For renters in Pittsburgh, understanding landlord requirements is essential before starting your apartment search. Landlords evaluate applicants based on several key factors: income, credit history, rental history, and background checks. This guide explains the criteria most Pittsburgh landlords use and what you can expect during the application process.
Income Requirements
The most common income standard in Pittsburgh is that your gross monthly income must be at least three times the monthly rent. Some properties set the bar slightly higher at 3.5 times the rent.
Key income rules to understand:
- Unemployment income is not typically counted toward the income requirement.
- Some landlords do not accept combined incomes from multiple applicants; each adult must qualify individually.
- Proof of income usually requires recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
- New hires must submit an official job offer letter along with proof of previous employment.
- If not on a fixed income, applicants must generally provide proof of at least one year of employment.
Credit Score Requirements
Credit score standards vary by property, but a score of 600 is a common minimum. Some properties require a 620 credit score.
What landlords look for in credit checks:
- A clean credit history with no collections or past-due balances.
- If your score falls below the minimum, some landlords may consider you with a higher security deposit, paying the final month’s rent upfront, or adding a co-signer.
- Consistent late payments or a high debt-to-income ratio can be red flags.
Rental and Eviction History
Landlords contact previous landlords to verify that you paid rent on time and maintained the property properly.
Important points about rental history:
- Prior evictions are often grounds for denial.
- In Pennsylvania, landlords can access public eviction records and use that information in rental decisions.
- Some landlords treat even a filed eviction complaint as a red flag, even if the case was resolved in the tenant’s favor.
Background and Criminal Checks
Most landlords run criminal background checks as part of the screening process.
Key points on criminal background checks:
- Landlords cannot deny applications based solely on arrests without convictions.
- When evaluating convictions, landlords should consider the nature and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it would impact the safety of other tenants.
- Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate laws have sealed many old convictions and expunged non-conviction records.
Application Fees and Documentation
Most landlords charge a non-refundable application fee to cover credit and background checks.
Typical application costs:
- Application fees range from $35 to $55 per adult applicant.
- Co-signers or guarantors must also apply separately and pay the fee.
Required documentation:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements)
- Contact information for previous landlords
- Employment verification (at least one year of employment history)
Age and Occupancy Rules
All applicants must be 18 years or older. Some landlords require all adult occupants to apply and be screened individually.
Key Takeaways
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Income | 3 to 3.5 times monthly rent |
| Credit score | 600 minimum |
| Rental history | No evictions, positive references |
| Criminal record | Case-by-case review |
| Application fee | $35-$55 per adult |
| Age | 18+ |
Understanding these requirements helps you prepare for the application process and avoid surprises. If you do not meet certain criteria, ask the landlord about alternatives such as co-signers, higher security deposits, or paying additional months of rent upfront.