For Renters

From Application to Move-In: What to Expect

How long it takes, what happens at each step, and how to keep your move-in on schedule.

~2 weeksApplication to keys, on average
3 daysFastest path from approval
24 hrsRentMoney funds clearing

The fast path depends on one thing: how quickly your documents and funds come back. Here’s every step.

Know before you apply

Four rules govern every move-in. They exist to protect both sides — you get a home that is genuinely held for you, and the owner is protected while it is off the market.

  • Your security deposit must clear our accounts within 24 hours of approval (via RentMoney) to hold the home. Otherwise the application fee may be forfeited and the property returns to market.
  • Move-in cannot happen until all funds have cleared — no exceptions, no early keys.
  • If you back out after we have held the home for you, the deposit is forfeited — it compensates the owner for the marketing time lost while the home was off the market.
  • If HomeProp declines your file after the verification review, your deposit is fully refunded.

The seven steps between you and your keys

  1. Apply

    Submit your application

    Apply online for the home you want. Every adult who will live in the home applies.

  2. Decision

    We process your application

    We review income, rental history, and background per our published qualifying criteria, then contact you with a decision.

  3. Hold your home

    Deposit clears within 24 hours

    Within 24 hours of approval, your security deposit must clear our accounts via RentMoney. That is what takes the home off the market for you. RentMoney is required for the deposit because it is the only method that clears inside the 24-hour window. If it does not clear in time, the application fee may be forfeited and the property returns to market.

  4. Verification package

    Email your documents

    Send your leasing agent: 2 months of current paystubs, a completed employer-signed Verification of Employment (VOE), and a completed landlord-signed Verification of Rent (VOR).

  5. Funds clear

    Move-in funds clear our accounts

    First month, last month (if applicable per your lease), remaining deposits, and the administration fee and pet fees (if applicable). RentMoney (cash/debit) clears in 24 hours, guaranteed; ACH via the Tenant Portal takes up to 72 hours — never use ACH if move-in is within 72 hours. Credit cards are never permitted for rent. Move-in is not permitted until funds have cleared.

  6. Set up utilities

    Transfer utilities into your name

    Before move-in, transfer utilities (electric, water, and any others for your home) into your name and send the confirmation or account number from each provider to your leasing agent. Keys are not released until utilities are confirmed in your name.

  7. Lease start

    Sign, get keys, move in

    All documentation, cleared funds, and confirmed utilities are due by your lease start date — then it’s keys in hand. If they are not in by lease start, the move-in is canceled and the deposit is forfeited.

Your verification documents

Darren Mowrer
Darren Mowrer
Darren is your dedicated leasing agent through move-in.

Verification of Employment (VOE)

Complete your portion, then have your employer sign. Two months of current paystubs ride along with it.

Download the VOE (PDF)

Verification of Rent (VOR)

Complete your portion, then have your current landlord sign and return it.

Download the VOR (PDF)

Utilities in Your Name

Step 6 of your timeline: transfer utilities into your name before move-in and send your leasing agent the confirmation (account/confirmation number from each provider). Keys are not released until utilities are confirmed.

Stated requirement (Step 6) — no form

RentMoney Payment Locations

Find a participating cash/debit payment location near you — most are open evenings and weekends.

Find a location →

Move-in questions, answered

Why do you use RentMoney for the deposit and move-in funds?

RentMoney (cash or debit at thousands of payment locations) clears in 24 hours -- the fastest guaranteed method, and the only one that clears inside the 24-hour deposit window. That is what lets us take the home off the market for you with confidence. Slower methods can leave your move-in date at risk.

Can I pay my rent or move-in funds by credit card?

No. Credit cards are never permitted for rent or move-in funds, under any circumstances.

My move-in is less than 72 hours away. How should I pay?

Use RentMoney only. ACH transfers through the Tenant Portal can take up to 72 hours to clear, so never use ACH when your move-in is less than 72 hours away -- move-in cannot happen until funds have cleared, no exceptions.

What happens right after I am approved?

A 24-hour clock starts. Your security deposit must clear our accounts within 24 hours of approval, paid via RentMoney. That is what holds the home for you and takes it off the market. If the deposit does not clear in time, your application fee may be forfeited and the property returns to market.

What documents do I need to send for verification?

Email your leasing agent: two months of current paystubs, a completed Verification of Employment (VOE) signed by your employer, and a completed Verification of Rent (VOR) signed by your current landlord. Download links for the VOE and VOR forms are on this page. Utilities confirmation is its own step -- see "When should I set up utilities?" below.

When should I set up utilities?

Before move-in -- as soon as your lease start date is set. Transfer electric, water, and any other utilities for your home into your name, then send the confirmation or account number from each provider to your leasing agent. Keys are not released until utilities are confirmed in your name.

When do I get my keys?

On your lease start date, once every document is in, every dollar has cleared, and utilities are confirmed in your name. All of it is due by the lease start date -- if it is not, the move-in is canceled and the deposit is forfeited. Move-in is not permitted before funds have cleared, under any circumstances.

Is my security deposit refundable if plans change?

Two rules, both designed to be fair to everyone. If you back out after we have held the home for you, the deposit is forfeited -- it compensates the owner for the marketing time lost while the home was off the market. If HomeProp declines your file after the verification review, your deposit is fully refunded.

Where can I make a RentMoney payment?

At any participating payment location -- use the payment location finder to find one near you (most are open evenings and weekends).

The stress of moving is almost behind you.

Questions about your move-in? Call your leasing agent right away — a five-minute call today protects your move-in date. And once you’re in: most common home hiccups take five minutes to fix yourself.