Tenant FAQs

• Can WILMOTH Group hold a rental home before I apply?

  WILMOTH Group rents Indianapolis properties on a first-approved, first-qualified basis. To secure a home, you must submit a completed rental application and required fees as soon as possible.

• Do I pay first month’s rent and last month’s rent with my security deposit?

  Move-in costs for rental homes vary by property but typically include the first month’s rent and a security deposit. Some homes managed by WILMOTH Group may also require last month’s rent depending on owner requirements.

• How old do you have to be to apply for a rental?

  Applicants must be legally eligible to enter into a binding lease agreement. In most cases, this means you must be at least 18 years old to rent through WILMOTH Group.

• Is the security deposit refundable?

  Security deposits are generally refundable if the property is returned in good condition and lease terms are satisfied. Deductions may apply for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or necessary cleaning.

• Who needs a cosigner?

  A cosigner may be required if an applicant does not meet WILMOTH Group’s income, credit, or rental history standards. Cosigners must qualify financially and sign a guarantor agreement.

• How do I apply for a rental property with WILMOTH Group?

  Rental applications for homes are submitted online with the required documentation and application fee. Processing begins once all information is received and completed in full.

• How do I pay rent?

  WILMOTH Group offers secure online rent payments through a tenant portal for all residents. Additional approved payment options may vary by property.

• What should I do if I want to get a pet?

  Review your lease agreement and contact WILMOTH Group before bringing a pet into your rental home. Approval, breed restrictions, pet deposits, or monthly pet rent may apply.

• What happens if my roommate moves out but I want to stay?

  All tenants remain responsible for the full lease term unless formally modified. The remaining resident may need to qualify independently or submit an approved replacement tenant.

• My lease is ending and I plan to move out. What should I do?

  Submit written notice according to the timeframe outlined in your lease agreement. Proper notice allows WILMOTH Group to coordinate inspections and process your security deposit efficiently.

• Who pays for repairs and maintenance requests?

  WILMOTH Group coordinates routine maintenance for all rental properties. Tenants may be responsible for repairs resulting from negligence, misuse, or lease violations.

• What is Reviewed in Your Resident Application Process?

  Our applications pull a credit report, verify income and income history, verify current rental and housing payment history, and performs criminal background checks.

  There is not one formula that must be met to be approved. The entire application is reviewed and considered in order to make a decision. A common question though is how much income do you need to make to qualify? A simple rule of thumb is we like to see monthly net income of at least 3x the rent.

  When you sit down to complete an application, please have available information on your current living arrangements, your employer, children and pets. You will be requested to upload proof of income to include last year’s W-2 or 1099, and the most current year to date pay stub. If you own a pet you will also be directed to wilmoth.petscreening.com to have the pet apply.

  Past criminal history that is revealed in the screening will be reviewed as part of the total screening and all factors as above. The only exceptions are violent crimes and registered sex offenders. If you have one of these on your record you should contact us first before applying.

• How Can I Schedule a Viewing for a Rental Property?

  Please visit our Listings to see what is currently available for rent. Select the Schedule Viewing or Rental Qualifications links on any property listing for more information. From this link, you will be able to view images of the home, review details about the home, and request and schedule a self-showing if interested.

• What Type of Income is Considered for Application Approval?

  The following is a list of sources of income we will consider in the application approval process.

  • W-2 Income
  • 1099 Income
  • Cash Income-with 12 months of support from bank statements
  • Social security payments

  Sources of income that will not be considered for approval:

  • Child support
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Student loans

  If one of the ineligible sources is what an applicant considers their income for rent they should be advised a co-signor will be required.

• Can I Use Unemployment or Government Stimulus to Qualify?

  We are sorry, but no. Due to the inconsistency of these forms of payment we can not use them to qualify an applicant.

• Where Can I Browse Your Indiana Section 8 Eligible Housing?

  WILMOTH Group participates in the housing voucher program, known as Section 8, with select properties. Not every property we offer is eligible for these vouchers but many are.

  When you search for properties at our Listings you can click on any rentals you are interested in and it will tell you if that rental accepts vouchers.

  We also publish all of our Section 8 eligible housing at GoSection8.com.

• How Much is Your Application Processing Fee?

  The application fee is $60 for each applicant (any adult 18 and over who will be residing in the home). When you complete a rental application with WILMOTH Group, you will be asked for a credit or debit card to process the application fee. We complete a full background screening to include income and rental verification. This fee covers the time and costs associated with processing your application

  Please note before you apply – The application fee is non-refundable

• If I have been living with someone how do I show rental history?

  If you have been living with someone, then the next question is were you paying them rent?

  If yes – copies of checks and receipts will verify your rent.

  If no, then unfortunately you will not have recent rental history. If you rented someplace else in the past we might be able to utilize a verification from that landlord (depending on the time since renting).

  Not having a previous rental history will affect one part of the application scoring system we utilize. You may also be able to use a co-signor as an additional option to get around this issue.

• What Are Your Smoking Policies?

  Smoking is NOT permitted inside any rental premises or the garage by residents, guests, or invitees. Smoking inside the premises shall be considered a material default under their lease agreement.
  Smoking outside the property may only occur outside a perimeter of ten feet from the property. The odor and trash associated with smoking must not be evident either inside or outside the rental property.

• How Long Does it Take to Process a Rental Application?

  A decision can be reached in less than three (3) business days if all verifications are received in a timely manner. Receipt of housing and employment verifications are often the source of delays beyond that period.

• If I Am Approved, How Long Before I Can Move In?

  Our goal is for any applicant who is approved to be able to move into the home in seven (7) business days. Depending on various factors to complete the move-in process, this period may be longer or possibly even shortened. If you need a home faster than seven (7) business days, please contact us before starting your application so we may confirm if your move-in timeline is one that can be met.

• Can My Application Be Used For Multiple Rentals?

  Since the application fee is non-refundable, and if your application is not chosen, you may still use the rental application to apply for other rental units. During the following 30 days, the completed screening will continue to be available for use on different properties. After 30 days, a new screening and application must be completed.

• Do You Accept Section 8 and Do I Have to Pay For Screening?

  First, do not complete an application if you are using a Section 8 voucher until we have confirmed the home will be available to a Section 8 applicant. The best way to do that is to contact us through one of the many communication methods we offer.

  Please understand that we do not approve solely on the fact that an applicant has a Section 8 voucher. We still need a screening completed and the same underwriting that applies to all applicants also applies to Section 8 participants.

• Where Can I Find Your Application Process Details and Links?

  You can find everything you need about our application process at our Tenant Resources page. Interested applicants can find answers to most frequently asked questions, learn about our pet screening and approval process, provide documents through a secure uploader, and actually complete their application for a rental.

• What is Your Policy Regarding Prior Evictions?

  Generally, having a prior eviction is not a good thing for obtaining a rental approval. There are two main factors our underwriters review, as part of their entire review of the application, to determine how relevant a prior eviction is to the overall approval.

  • 1. Time since the eviction

    We prefer a period of five (5) years since any eviction. We will review mitigating circumstances associated with the eviction but any eviction less than five (5) years old is difficult to work with. The time factor can be significantly offset though by the next factor.

  • 2. Has rental history been re-established?

    What type of referral are we able to receive? Rental history from family and friends is not as powerful as that received from a professional management company or apartment complex. Of course, a clean, trouble free reference will go a long way toward providing added comfort to any previous evictions.

• What Do I Need to Know About Equal Housing Opportunities?

  WILMOTH Group has pledged support, to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy, for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

• What if I Have Concerns About Some Things in My Screening?

  No problem at all. Contact us and let us know what property you are interested in and your concerns that you know will show up in your screening. We will attempt to provide you some feedback prior to you proceeding and making application.

RBP FAQs

• Can I Opt Out of the RBP?

  You cannot opt out of the WILMOTH Resident Benefits Package.

• How Much Does the RBP Cost Me?

  The Resident Benefits Package will be $45/month (no furnace filters service) or $55 (furnace filter service) and will be billed to your ledger as a recurring monthly charge in addition to your rent payment.

• Can I Carry My Own Renters Insurance?

  All Residents will be insured under the RBP Renters Insurance policy. However, if you would like to purchase additional coverage through our provider or a provider of your choice, you are free to do so.