Understanding Application Denials and How to Dispute Them

If your rental application was denied through Findigs, this article explains how to find the specific reason, the most common reasons for denial, and what you can do next.

Finding the reason for your denial

When an application is denied, an Adverse Action Letter is automatically emailed to the address used on the application. The letter explains the decision and names the consumer reporting agency that supplied your report, with its contact details. It also explains your right to a free copy of that report within 60 days and your right to dispute anything in it. Depending on the report, it may also include a score.

If you don't see it, check your inbox, spam, and junk folders. If you still can't find it, we can resend it. Use Chat with support on your renter dashboard, or email disputeresolution@findigs.com. Here's a step-by-step guide: How to access chat on your dashboard.

Who makes the decision?

Each property sets its own screening criteria, and the decision on your application is the property's. Findigs processes your application under those criteria on the property's behalf. If you have a question about a decision, contact Findigs Support and we'll point you to the right place.

Common reasons for denial

Income

• Income not verified: Income documents were not submitted, were incomplete, or could not be validated. For example, pay stubs may not cover the required number of days, or an offer letter could not be confirmed with the employer.

• Insufficient income: Verified income does not meet the property's minimum income requirement (for example, 2.5x or 3x the monthly rent). Findigs verifies income using net income (after taxes and deductions), not gross income.

• How rent is used in the calculation: For most applications, the rent-to-income ratio uses the full quoted rent from your lease quote. If you're applying with a housing voucher or other rental assistance, the calculation can be different, depending on the property and local rules. Contact Findigs Support if you have questions.

• Offer letters for short-term work: If you submitted an offer letter, Findigs typically sends an employment verification request to your employer. If the offer covers a short-term or partial period, the income may be spread across a full 12 months.

Credit score

Each property sets its own minimum credit score. Findigs uses TransUnion ResidentScore 4.0, a scoring model designed specifically for rental applications. It may differ from the score you see when you pull your own credit report, which is the most likely reason the score on your denial letter doesn't match your self-pulled TransUnion score.

Collections

Certain types of collections (such as utility debt or previous landlord debt) may be classified as high-risk and have strict thresholds set by the property. High-risk and low-risk collections are evaluated separately, and each can independently result in a denial.

Eviction history

A disqualifying eviction on your screening report may result in denial under the property's screening criteria. If you believe an eviction on your report is the result of identity theft, a letter documenting identity theft alone will not override what appears on the report. You can dispute the record with the agency named in your letter, and you can contact the property manager to ask whether they would make an exception to their criteria.

Bankruptcy history

Bankruptcy doesn't affect every application the same way, because each property sets its own criteria. For example, if a property's criteria states "no bankruptcy in the past 5 years," an application will likely be denied while the bankruptcy is within that window. You may be able to apply to another property, but outcomes can't be guaranteed since each property has its own requirements. To confirm a property's criteria or ask about an exception, contact the property manager.

Suspected fraudulent documents

Applications can be declined if potential fraud indicators are found in submitted documents, such as signs the document was edited or run through a conversion tool. Always download and submit original documents directly from the issuing institution.

Identity and application accuracy

• Identity verification failure: If your identity cannot be verified from the information provided, the application cannot proceed.

• Misrepresented information: Information on the application did not match what was found during verification (for example, income, employment, or identity details).

• Incomplete documentation: Required documents (such as pay stubs, bank statements, or ID) were not submitted within the required timeframe, so the application was automatically declined.

• Incorrect SSN entry: If a Social Security Number was entered incorrectly, a new application must be submitted. Findigs cannot update SSNs on existing applications.

Group applications

In a group application, every adult who will live in the unit is screened. A disqualifying result on any co-applicant's report can result in a denial for the whole group.

How to dispute a denial or request a review

1. Contact Findigs to request a review. Use Chat with support on your renter dashboard or email disputeresolution@findigs.com. Our Dispute Resolution/Underwriting team can re-evaluate the application if new or corrected documents are provided. We'll respond as quickly as we can and email you when there's an update.

2. Upload corrected documents as original PDFs downloaded directly from your bank or payroll portal. Documents that are photographed, printed to PDF, or edited may be flagged and will not be accepted.

3. If the information on your report is wrong, dispute it, for free, with the consumer reporting agency named in your Adverse Action Letter.

4. To ask about an exception to the property's screening criteria, contact the property manager directly.

Please note: Some property management companies include their own review step before a final decision is made on an application. If you're not sure who to contact about your application, reach out to Findigs Support and we'll direct you to the right place.

Can I submit character references or letters of support?

Some states and cities have fair-chance housing rules that change how criminal history can be reviewed, including what information you can submit. If you're applying in one of those places, contact Findigs Support and we'll explain the process for your application.

After a denial: new application or reopen?

Not every application can be reopened. Once an application has been declined, it generally can't be modified, and a new application is required. If an application was declined because of a disqualifying screening result (such as credit, eviction history, or bankruptcy), the Underwriting team will let you know whether reopening is possible or a new application is needed.

In some cases, a declined application can be reopened so additional or corrected documents can be submitted. Two situations where reconsideration may be possible:

• A co-applicant hadn't finished. If the application was declined before a co-applicant completed their portion, the property manager can contact Findigs Support with the co-applicant's full name and email so an invite can be sent. Once the co-applicant submits, the application can be reviewed as a group. The underwriting team typically responds within 1–2 hours.

• Credit score decline with no guarantor assigned. The property manager may allow a guarantor to be added, you can determine if that’s a possibility by reaching out to support.

Application fees

Application fees are set by the property. Questions about refunds or fee waivers go to the property manager.

Need additional help?

Findigs Support is here to help.

• From inside the application: the menu icon next to your initials in the top right, then Get support

• From your dashboard: Chat with support

• By email: support@findigs.com