Renting a new home should feel exciting, not confusing. Mesa Properties manages hundreds of beautiful homes across the Inland Empire and High Desert regions, helping renters find safe, well-maintained spaces that fit their lifestyle and budget. To make sure every applicant has a fair and consistent experience, Mesa uses clear rental criteria that outline exactly what’s needed to qualify.
You can [download Mesa Properties’ full rental criteria here] to review all the details before applying.
Key Takeaways
Mesa’s rental process is designed to be fair, transparent, and straightforward for all applicants.
Applications are reviewed based on income, rental history, credit (if allowed by law), and background.
Conditional approvals are sometimes available with higher deposits for applicants close to qualification standards.
Mesa uses trusted verification partners to protect applicants’ information and speed up the approval process.
How the Application Process Works
Each adult over 18 who plans to live in the home must submit their own application. To keep things organized, one person in your household should start the application and then invite any co-applicants by adding their names and emails when prompted.
Submitting incomplete applications or forgetting to invite others can cause delays, so double-check that everyone’s information is submitted before finalizing.
Mesa’s online system makes it easy to apply, verify your identity, and upload the required documents. You’ll need a valid government-issued ID, proof of income, rental history information, and animal details if you have pets.
The application fee is $45 per person and is non-refundable, so it’s best to review the requirements ahead of time.
Income and Employment Verification
To qualify, your household’s combined net income should be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. Applicants who meet 2.25 times the rent may still qualify with a higher security deposit, depending on state or local limits. Mesa also looks at your debt-to-income ratio, which should be below 60%.
Mesa partners with secure verification platforms such as Plaid, Stripe, and Pinwheel to verify income quickly and safely. If you can’t connect through these platforms, you can upload your last two months of pay stubs, bank statements, or an offer letter for a new job starting soon. Self-employed applicants should include six months of bank statements and two years of tax returns.
These steps help Mesa confirm that each resident can comfortably manage rent and living expenses, creating a positive and stable rental experience for everyone.
Rental and Credit History Requirements
Mesa values responsible renters with a solid history of paying rent on time. You’ll be asked to provide contact information for landlords or property managers from the past 24 months. If you have limited rental history, your application might still be approved with a larger security deposit.
Credit history is another key part of the process. Mesa requires a minimum credit score of 650 for full approval. Scores between 620 and 650 may still be approved with a higher deposit. Certain applicants, such as those working with the housing authority do not have to undergo a credit check.
Applicants should also review any open collection accounts, as these can affect eligibility. High-risk debts, such as past landlord balances or unpaid utility accounts, should be under $100, and lower-risk debts like credit cards or personal loans should be under $1,500.
Mesa runs a soft credit check, meaning your credit score won’t be affected. The goal is to ensure applicants are financially stable without penalizing them for small or past challenges.
Animal Policies and Verification
Mesa Properties welcomes pets at many of its homes, though each property has its own restrictions. All animals must be registered through the third-party application processing service, which provides a quick and secure way to verify details.
There’s a non-refundable $25 pet verification fee per animal, though service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are always exempt. If you have an ESA, you’ll need documentation confirming your need for the animal in most circumstances.
Mesa encourages applicants to check each property listing to see whether pets are allowed and to review the full pet policy at mesaproperties.net/pets.
Criminal Background and Automatic Denials
Mesa Properties takes a thoughtful and compliant approach to background checks. Convictions involving serious offenses within the last seven years, such as violent crimes, arson, or controlled substance distribution, are reviewed carefully and may affect eligibility. Minor infractions, arrests without conviction, or sealed and juvenile records are not considered.
Certain issues, however, will automatically disqualify an application. These include:
Income below 2.25 times the rent
A household average credit score below 620
More than three late rental payments with a previous landlord
Open balances, lease violations, or eviction judgments within the past seven years
Forged or falsified documents
Harassment or abusive communication with Mesa staff
Mesa takes professionalism seriously and ensures that every applicant is treated respectfully and evaluated fairly.
FAQs
What documents will I need to apply?
You’ll need a valid photo ID, proof of income, and recent rental history. Depending on your situation, this could include pay stubs, bank statements, or an employment offer letter.
Do all adults have to apply separately?
Yes, every person aged 18 or older must complete their own application. This ensures full background and credit review for all residents.
Can I still be approved if my credit score is below 650?
Possibly. Scores between 620 and 650 may qualify with a higher security deposit. Anything below 620 does not meet Mesa’s minimum requirement.
Are pets allowed in Mesa Properties homes?
Many are pet-friendly, but policies vary by property. Each listing shows whether pets are permitted, and all animals must be registered through the third-party application processing service. Service animals and emotional support animals are always welcome.
How long does the approval process take?
If all documents are submitted correctly, most applications are processed within a few business days. Delays usually occur when required documents are missing or incomplete.
What happens after I’m approved?
Once approved, you’ll pay the first month’s rent and security deposit with certified funds, transfer utilities to your name, and provide proof of renters’ insurance before moving in.
A Better Rental Experience Starts Here
Finding a new home in the Inland Empire or High Desert is easier when you rent with a team that values clarity, respect, and professionalism. Mesa Properties takes pride in maintaining high-quality homes and creating a smooth rental experience from start to finish.
If you’re ready to find your next home, browse Mesa Properties’ available listings and start your online application today. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment or a spacious single-family home, Mesa’s team is here to help you move in with confidence.
