Prospective Tenant FAQs

All applications will remain on file for 90 days. If the property that you originally applied for is rented before you receive approval or can place a Hold Fee, you may notify our office of your interest in a different available property, and we can transfer your application for consideration. Please note that all applications must be reviewed once transferred to a new property, even if the application was previously approved for a different property. This additional review period is generally 1-2 business days.

If your application is denied for a specific property due to credit score or insufficient income, you may still be eligible for a different property. Each property has different credit score minimum requirements and the income requirement (3x monthly rent for most properties) is dependent upon the rent amount for the specific property. If you believe that you would be eligible for a different property listed as available on ThorneRealty.com, you may notify our office of your interest in that property, and we can transfer your application for consideration. Please note that all applications must be reviewed once transferred to a new property. This additional review period is generally 1-2 business days.

The nature of our business is that we often experience a very high call volume. We regret the inconvenience that reaching voicemail may cause you. If your question is not addressed by one of the Frequently Asked Questions on this page, please do leave a voicemail and we will do our best return your call in a timely manner. For the convenience of our customers and clients, you may also text us (256) 485-0394 or send an email via the Contact Us form on our website.

All applications must be completed online at www.thornerealty.com. We do not offer paper applications at this time.

Each application fee is $60.00. This fee is used to cover the cost of obtaining credit, criminal, and rental history reports for each applicant.

All individuals 18 years or older who will live at the property, as well as any cosigners, must submit a separate application. Individuals under the age of 18 may not lease a property on their own.

No. All individuals 18 years or older who will live at the property, as well as any cosigners, must have an approved application on file for the property before you are able to place a Hold Fee to reserve the property.

Unless stated otherwise, an applicant must have a minimum monthly income equal to 3x the monthly rent of the property. For example, to be eligible for a property that rents for $1000 per month, an applicant must have a minimum monthly income of $3000.

If an applicant is eligible for a Section 8 or Housing Assistance voucher, the income requirement may be waived.

Credit eligibility is determined by taking the average of all applicant and cosigner scores (add all scores together and divide by the total number of applicants in the group). If you do not meet the minimum credit score requirement, your application may not be approved. For example: If Jane Doe has a credit score of 575 and John Doe has a credit score of 625, they have an average credit score of 600 (575 + 625 = 1200 / 2 = 600). Therefore, they are eligible for any properties with a credit score minimum of 600 or below.

A cosigner is someone with an established financial history who agrees to be financially responsible for the tenant on the lease. If the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damage they can't afford to repair, the cosigner agrees to pay instead. A Cosigner differs from a Co-Applicant in that Cosigners do not intend to live at the property with the primary Applicant.

If you do not meet the minimum credit score and/or income requirement to qualify for a property on your own, you may want to consider having a Cosigner apply as well.

Each property listing will indicate whether pets are accepted. If pets are accepted, they may be subject to screening and breed restrictions. Please see our Pet Policy for details.

Yes. Please provide a valid email address for any landlord(s) you have leased from in the past 3 years so that we can obtain a rental reference. A rental reference must be completed by someone who has/had the legal right to collect rent for a leased property. Relatives cannot provide a valid rental reference. Failure to provide email addresses may delay the screening process. If you have never leased a property in your name, please notify our office once you have submitted your application.

Application processing generally takes 5 - 7 business days. Timing depends on the speed at which we receive your credit and criminal reports as well as rental references. To expedite the process, provide as much information as possible on your application and be sure to provide an email address for all past landlords. Note that relatives cannot provide a valid rental reference. Failure to provide email addresses may delay the screening process. If you have never leased a property in your name, please note it in your residential history.

Security Deposits vary based on multiple factors, including applicant credit scores, rental references, and individual property owner specifications. Security Deposits will range from 1 – 2 times the monthly rent amount. If approved, your Security Deposit amount will be noted in your Approval Letter.

No. A Security Deposit does not cover any rent charges. A Security Deposit is collected at move-in and held in a trust account during the lease term. After a tenant vacates the property, the Security Deposit may be applied to any tenant charges, including but not limited to past due rent, late fees, court fees, and/or tenant-caused damages to the property that exceed normal wear and tear. Any remaining Security Deposit monies will be returned to the tenant within 30 days of move-out.

Paying the Hold Fee is the first step if you want to move forward. Please see our video walkthrough detailing the Next Steps in the Leasing Process.

All units are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. It's very likely we have other applications pending or approved. Your approved application DOES NOT guarantee you the property. We continue to market the property until a Hold Fee is received.

On lease signing day, be prepared to pay your full Security Deposit and Prorated Rent in certified funds (Cashier’s Check or Money Order).

You will also be required to provide confirmation that all utilities have been transferred to your name.

We strive to provide properties that are clean and ready-to-rent. When you view one of our properties, and have questions on it’s condition or cleanliness, please address these questions with one of our property managers before deciding to rent. If you find anything that is in need of repair after you move in, please bring any items of concern to the property managers attention by placing it on your “Move In Condition” Form that will be supplied to you at move in by your leasing agent. It is mandatory that this form is returned within 7 days of move in. After that date, we cannot accept any move in forms and any issues found at move out will be charged towards the renter’s deposit. So you can see how important it is to turn in this form. We suggest you keep a copy for yourself as well.