Overcome Housing Search Barriers

Are you denied housing because of a criminal background, credit score, or eviction? Beyond Backgrounds by HousingLink can help!

• See How We Help

• Buy Financial Assurance

How to explain your barriers

Buy Financial Assurance

Did a rental property agree to offer you housing if you buy Beyond Backgrounds Financial Assurance?
If yes, move forward and buy it.

Cost: $300

• Pay by Debit/Credit

Are you an agency that wants to pay on behalf of a renter?Click here to get started

How to Explain Financial AssuranceThe renter pays $300 for the Financial Assurance.The property gets up to $2,000 above what their security deposit covers if there is unpaid rent, damage to the unit, or other costs when the lease ends.This gives the property more financial coverage than a double deposit, and costs the renter less money. A win-win!

Buy Financial Assurance

Did a rental property agree to offer you housing if you buy Beyond Backgrounds Financial Assurance?
If yes, move forward and buy it.

Cost: $300

• Pay by Debit/Credit

Are you an agency that wants to pay on behalf of a renter?Click here to get started

How to Explain Financial AssuranceThe renter pays $300 for the Financial Assurance.The property gets up to $2,000 above what their security deposit covers if there is unpaid rent, damage to the unit, or other costs when the lease ends.This gives the property more financial coverage than a double deposit, and costs the renter less money. A win-win!

Program Agreement, Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions for Renters and Rental Property Owners/ManagersProgram Agreement
By purchasing Beyond Backgrounds Financial Assurance, I agree to the following:
I will follow all terms of my lease.
I will follow the rules and regulations for my rental unit.
I will follow the rules and regulations for the entire building/property.
I will pay rent on time.
I will treat the unit/property with care.
I will respond to check-ins from Beyond Backgrounds staff.
I will notify the person designated by the landlord if there are any maintenance issues with the unit.
I understand Beyond Backgrounds does not pay my rent.Privacy Policy
I give my consent for staff from Beyond Backgrounds and its partner agencies to confer over the phone, in person, or through email with previous, current, and potential landlords concerning my housing needs.I understand that by signing this form, I am giving permission for the Beyond Backgrounds program to speak on my behalf.Terms and Conditions
The $300 fee for Financial Assurance is not refundable.
Beyond Backgrounds participation is not a guarantee of housing.
The Beyond Backgrounds program is not insurance and the program is not transferable.
The participant must have enough income (or a voucher) in order to pay monthly rent.
Beyond Backgrounds does not provide monetary rental assistance, and there is no refund if the participant can’t afford the cost of housing.
Participants can choose to exit the program at any time.
Beyond Backgrounds does not pay application fees, security deposits, utility deposits,
rent, or any upfront fees to the landlord or participant.
There is no guarantee that a landlord will choose to participate in Beyond Backgrounds once a participant is housed.The ultimate goal is to secure housing, so whether or not
the landlord participates does not affect being housed.
If the landlord opts in to participate in Beyond Backgrounds, then the program will provide up to $2,000 to the landlord once the security deposit has been used for
damages to the unit, unpaid rent, or eviction costs/legal fees.The Beyond Backgrounds participant must be named on the lease.Landlords cannot be immediate family members of the renter. This includes parents, siblings, or children of the renter.Room rentals or subletting is not allowed. The participants must be added to a lease.
Up to two non-familial adults are allowed to be on the lease with the Beyond Backgrounds participant.
The start date of the lease must be on or after the date of payment for the Beyond Backgrounds program.
The terms and conditions of using the program is that the applicable law for this program is Minnesota law and the forum for all claims and disputes arising from the use of the
program are the stated and federal courts of Minnesota located in Minneapolis, MN.Rental properties have 21 days after the lease ends to make a claim for Financial Assurance. Claims received after 21 days may be denied.Beyond Backgrounds Financial Assurance provides coverage based on the following lease terms:For 12+ month leases: The entire length of the initial lease term. For example:
12 month lease: 12 months of coverage.
24 month lease: 24 months of coverage.
36 month lease: 36 months of coverage.
For month-to-month leases: Financial Assurance covers up to 12 months total.
For 2-11 month leases: Up to 12 months total if the initial lease is renewed.
Financial Assurance Claim Limits & Participation Policy:
To protect the sustainability of the Beyond Backgrounds Financial Assurance Fund and ensure responsible program participation, HousingLink applies the following limits and safeguards:New Enrollment Freeze Based on Repeat Claims
If three or more Financial Assurance claims are submitted by an owner or management company/representative within a 12-month period, HousingLink reserves the right to pause new enrollments for that owner or management company/representative indefinitely.
Post-Claim Management Review:
If an owner or management company/representative submits three or more claims in a 12-month period, they may be required to participate in a consultation with HousingLink to assess root causes and discuss improvements. Continued participation in the program may be contingent on this review.
HousingLink reserves the right to apply these safeguards independently or in combination. The goal is not to penalize—but to preserve resources, promote strong rental relationships, and ensure the Financial Assurance Fund remains available to support renters and responsible housing partners.