Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The minimum credit score may vary slightly by property, but in most cases a 620 credit score with Experian is required. Please review the “Requirements” section in the property details page for the exact minimum credit score. 

The minimum household income is 3x the rent.

In some cases, offering to prepay several months of rent—such as a full 12-month lease up front—or applying with a well-qualified co-signer can help offset certain application challenges, such as lower credit scores or insufficient income. However, we cannot guarantee approval based on these options alone.

Every application is reviewed in full, and approval depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of other applications received for the same property. We encourage all applicants to review our minimum screening criteria on this page and in the property details.

If you do not meet all requirements, your application may still be declined—even if you offer to prepay rent or have a co-signer. The only way we can accurately evaluate your situation is through a completed application with all required documentation.

Please also note that application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is not approved. These fees cover the cost of background checks, credit reports, and the administrative time required to process and evaluate each application.

For most properties, the security deposit is equal to one month’s rent. This could vary by property or if you have a lower credit score you may be asked to pay an additional security deposit but never more than 2x the rent.

No. To move in, all new residents are required to pay one full month’s rent plus a security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent). This total move-in cost is non-negotiable and must be paid in full prior to receiving keys.

If your lease begins on a day other than the 1st, your second month of residency will be prorated. This means your first payment at the start of the second month will be for a reduced amount to account for the days you did not occupy the home during your move-in month. All subsequent rent payments will return to the full monthly rate.

In general, please allow 2-4 business days for your application to be reviewed. Please read the Rental Process page for more details on the full process.

Pet policies vary by property. Please review the “Requirements” section of the property details page carefully to see what pets (if any) are accepted. For properties that allow pets, there will be a pet fee. That fee can vary depending on the type of pet and the property. Typically we charge a one-time non-refundable pet fee of $249.

In most cases, utilities are NOT included in rent, but each property we manage is different. Please review the listing details and the lease to understand exactly what is included in your rent.

Before your lease starts, you should get utilities set up. Utility providers vary by property location. Go to this page for a helpful list of the most common utility providers in the Richmond area. If you don’t get utilities switched over before your lease starts, you may not have electricity and water on your move-in date or it could be cut off at any time. Please check with your property manager on the exact details of what needs to be done before move-in.

Yes. All residents are required to maintain a valid renters’ insurance policy throughout the entire duration of their lease. Proof of coverage must be provided prior to move-in and upon every policy renewal. You can also purchase our Resident Benefit Package, which includes insurance, filter delivery, pest control, and more.

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide keys or allow access to the property before the official lease start date. This policy is in place for both liability reasons and to ensure the property is properly prepared for your move-in. Final cleaning, maintenance, and home readiness tasks are scheduled based on the lease start date, and early access could interfere with this process. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to handing over the keys on your move-in day.

Deposits and rent can be paid online after a lease is signed by all parties. Login to the Tenant Portal to make your payment by debit card or ACH. There is also an option to pay by credit card, but additional fees will apply. 

All maintenance requests must be made online in the tenant portal.

Before you sign a lease, you need to be fully prepared to pay the rent for the full term of the lease. But, we understand that circumstances sometimes change, and you may need to end your lease earlier than expected. For more information on ending a lease early read this article: Ending Your Lease Early with Byrd Property Management: What You Need to Know

Yes. Applicants with vouchers are accepted but must meet all property requirements. For more details please review our Section 8 FAQs.