How to Apply for an Apartment with Fortified Realty Group
Applying for a Fortified apartment in Fall River takes about 10 minutes online and costs $0 — we never charge an application fee. Whether you have Section 8, MRVP, RAFT, gig income, or a traditional W-2 paycheck, this guide walks you through every step of the process.
Watch: Karl Walks You Through It in 3 Minutes
What You Won’t Find Here
- No application fee — ever. Applying is 100% free.
- Move-in cost is disclosed up front, on every listing. First month’s rent, security deposit, and last month’s rent could all be charged — it varies by listing. Whatever the total is, you’ll see it before you apply.
- No discrimination based on source of income, family status, disability, or assistance program. Vouchers are welcome.
- No junk fees tacked onto your rent. The price you see is the price you pay. Every charge is disclosed in every listing.
- Sealed eviction records are not used against you in our review process.
⚠️ Don’t Apply Through Zillow
Even though our listings show up on Zillow.com, we do not accept applications submitted through Zillow’s “Apply Now” button. Zillow charges renters $35 to submit, and that application never reaches us — it just sits in their system.
We’ll send you the real Fortified application link directly after your in-person showing. It’s free, and it’s the only application we’ll review.
If you’ve already paid Zillow: contact us at 508-691-8035 — you’ll need to apply again through our official link, but we’ll do everything we can to make the second application quick.
Why Choose Fortified Realty Group?
At Fortified Realty Group, we prioritize transparency and efficiency in our apartment application process. Based in Fall River, Massachusetts, we manage a variety of apartments to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re applying with rental assistance, gig income, or traditional employment, we’ve got you covered with a clear and fair process — and a real person on the other end of every step.
Step-by-Step Apartment Application Process
Step 1: Contact Us and Schedule a Showing
The first step is reaching out to Fortified Realty Group. You may have seen our listings on Zillow or Apartments.com, or perhaps you found us through a referral. Give us a call at 508-691-8035 to schedule a showing. Visiting the apartment in person helps you decide if it’s the right fit — and it’s required before we’ll send you our application link.
Or browse all our active listings at fortifiedrealty.net/rent and schedule a showing online — whichever is easier for you.
Step 2: Submit the Apartment Application
If you love the apartment, we’ll send you the application link right after the showing. The application collects basic information about you, any co-tenants, and any co-signers. Make sure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
Step 3: Provide Rental Assistance Details (If Applicable)
If you’re using a rental assistance program — Section 8 (HCV), MRVP, RAFT, HomeBASE, VASH, DMH, or any other voucher program — please provide your approval letter or your caseworker’s contact information. We verify eligibility directly with the program so there are no surprises later.
What you’ll need:
- Approval letter from the rental assistance program
- Caseworker’s name, phone, and email
Step 4: Verify Your Income
We need to confirm your ability to cover rent. Depending on your income source, here’s what to provide:
- Benefits (DTA, SSI, SSDI, etc.): Submit your most recent approval or award letter.
- Employment (W-2): Provide your two most recent paystubs and your supervisor’s contact information for verification.
- Gig economy or self-employment (Uber, DoorDash, your own business): Send your last three months of bank statements so we can calculate your average monthly income.
Step 5: Submit a Bank Statement for Savings
To verify your savings, we require an official bank statement — not a screenshot from your banking app, since those cannot be authenticated. If you have investments or cryptocurrency holdings, a full statement from those accounts works too.
Why this matters: A bank statement confirms financial stability, ensuring you’re prepared for rent and other expenses on day one.
Step 6: Provide Occupancy History
We need to know where you’ve lived for the past three years. If you’ve been renting, provide your landlord’s contact information for a reference. If you’ve been living with family or friends, that’s fine — just make sure the reference is verifiable.
What you’ll need:
- Landlord contact details (if renting)
- A verifiable reference (if staying with family or friends)
Step 7: Credit Check (Only If Necessary)
We only run a credit check if all other steps look good. This saves you time and money by avoiding unnecessary checks. A credit check helps us assess financial responsibility, but it’s not the sole deciding factor — and a low score does not automatically disqualify you.
Step 8: Landlord’s Final Decision
Once all documents are submitted and verified, the landlord reviews your application and makes the final decision. You’ll hear back within 24–48 hours of submitting all documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the application process take?
Typically 3–5 business days, depending on how quickly you submit documents and how responsive your references are. The decision itself comes within 24–48 hours of receiving everything.
Do you charge an application fee?
No. Applying through Fortified Realty Group is completely free — and we don’t charge for the credit check either. Fortified absorbs every screening cost so you never get hit with surprise out-of-pocket fees during the application process.
Are all the apartments you list managed by Fortified?
No. Most of our listings are units that Fortified manages directly — but sometimes we also list apartments on behalf of outside landlords (an “outside rental”). When that happens, we disclose it clearly on the listing page with a badge near the top so you know exactly who you’ll be dealing with after move-in. Either way, the same screening standards apply: $0 application fee, vouchers welcome, no junk fees, and full transparency on move-in costs.
Can I apply through Zillow’s “Apply Now” button?
No — please don’t. Zillow charges $35 to submit and we do not receive those applications. Schedule a showing with us first, and we’ll send you the real Fortified application link directly. It’s free, and it’s the only one we’ll review.
What if I don’t have a traditional job?
No problem. We accept gig economy income (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, etc.), self-employment income, rental assistance programs, and benefits like DTA, SSI, and SSDI. We just need three months of bank statements or your approval letter to verify.
Will a low credit score automatically disqualify me?
No. We look at the full picture — income, rental history, references, and savings all matter more than a credit score number. We’ve approved plenty of tenants with sub-600 scores who showed strong rental history and stable income.
Can I apply with a co-signer?
Yes. Co-signers are welcome if they meet our verification requirements (income, employment, and credit). The co-signer goes through the same steps you do.
Can I apply before seeing the apartment in person?
We strongly prefer showings first — both for your sake and ours. If you’re out of state or have scheduling constraints, call us at 508-691-8035 and we’ll work out a video walkthrough or arrange a representative to view it for you.
Do you accept Section 8 and other vouchers?
Yes. Source of income is a protected class in Massachusetts, and we welcome Section 8 (HCV), MRVP, RAFT, HomeBASE, VASH, DMH, and any other voucher program. Just bring your approval letter and your caseworker’s contact information.
What if I have an old eviction on my record?
Sealed eviction records are not used against you in our review process. If you have a non-sealed eviction, contact us — we look at the full context and the time that’s passed, not just the record itself.
How much do I need to move in?
It varies by listing. First month’s rent, a security deposit (up to one month’s rent), and last month’s rent could all be charged — and Massachusetts law caps the total move-in at first + last + security + an actual lock/key replacement cost. Whatever the total is for the apartment you’re applying to, it’s disclosed up front on the listing page before you apply. No application fee, no broker fee, no junk charges.
Ready to Find Your Next Apartment?
Schedule a showing, then we’ll send you the real application link. It’s that simple.