Why do other blogs like Craigslist and Zillow update listings more slowly than your site?
If you find one of our properties on a third-party site only to call and learn it’s unavailable, we apologize. We make every effort to update our site with accurate listing details up to the minute. We have less control over what is posted on third-party sites. If you do see one of our listings on another site, it’s not a bad idea to double-check our site to make sure it’s still available, and also to find out about new availabilities.
When can I see your properties?
Some of our properties are occupied and we are required to give 24-hour notice. Other properties are unoccupied and can be shown without notice. We show our properties by appointment, 9 AM - 5 PM during the summer and 9 AM - 4:30 PM during the winter.
What do you screen for during a background check?
We do a credit check, criminal background check, and your last two landlord references. We need to know if future tenants can be trusted to pay their rent on time and not disrupt the quiet enjoyment of their neighbors. For a full list of what we check on, please view our rental screening criteria.
Can you budge on the pet policy?
Pet policies vary from property to property. Some properties allow no pets, whereas others might have size or breed restrictions. We usually cannot budge on the pet policy, but we’re always willing to look into it. The final decision goes to the individual property owner and their reasons have to do with not only potential damage to the property, but also an increase in liability. If your pet is well behaved, it might be worth obtaining a letter of recommendation from a previous landlord or property manager.
Is there a pet deposit?
Yes, we require an additional security deposit which may vary depending on the property and the pet.
Any wiggle room on other lease terms?
We want to provide a lease that makes everyone happy: tenant and property owner. We will do our best to accommodate any requests you make, but we can’t guarantee anything. We request that you communicate your preferences early in the process.
Are move-in dates flexible?
Due to high demand for our properties and compliance with the Fair Housing Act, we generally require that tenants be able to accept a move-in date and begin paying rent within two weeks of application. However, if you require a certain move-in date, let us know early in the process and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.
If more than one party is interested in a property, how do you decide who gets to rent it?
In compliance with the Fair Housing Act, we must accept the first qualified applicant who turns in our application and passes our credit and background check. To ensure consistency, our properties are offered on a “First Call, First Serve” basis.
How does the “First Call, First Serve” system work?
When you view one of our properties, we’ll give you an application packet. If you’re interested, give us a call and tell us you intend on submitting the application. We don’t pick the strongest applicant. We pick the FIRST qualified applicant.
Do I have to pay HOA fees (if I rent a property that belongs to an HOA)?
Generally, HOA dues and fees are the property owners' responsibility. However, any non-compliance fines or penalties may be passed on to the tenants. Additionally, some communities require move-in or move-out fees which are the renters' responsibility.
Can I get an extra copy of the documents in my move-in packet?
Yes, we have all of the move-in packet documents available for download here.
Why didn’t I receive my full security deposit?
The security deposit covers any cleaning and/or repairs needed to make the property ready for the next tenant. To ensure that you receive your maximum security deposit, we recommend printing our Tenant Vacating Checklist and our Tenant Cleaning Checklist and making sure everything on both lists is completed.
What is “wear and tear”?
“Wear and tear” is an acceptable level of damage that a property incurs during the time a tenant moves in until he or she vacates. This does not include damage caused by accident or incident. For each new tenant, we do a detailed report of the condition of the property. We recommend you do the same, and take some pictures. For more information on how to determine how this is considered, read our blog entry on wear and tear.
Can I do any work/make any improvements on the property?
The terms of your lease will stipulate what you can and cannot do, but the answer is typically no. If you have any questions about a specific necessary improvement or repair, please give us a call to discuss it and we will accommodate you as soon as possible. There are certain exceptions, such as in the case of disability-related improvements as discussed in the Fair Housing Act.