Dataset dates matter
When a dataset is stale, missing, or state coverage is not loaded, the product should expose that uncertainty rather than pretending to know. Users should verify current local rules before relying on a result.
Where the tool gets its assumptions.
First Rent Verdict combines user-entered listing numbers with reference data. The reference data is used to estimate risk, not to certify the exact terms of a specific apartment.
Rent and city baselines
Market rent references, city-level rent datasets, and internal normalized rent files. Users should replace estimates with the actual listing rent whenever possible.
Application fee and deposit rules
State-level rule notes collected from public regulatory, attorney general, housing authority, and statute references where available. Coverage is incomplete by design and shown as loaded or not loaded.
Screening income assumptions
Common renter screening ratios such as 2.5x, 3x, or 3.5x rent. These are assumptions, not universal landlord rules.
Risk vocabulary
Plain-English explanations for terms such as holding deposit, refundable, credited, before approval, and cash to clear.
Specific listing terms win
If a property gives a written fee schedule or lease clause that differs from an estimate, the written property-specific terms should be entered into the checker and independently reviewed.
Send correction requests through the correction policy page with the city, state, URL, field, expected value, and source link.
Correction policy