I would strongly urge young professionals to look elsewhere when searching for their next home, especially if you don't have credit history. I went through the whole application process with Approve Shield but because my credit score fell on the lower end of the range they accept, I was "accepted with conditions." Which means that I'd have to go through a third party that Emmi uses called TheGuarantors in order to move forward with my application. I think it's important to note that during my... tour this additional step –which also requires an application and approval process- was barely mentioned to me.



This third party basically leases rental bonds (protects landlord from potential financial losses I.e. someone not paying rent) While I understand concept makes sense, it makes me question why there was even a need to go through the ApproveShield process which can be extensive/ invasive as well. However when I submitted my application to TheGuarantors I was denied – meaning I was unable to move forward with my application. After speaking with the leasing agent I'd been working upon getting this decision she basically let me know there was nothing else we/ I could do and was way less excited to talk to me than prior to the application process – she even discouraged me from reapplying with my parents as guarantors (they have immaculate credit) as "the possibility of it being the same situation is high." I offered to pay multiple months rents up front and all she could say was no.



I want to note that I make well over the 2.5 time the rent requirement (years' worth of pay stubs/bank statement all verified), I've also always paid my rent on time and I have has no evections EVER...It's TheGuarantor 3rd party that they use that seems sketchy. They have a lot of bad reviews from real people, so I'd suggest that if you run into any property that utilizes them – run!



While I understand and even respect these requirements put in place to detour any undesirable tenants however I believe this property went a bit too far by utilizing the 3rd party I mentioned above. I went from thinking I found my next home – to being told no, and there was nothing more I could do. You can definitely find places in midtown with more amenities and better looking apartments that don’t require this much! Read More