1. INCOME

Income and Subsidy Screening Policy

Income Requirements (Market-Rate Applicants):
To qualify, the total verifiable household gross income must meet the following thresholds:
- Properties where landlord pays heat: Gross income must be at least 2.0x the monthly contract rent.
- Properties where tenant pays heat: Gross income must be at least 2.5x the monthly contract rent.

Income Requirements (Housing Choice Voucher / Section 8 Holders):
In compliance with state and local laws, source of income is respected. For applicants using housing subsidies, the income multipliers above apply strictly to the tenant's individual out-of-pocket rent responsibility as determined by the Housing Authority:
- Properties where landlord pays heat: Verifiable income must be at least 2.0x the designated tenant rent portion.
- Properties where tenant pays heat: Verifiable income must be at least 2.5x the designated tenant rent portion.
*Note:* If the Housing Authority determines the tenant's personal rent portion is $0, no minimum income multiplier is required.

Verifiable Sources of Income:
We welcome all legal, verifiable sources of income. This includes, but is not limited to: Employment wages, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Child Support, Alimony, Pensions, and regular distributions from legal settlements or trusts.

State-Specific Voucher Policies:
- Illinois Properties: In accordance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, Housing Choice Vouchers and all forms of public assistance are accepted as lawful sources of income at all locations.
- Iowa Properties: Participation in the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program varies by property. Please refer directly to the individual property listing page or application packet to verify if the specific Iowa community is a participating provider. We do not participate in non-traditional or localized community service voucher programs at our Iowa locations.

2. CRIMINAL CHECK 

No felonies in the past 3 years

Must be 1 year removed from the punishment of any other felony

Violent Misdemeanor (Assault, domestic abuse, battery, burglary) – 1 year removed from punishment of crime

Must be removed from the punishment of all other crimes.

Cannot have any sex offenses, be a registered sex offenders or have any murder convictions

Cannot have any pending criminal charges

All driving offences are exempt from the above

3. Previous Rental history

Must have positive landlord reference if applicant has rented before.

Must have paid last 6 months on time and in full. 

Cannot owe current/previous landlord money.

Family reference is not accepted.

Landlord information must match the Tax Assessor Page

Must have 1-year positive rental verification after an eviction.

4. Pets

Pets allowed at some properties with $200 non-refundable pet fee per pet and monthly pet rent of $25 per pet (limit of 2)

McDonnell Property Management requires the following prior to lease signing for pet(s) to be allowed occupancy in the rental unit:

• A completed McDonnell Property Management pet agreement, as well as the $200 non-refundable pet fee per pet and the prorated monthly pet rent.

• A clear and accurate photograph of each pet. Can be emailed or a physical copy brought to McDonnell Property Management office before or at the time of lease signing.

• Proof of current rabies vaccination signed and administered by a licensed veterinarian.

• All cats and dogs must be licensed, and tenants must provide proof of current licenses annually.

5. Current Tenant moving to different location

Must have paid last 6 months on time and in full. Tenant must allow us to show unit to find someone to take over their current lease before we can move them. Tenant must pay all charges with old unit.

Tenant must pay full deposit at new location before move-in.  MPM will perform an inspection of current unit to verify you are eligible to moved based on current condition of your unit. Tenant must fill out new rental application and meet all above requirements.