Blair Allen Property Management · Last updated October 28, 2026

We want every applicant to know exactly what we look at before they apply. These criteria apply to every applicant for every home we manage, the same way, every time. Meeting them doesn't guarantee approval of a particular home if another complete, qualified application was received first, and individual homes may have additional requirements stated in the listing (for example, whether pets are allowed).

Fair housing

Blair Allen Property Management follows the federal Fair Housing Act and South Dakota and Montana fair housing laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, familial status, or disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or local law where the home is located. Equal Housing Opportunity.

If you have a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation or modification at any point in the process, including in how you apply or how these criteria are applied to you. Call (605) 545-1218 or email chris@blairallen.com.

Before you apply

You'll always see the home in person before any money changes hands. You don't have to apply before you tour.
We list every property we manage directly. Never send money for a home you haven't toured, and if a listing doesn't match ours, call us before you do anything.
Every adult (18 or older) who will live in the home completes a separate application.
The application fee is $49 per adult applicant (18 or older) and is non-refundable.
Each applicant provides a valid government-issued photo ID.
Applications must be complete and truthful. We review complete applications in the order they're received. Incomplete applications aren't reviewed until they're complete.

Income

Combined gross monthly household income should be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent.
We count all lawful, verifiable income, such as wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, retirement or pension income, child support or alimony, and housing assistance. If part of the rent is paid by a housing assistance program, the 2.5× income test applies only to the portion of the rent the household pays.
Verification may include recent pay stubs, an offer letter, benefit award letters, tax returns or bank statements. Self-employed applicants may provide tax returns or bank statements.
If your income is below 2.5 times the rent, a co-signer (guarantor) may be considered. A co-signer must meet all of these qualifying criteria and have gross monthly income of at least 3 times the monthly rent.

Rental history

We contact current and prior landlords to verify your rental history. No rental history (for example, first-time renters) isn't an automatic denial.
We look at payment history, lease violations, the condition the home was left in, and whether proper notice was given.
An eviction judgment within the past 3 years, or an unpaid balance owed to a prior landlord or other housing-related creditor (such as a utility company or insurance company), may result in denial or additional conditions such as a co-signer. An eviction case that was dismissed or resolved in your favor is not held against you.

Credit

We review the full credit report for every applicant, the same way every time. That includes payment history (whether bills have been paid on time), accounts in collections, charge-offs, judgments, and current debt compared to income.
Unpaid balances to landlords, utility companies or other housing-related creditors weigh most heavily.
Medical debt is not considered.
Limited or no credit history isn't an automatic denial.

Criminal background

We follow HUD's guidance on the use of criminal records in housing.

No blanket bans. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify anyone.
Arrests never count. Arrests without a conviction, dismissed charges, and expunged or sealed records are not considered.
Only recent, relevant convictions. We consider only recent convictions that show a real risk to the safety of residents, neighbors, staff or property.
Every situation is reviewed individually. We look at the nature and seriousness of the offense, how long ago it happened, and what has happened since.
You can tell us your side. If something in your background concerns us, we'll let you know and give you a chance to share more information before we decide.

Occupancy

Two people per bedroom plus one, with the home's size, layout, children's ages and local codes also considered.

Pets and assistance animals

Whether pets are allowed depends on the home; check the listing.
Where pets are allowed: one $500 pet deposit per household, plus $50 per month per pet.
Assistance animals (service animals and support animals) are not pets. There's no pet deposit or pet rent for an assistance animal, and pet restrictions don't apply. Requests are handled as a reasonable accommodation. Residents are still responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance is required for every lease. We accept any qualifying renters insurance policy from the provider of your choice, or you can purchase a plan through a trusted third-party provider we work with.

Security deposit

The security deposit is listed for each home and follows the laws of the state where the home is located.

Our decision

When a file is complete, we can often make a decision the same day.
By applying, you agree that we may communicate with you electronically, including by email, text and through our online portal, and that all notices, including our decision and any adverse action notice, may be delivered electronically.
Possible outcomes: approved; approved with conditions (for example, a co-signer or additional deposit, within legal limits); or denied.
If we deny an application or add conditions based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report, we'll give you a written notice that includes the name and contact information of the reporting agency, your right to a free copy of your report within 60 days, and your right to dispute inaccurate information, as the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires.
Questions about a decision? Call (605) 545-1218 or email chris@blairallen.com.

These criteria are subject to change and don't replace the terms of your lease. Nothing here is legal advice.

Rental criteria