standard processing time.
- 3
Upon approval, the property is reserved for 24 hours pending receipt of your reservation deposit (one month's rent).
- 4
Upon receipt of the reservation deposit, the property is removed from the market and held until your move-in date. At move-in, the reservation deposit is credited toward your first month's rent — you do not pay rent again at move-in.
- 5
If the deposit is not received within 24 hours, the property remains available and the next qualified application may be processed.
Total Cash At Each Step
- At application: $160 per adult applicant (non-refundable)
- Within 24 hours of approval: One month's rent (as reservation deposit, which becomes your first month's rent)
- At move-in: One month's rent (as security deposit), plus pet fee if any
First month's rent is paid as the reservation deposit at approval — not separately at move-in. Renter's insurance is paid to your insurance provider directly (proof required before lease signing).
Before Lease Signing
Renter's Insurance Requirement
Prior to lease signing, all approved tenants must provide proof of renter's insurance naming both the property owner and Sea Dog Property Management, LLC as additional insureds. The minimum coverage requirements are below. Many applicants obtain qualifying coverage for less than $40 per month — sample quotes can be obtained from providers such as Lemonade.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Personal Property Coverage | $50,000 |
| Personal Liability Coverage | $100,000 |
| Loss of Use Coverage | $20,000 |
| Medical Payments to Others | $5,000 |
The property owner and Sea Dog Property Management, LLC must be listed as additional insureds on the policy. Proof of coverage is required before lease signing.
How We Screen
Application Screening & Verification Process
All applicants are screened consistently through a third-party screening service and direct verification. Here's exactly what we check.
Third-Party Screening
- Criminal background screening
- Terrorist watch list screening
- National sex offender registry screening
- Credit report review
Direct Verification
- Employment verified directly with your employer or supervisor
- Rental history verified with current and previous landlords
- Income and available move-in funds verified
Acceptable Income Documentation
Employed applicants
Two months of recent bank statements, OR thirty days of recent pay stubs.
Self-employed applicants
Most recent federal tax return for income verification.
Multiple income sources
Document each source separately. Contact us before applying if you have questions about how to document a non-traditional income source.
Pets
Pet Policy Summary
Pets may be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with our published pet policy. Specific properties may not allow pets — the listing on /rentals will indicate pet status for each property.
Non-refundable pet fee
Per approved pet, tiered by FIDO score. See our pet policy for current amounts.
PetScreening required
All pets, service animals, and emotional support animals must be registered through PetScreening.com prior to approval.
Full policy
Read our complete pet policy, including approved breeds, weight limits, and service animal accommodations.
View Pet PolicyService animals and emotional support animals are considered in accordance with the Fair Housing Act. PetScreening.com registration is required but service animals are not subject to the pet fee.
Our Commitment
Fair Housing & Equal Application Policy
Sea Dog Property Management is committed to full compliance with all Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing laws and provides equal housing opportunities to every applicant regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected class.
To ensure consistency and fairness, these rental criteria are published and applied uniformly to every applicant. Exceptions, waivers, or modifications to these standards are not granted based on individual circumstances. The screening process is the same for every applicant, every time.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly under federal or state Fair Housing laws, you may contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at hud.gov or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
This page describes Sea Dog Property Management's published rental criteria and application process as of the page's publication date. Criteria are reviewed periodically and may be updated. 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). The Florida Bar's consumer pamphlet Rights and Duties of Tenants and Landlords (floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet016/) provides a neutral overview of Florida landlord-tenant law.