Rent a Home with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

Interested in renting a home through Pensacola Habitat for Humanity?

Do I Qualify

FAQs

Renting with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

Renting is a smart and stable option if you're not quite ready to buy a home. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is now offering a limited number of affordable rental homes for families who need time to prepare financially for homeownership. Just like our home purchasing programs, our rental homes are renovated and virtually new, offering 2–4 bedroom and 1–2 bathroom floor plans. This opportunity provides families with a safe, stable, and comfortable place to live while staying on track toward their goals—an affordable option in today’s constantly overpriced rental market.

Rental home benefits include:

Lower upfront costs – No need for a large down payment or closing costs.
Flexibility – Easier to move if your job, family needs, or circumstances change.
Fewer maintenance responsibilities – Major repairs and upkeep are typically handled by the property owner.
Predictable monthly expenses – Rent payments are fixed for the lease term, helping with budgeting.
Time to build savings – Renting can provide financial breathing room to prepare for future homeownership.
Access to safe, quality housing – Affordable rental options, like those offered by Pensacola Habitat, ensure families can live comfortably while working toward their goals.

What is the application and leasing process for PHFH rental homes?

Application Fee (includes background and credit checks): $49.90
Security Deposit: One month’s rent due at lease signing.
Lease: 12-month term, signed electronically.
Renter’s Insurance: Available through DoorLoop – Lemonade.
Payments: Secure online payments via Stripe using credit/debit cards, ACH, Google Pay, Apple Pay, CashApp, Chime, or CashPayments by Western Union. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
Tenant Portal: Download the DoorLoop app to manage payments and access your tenant portal.

How do I know if I qualify for a rental home with PHFH?

To apply for one of Pensacola Habitat’s affordable rental homes, applicants will complete an application through Doorloop for the specific home they’re interested in. All applicants will be income qualified, with total household income at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This ensures that renters won’t spend more than 30% of their income on housing, keeping monthly rent affordable and sustainable. Like any other rental homes, renters will owe Pensacola Habitat for Humanity a monthly fee to remain in the home.

Rental Program Eligibility Requirements

Must be 18 years old.
Must be U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Must have a 640+ credit score. We encourage all applicants to pull their FREE credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com before applying so you are aware of your debts and what may be barriers to becoming pre-approved for the program.
Minimum household income must be $30k+
Must have 2 years of stable, documented income or employment history including Social Security or retirement.
Must have been employed at your current job for at least 12 months or any part-time job for at least 2 years.
Must not currently own a livable home or have an existing mortgage balance.
Must have lived or worked in Escambia or Santa Rosa County for at least 1 year prior to applying.

Rental Program FAQs

No, pets are not allowed in our rental program homes to help maintain the property and ensure a clean, safe environment for all residents.

No, smoking is not allowed inside rental program homes in order to protect the property, maintain indoor air quality, and ensure a healthy living environment for all residents.

No, rental program homes do not include garages. Residents are responsible for using available parking spaces or street parking where permitted.

No, utilities are not included. Tenants are responsible for setting up and paying for their own electricity, water, gas, and any other applicable services.

No, all rental program homes are 100% electric. There is no gas service for appliances, heating, or other uses.

Yes! When you rent from PHFH, your rent includes lawn maintenance and regular HVAC filter changes to help keep your home comfortable and well-maintained.

Your rent is ALWAYS due on the first day of the month. Your rent is late as of midnight on the first, but you have a grace period until the 3rd of the month.

To submit a maintenance request please use your online resident portal (DoorLoop) for fastest response.

You are required to give us 60 days notice to vacate. Our office will contact you 90-120 days before your lease expiration and will send you Renewal Letter if applicable.

Homes Available for Rent

More photos and rental applications will be available on our site beginning Tuesday, September 2nd. Please check back for more info.