Minmosa Realty LLC

For renters

Rental criteria

These are the standards every Minmosa application is measured against. They are published so you can decide whether to apply before paying anything.

Minmosa Realty applies the same written criteria to every application, in the order applications are received. We comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, North Carolina fair housing law and the City of Durham's Fair Housing Ordinance, and do not consider race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected hairstyles in any decision.

If a disability affects how you meet one of these criteria, ask us about a reasonable accommodation. Our fair housing page explains how to request one.

Who must apply

Every adult 18 or older who will live in the home submits a separate application and is screened individually. A co-signer may be considered where income falls short but the rest of the application is strong.

Income

Combined gross household income of at least three times the monthly rent, verifiable through pay stubs, an offer letter, tax returns, benefit statements, or bank records. Income from employment, self-employment, benefits, retirement and documented support is all counted the same way.

Credit

We review credit as part of the whole picture rather than against a single cut-off score. Unpaid balances owed to a previous landlord, and open housing or utility collections, carry the most weight. Medical debt is not counted against an applicant.

Rental history

Two years of verifiable rental or mortgage history with rent paid on time, and no eviction judgment in the past five years. First-time renters are welcome to apply; we will ask for additional references instead of prior landlord history.

Background screening

A criminal background check is run on each adult applicant. We consider the nature and age of any offense and its bearing on the tenancy, rather than applying a blanket exclusion. Applicants are given the opportunity to explain any record before a decision is made.

Occupancy

Two people per bedroom, plus one, is the standard limit for our homes.

Pets

Pets are considered home by home, and each listing states its policy. Where pets are welcome there is a pet fee and a modest monthly pet rent. Assistance animals are not pets: they are never refused on the basis of a pet policy and are never charged a pet fee or pet rent.

Smoking

All Minmosa homes are non-smoking, indoors and in any attached structure.

Deposits and fees

The security deposit is typically equal to one month’s rent. Where a listing does not show it yet, ask us and we will tell you before you apply. Deposits are held in accordance with the North Carolina Tenant Security Deposit Act. The application fee is disclosed before you start an application.

Common reasons an application may be declined

  • Income below the stated threshold with no qualifying co-signer
  • An unpaid balance owed to a previous landlord
  • An eviction judgment within the past five years
  • Materially false or unverifiable information on the application

If we decline an application in whole or in part because of information in a consumer report, you will receive an adverse action notice naming the agency that supplied it, as required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Questions we get asked

How much income do I need to qualify?
We look for a combined gross household income of at least three times the monthly rent. Income can come from employment, self-employment, benefits, retirement, or documented support — we count it the same way as long as it is verifiable.
Do you run a credit check?
Yes. We review credit as part of the application, but we read it in context rather than against a single cut-off score. Open collections related to housing or utilities, and any unpaid balance owed to a previous landlord, carry the most weight.
What rental history do you look for?
Two years of verifiable rental or mortgage history, with rent paid on time and no eviction judgment in the past five years. First-time renters are welcome to apply; we will ask for additional references instead.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are considered on a per-home basis, and the pet policy is stated on each listing. Where pets are welcome, there is a pet fee and a small monthly pet rent. Assistance animals are not pets and are never charged a pet fee.
How much is the security deposit?
It is typically equal to one month’s rent. Where a listing does not show it yet, ask us and we will tell you before you apply. Deposits are held in accordance with the North Carolina Tenant Security Deposit Act.
Who needs to apply?
Every adult 18 or older who will live in the home submits their own application and is screened individually.