Lighthouse FAQ

Getting Started

Working with Lighthouse

Ready to Move

Receiving Cash back

What is Lighthouse?

Lighthouse is an apartment listing site that puts renters first. We believe that renting should be a path to home ownership, so we provide cash back rewards while helping you find your next apartment.

How does cash back work?

In order to help fill their vacant units, most apartments pay agents a fee whenever a renter signs a lease. This fee comes from their marketing budget. So when apartments pay us, we pay you. The more the apartment pays, the more you will receive from Lighthouse. All you have to do is add Lighthouse as the referral on your application.

What is an apartment locator?

An apartment locator is a licensed real estate agent that specializes in apartment rentals, short-term leases, and rental houses. Usually apartment locators are free of charge, and are compensated directly by the apartment.

At Lighthouse, we call our locators “Lightkeepers.” Lightkeepers are the world’s best problem solvers and will guide you on your journey home. Don’t forget to thank them on the way.

Are there any costs?

Our service is free of charge.

Who can earn cash back?

Any renter can work with Lighthouse and earn cash back. In order to qualify, simply make sure that your future apartment knows you’re working with Lighthouse.

I’m interested. How do I begin?

When you’re ready to browse listings, head on over to our sign-up, here.

What is a Lightkeeper?

Lightkeepers are licensed, trained real estate professionals that help personalize your search experience. They’re friendly guides who support you each step of the way— from constructing an initial list of potential aparment matches, to setting up tours, from applying for the rental you love, and ultimately getting you cash back! Lightkeepers are equipped with the latest tools and powerful data to help you find the home you’re after.

What if I have don’t like the matches on my custom list?

Finding an apartment can be hard. Let’s expand your search or refine your criteria. Speak to your Lightkeeper and let them know what you’re looking for. We’ll do whatever it takes to find you the right apartment with cash back.

What if I’m interested in exploring other apartment options?

Lighthouse offers listings at thousands of apartments. However, this is not fully inclusive of the entire market, especially in some cities. If you happen to stumble upon a building you’re interested in, let us know. We might be able to work with the rental and still get you cash back. You can help us grow the network.

What if I’m working with another website or locator?

Unfortunately, you must choose who you want to work with. You can only add one active referral to your application. Lighthouse tends to offer more cash back than any other service, but the choice is yours.

What if I’m having trouble getting accepted by apartments?

If you have a broken lease, a previous eviction, bad credit, or any other history, you might know how hard getting accepted is. Lighthouse is here to help. We have a thorough database of aparments that work with most backgrounds. In fact, it’s a big focus of ours to find a home for everyone. We are even piloting some beta programs to help your search. Talk to your Lightkeeper.

Which buildings do you work with?

Lighthouse primarily works with apartment complexes for 12+ month leases. We also work with single family homes and will continue to expand our offering. Our network has over 10,000 listings and growing.

Do you offer short-term leases?

Yes, occasionally. However, any cash back is on a lease by lease basis. Talk to your Lightkeeper to narrow your search for those that are short-term friendly.

Do you offer furnished apartments?

Not explicitly. However, most apartments work with third parties that will furnish your apartment. Let us know and we can share our recommendations.

I found the apartment I want. What do I do?

Congrats! Let us know which apartment you’re interested in, by either applying on the Lighthouse website or talking to your Lightkeeper. After that, we will connect you to the building and make sure you’re eligible for cash back.

You will be able to apply through an online portal for most apartments. Don’t forget to include Lighthouse as a referral on your application.

After you apply, tell your Lightkeeper and we’ll confirm the referral. Once approved, we will send you a link to set up your cash back.

What if I see the same apartment for a different price on a different site?

Don’t worry. Apartment data is tricky, and there’s a chance our data is wrong. You pay whatever rent the apartment building is asking. We recommend you always go directly to the apartment’s own website. Our Lightkeepers are also happy to confirm any prices with the apartment.

What if I need to move asap?

Let us know your immediate needs and our Lightkeepers will band together to get you into a new place as quickly as possible. You just need to have your ducks in a row for the application process. Contact a Lightkeeper and let them know your situation and desired move date. They’ll do their best to fast track your search and application with the building.

I’m ready to tour apartments. What now?

Whenever you’re ready, talk to your Lightkeeper or request a tour through the Lighthouse website. Your Lightkeeper will act as your personal concierge service. They will ask questions, help you find availabilities, and schedule all of your tours. If you ever need to cancel or reschedule, they’ll be there for you.

Where do I add Lighthouse on the application?

Most apartments have a section on the application that asks, “how did you hear about us?” Usually, you select from dropdown options, such as “Lighthouse,” “Locating Service,” “Apartment Locator,” “Other.” If there is a spot to write-in a name, make sure to include your Lightkeeper. This way, the apartment knows Lighthouse sent you. Check our helpful page here for the top ways to add Lighthouse to your application.

What happens if I forget to put Lighthouse down as my referral source?

This is the part you don’t want to miss. You need to write in Lighthouse as your referral source to get cash back. If you don’t, the property manager won’t pay us, and then we can’t pay you. If this happens, message your Lightkeeper and we’ll see what we can do.

Cash back: What’s the catch?

There is no catch. You just have to add Lighthouse to your application as your referral – and be a good tenant. That’s it!

Do you raise the price of rent to offer cash back?

Absolutely not. We provide cash back to renters by sharing what we earn from placing renters in apartments. Other rental sites keep those earnings. But we do it differently – and better – by changing how people rent and save.

How do I get my cash back?

Once your application has been approved, we will send you a link that takes your to your account dashboard to set up your cash back payment. We will provide you with an option to connect your bank account for quick and easy direct deposit. We use Plaid, a financial transfer app to send you a direct, secure ACH money transfer to your account.

How much do I get back if I choose a lump sum instead of monthly cash back?

Most apartments on Lighthouse offer you the option to select either a lump sum or monthly cash back payments. If you opt for monthly payments, you will receive 50% more over the course of your lease. In the future, we want to reward you for on time payments each month. We are still experimenting with different cash back schemes. If your cash back is less than $300, we will only offer a lump sum.

When do I get my cash back?

Once your referral has been confirmed by the apartment and you move in, we will process the payment after you connect your bank account. Sometimes, the payment can take up to a few days. Future monthly payments will be initiated on the first of each month. Congrats on your new home.

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