We know getting a denial is disappointing. The good news is that a denial doesn't have to be the end of the road. At Millstone, everyone who is denied gets the opportunity to re-apply, either for the same unit (if it's still available) or for a similar unit if thats available.

What a denial means

Millstone Property Group manages properties on behalf of property owners. We don't make rental application decisions. Every decision, and every denial reason, comes directly from the property owner. Your denial email lists the specific reason the owner gave, along with the types of reports that were reviewed (for example, a credit report, criminal history report, or eviction history report).

A denial is different from a conditional approval. With a conditional approval, the owner tells you exactly what they need to approve you. With a denial, the owner hasn't given a specific path to approval, so it's up to you to decide what new or updated information to provide if you re-apply.

A denied application doesn't hold the unit for you. While you decide your next steps, the unit stays on the market and may be leased to another applicant.

Option 1: Ask for reconsideration

If you believe the decision was based on wrong information, you can ask the owner to reconsider instead of submitting a brand-new application. To do this, reply to your denial email in writing within 48 hours of receiving the denial. Once you've asked for reconsideration, you have seven business days from receiving the notice to send supporting information.

The owner will reasonably reconsider things like:

Evidence that the information used was inaccurate or belongs to someone else
Evidence that the decision relied on screening criteria that aren't allowed under Philadelphia Code Section 9-810
A history of on-time rent payments
Evidence that a prior eviction for nonpayment was based, in whole or in part, on rent you didn't actually owe
New or increased income that is reliable and enough to cover the rent
Letters of recommendation from employers or past landlords
Changes in your circumstances that make past lease issues less likely to happen again

Option 2: Re-apply

If the 48-hour window has passed, or your situation has changed, you can submit a new application using the same link you used to apply. It will look different and be in a "resubmission" format. There is no cost to re-apply.

Your best chance at a different outcome is to address the reason you were denied. Here are things that often help:

Income couldn't be verified: Submit pay stubs along with bank statements that show the matching deposits. If needed, add last year's W-2. An employer reference can help but is harder to verify, so use it alongside other documents if you can.
Identity couldn't be verified: Upload a different form of photo ID, or clearer photos of your ID.
Credit report was frozen: Unfreeze your credit with the bureau before re-applying.
Credit or rental history concerns: Consider adding a co-signer with strong income and a long, positive credit history, or applying with a rental guarantee from a third-party program such as LEAP or The Guarantors.
Student or visa applicants: Include a student loan award letter that covers rent and tuition for the lease dates, or documentation of your work or student visa covering the lease dates.

Re-applying doesn't guarantee approval. The owner will review the new application and make a new decision.

Your rights to your screening information

You can request copies of any documents obtained from a third party to decide your application within three business days of the denial.
If information from a source other than a credit bureau was used, you can request what that information was by writing to us within 60 days. We'll respond within 30 days.
You can get a free copy of your credit report within 60 days from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, and you can dispute anything inaccurate directly with the bureau. You can also get your reports for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Checking your own reports before re-applying is a good idea, especially if you think something on them is wrong or out of date.

What happens to my holding deposit?

If your application is denied, your holding deposit is refunded right away. If you paid by bank transfer (ACH), the refund goes out as soon as your payment finishes clearing on our end. Application fees are not refundable.

My Application Was Denied And I Would Like To Re Apply

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