Buffalo Management Group Residential Lease Application Policies & Procedures

Application Processing Policy

Buffalo Management Group (BMG) is an equal opportunity landlord. We comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act and New York State Department of Human Rights Law and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, creed, marital status, or source of income.

We welcome all qualified applicants but provide the criteria below to ensure applicants can make an informed decision about their likelihood of approval. Each adult (18+) must submit an individual application, regardless of marital status. Every applicant is subject to a criminal and credit check, with a non-refundable fee assessed at the time of application.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Signed and acknowledged Fair Housing notice
  • Signed Residential Lease Application
  • Non-refundable application fee for criminal/credit check
  • Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
  • Proof of income, including:
    • At least 1 month of pay stubs for W-2 employees
    • 2 years of tax returns for self-employed/1099 applicants
    • Bank statements if applicable
  • Rental history verification (if applicable)

Rental Criteria

Income History & Verification

  • Applicants must provide verifiable proof of income showing a combined monthly income of at least 3 times the monthly rent.
  • All legal sources of income (e.g., employment, unemployment benefits, child support, Social Security) may be considered if verified in writing.
  • Full-time students must have a qualified co-signer.

Credit History

  • Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 690.
  • No outstanding balances to utility companies.
  • No open bankruptcies (bankruptcies must be discharged to be considered).
  • Credit scores below 690 may require a co-signer or additional security deposit.
  • Applicants without an established credit history may be denied or require a co-signer.
  • Credit reports submitted by applicants must be dated within the last 30 days.

Co-Signers

  • Co-signers must have a credit score of 690 or higher.
  • Co-signers must provide proof of income equal to at least 3 times the monthly rent.

Rental History & Verification

  • A minimum of two years of positive rental history is required.
  • Applicants with no prior rental history must provide a qualified co-signer unless they have a history of homeownership.
  • Any history of evictions, lease violations, or outstanding balances to landlords may result in denial of application.

Employment History & Verification

  • Employment must be current and verifiable.
  • Applicants must provide:
    • Minimum 1 month of pay stubs for W-2 employees.
    • 2 years of tax returns for self-employed or 1099 applicants.
    • Additional verification may be requested at management’s discretion.

Criminal Background Search

Buffalo Management Group follows HUD guidance regarding criminal background checks. All felony convictions within the last 7 years will be considered at management’s discretion, except for the following, which result in automatic denial:

  • Felony drug distribution and/or manufacturing
  • Violent criminal offenses
  • Sex offender convictions

Animal Criteria

  • Pet policies vary by property. Some BMG properties are pet-friendly, while others do not allow pets.
  • Pet type, size, and breed information must be provided in the application.
  • If the application is approved and a lease is signed, additional pet fees and/or pet insurance may be required.
  • Furnished apartments do not allow pets.

Application Process

Step 1: Application Submission

Applications can be completed in person or online. BMG will verify the applicant’s credit, rental history, and employment references to ensure all rental criteria are met. This process typically takes 1-5 business days, depending on the availability of references.

Step 2: Application Review & Approval

If an applicant meets the criteria, their application will be approved. In cases where multiple, equally qualified applicants apply for the same unit, BMG follows a “first in, first approved” policy.

  • Delays in processing due to unverifiable references may result in the next qualified applicant being considered.
  • A property is not considered rented until the lease is fully executed and all required move-in funds are paid.

Step 3: Lease Signing & Security Deposit

  • Once approved, applicants have 2 business days to confirm their intent to rent by signing the lease and paying the security deposit.
  • If the lease is not signed within 48 hours of delivery, BMG reserves the right to begin accepting applications for the unit.
  • Move-in funds (security deposit and first month’s rent) must be paid by money order, check, or online payment.

Step 4: Application Denial & Adverse Action Notice

If an application is denied:

  • The criminal/credit check fee will not be refunded.
  • The applicant will receive a formal Adverse Action Notice explaining the reason for denial, including:
    • The name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting agency that provided the report.
    • A statement clarifying that the decision was made by Buffalo Management Group and not the reporting agency.
    • Instructions on how the applicant may request a free copy of their credit report within 60 days of receiving the notice.
    • Information on disputing inaccuracies in the credit or background report.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:

📍 Buffalo Management Group
230 North Street, Buffalo, NY 14201
📞 Office: (716) 883-3600
📞 Emergency Maintenance: (716) 886-5301
📧 Email: rentals@bmgapt.com