First In Time
The First-in-Time ordinance requires landlords offer a rental agreement to the first qualified applicant who provides a complete application.
Landlords must:
- Provide advance notice of minimum screening criteria. List all necessary documentation.
- Inform about the right to request additional time where needed, such as for translation or a reasonable accommodation for a disability. This is known as meaningful access.
- Date and time stamp applications in the order received.
- Screen applications in chronological order one at a time.
- Give a minimum of 72 hours to provide additional information.
- Provide 48 hours for a response to an offer of a rental agreement.
After 48 hours, the landlord can proceed screening the next applicant in line.