What does it take to be on the hill?

We value or customers and we make every effort to be reasonable and considerate. We strive to process applications as quickly as possible. Below are guidelines we use when renting a house or apartment:

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: Our application process is thorough. We want to be as fair as possible, yet still be able to make timely decisions. If your references are difficult to contact, it may take several days to process your application. If we offer you an apartment or house to rent, within 24 hours you will be expected to sign the lease and provide a security deposit equal to one month’s rent by cashier’s check, money order, or bank wire. Otherwise, we will continue to show the unit to prospective tenants. The security deposit plus interest will be refundable ONLY at the end of your lease and/or when the property you have been renting is completely vacant.

APPLICATIONS: In order for you to apply for a property, you must first inspect it. Each adult planning to live at the premises must complete an application and submit a one-time, non-refundable $20.00 fee. Qualified applications are good for six months on any Yarmouth Property.

RENTAL CRITERIA: For every apartment or house we lease, we must find the most qualified renter. We are always looking for people who will get along with their neighbors, who will be financially responsible, and who will enjoy and respect the fine buildings of our Capitol Hill community. It is also very important that we be able to communicate on a friendly basis both now and after you move in.
Income: You must be able to prove that you can afford the apartment, which usually means that your annual income should exceed forty (40) times the monthly rent. For instance, if the rent is $500 a month, your annual gross income should be $20,000. If you are self-employed or unemployed, you must provide proof of your source of income.
Rental History: You must have satisfactory rental references for a minimum of two years, preferable from two landlords. If you have ever been evicted or sued for any lease violation, we will reject your application. If your rental reference was a friend, relative, or roommate, you must note this on the application.
Credit History: We obtain a consumer credit report on every prospective tenant. Your credit record must be satisfactory and payments up to date. Negative information, such as overdue payments and judgments against you, will usually result in our declining an application.
Guarantors: If you do not meet one or more of the above criteria, you may be able to qualify for an apartment if you can get a third party to guarantee your lease. If you have been a full-time student at any time within the past year, we will require you to have your lease guaranteed. A guarantee will not be accepted in lieu of a bad rental or credit history. Guarantors must fill out our Rental Guarantee Form (www.yarmouthm.com/forms/guarantee.pdf), get signatures notarized, and pass the same screening process that you must pass, except that we will deduct the guarantors’ own housing costs before applying their income to our income standards.

IDENTIFICATION: A photo ID is required of each person who wishes to apply to rent a property. Qualifying forms of ID include state-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s ID, U.S. Military ID, or passport. Any ID must include your date of birth and an expiration date. If you fax us your application, you will need to include a copy of the ID with the application.

OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES: To prevent overcrowding, we restrict the number of people who may reside in a property. In determining these restrictions, we adhere to all applicable fair housing laws. Children are welcome in all of our houses and apartments. Pets are welcome in some of our units, but may require and ADDITIONAL security deposit. Pet references would be helpful.

CONDITION OF HOUSE OR APARTMENT: Properties may be shown before the current tenant has moved out. Any house or apartment managed by this office will be painted as necessary and thoroughly cleaned prior to move in. We encourage the owners of properties not under our management to prepare for new tenants in a similar manner.

MOVE-IN COSTS: Before picking up the keys and moving in, you will be expected to pay one full month’s rent by cashier’s check, money order, or bank wire. If you move in on a date other than the first of the month, the prorated portion for the balance of that month will be due and payable on the first of the following month. After moving in, you may begin paying with a personal check on the first of subsequent months. We do not accept cash for rent or security deposits.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING PROVIDER. BeOnTheHILL.com in association with Yarmouth Management Co. Fully complies with the federal Fair Housing Act and all District of Columbia fair housing laws, and regulations. We do not discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap/disability, familial status, or national origin. We also do not discriminate against any person because of marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place or residence or business, or victim of domestic violence.