How long will it take to process my application?
Typically, we are able to process an application within two business days. This depends, however, on how quickly references return our phone calls and if your application is complete and legible. So, if you are able to let your references know that we will be contacting them and double-check to make sure that everything we have asked from you is provided in the application, then this process will not take very long!
What if I cannot move in right away?
If your application is approved, you are required to sign the lease within 24 hours. If you will not take possession of the house within a week from signing the lease, we can arrange to hold your property for a mutually agreed span of time. This will require you to put down some or all of your security deposit at the time of signing the lease. In return, we will reserve the house for you. Please refer to our Agreement to Hold Property.
What happens to my earnest money?
1. Should you be approved to rent the house, the earnest money will be applied to your security deposit; 2. Should you not be approved to rent the house for any reason, the earnest money will be refunded; 3. Should you be approved to rent the house but not do so, or should you withdraw the application once we have begun processing it, none of the monies received will be refunded.’
Can I sublet my house?
No. We are leasing the home to you, based on your application and our review of your references, for the amount of time stipulated in your lease. You may not have someone else take over your lease.
Can I have someone else move in with me?
Yes, that is possible. It will depend on how large the house is and the number of other persons currently occupying the house. If the individual you wish to invite to live with you will not be a responsible party to the lease, then we will simply need for that person to allow us to review the persons references and background, no credit check will be done. However, if the person moving in is going to be co-legally responsible for rental payment, then a complete application must be completed and we must approve it.
We try to work with our tenants to accommodate household changes. The best rule of thumb is to contact us as soon as something like this may be a possibility.
Are pets allowed?
In most properties, yes. However, you are limited to the number and types of pets. For example, we do not allow more than two pets of which only one can be a dog. Certain breeds of dogs are not allowed due to liability concerns.
Contact us on the specific circumstance and review our standard Pet Agreement Form. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your pet and that not abiding by the pet agreement will forfeit your right to maintain the pet in your house–although you are still responsible for continuing your lease unless the violation is such that we seek a writ of ejectment.
Can I rent a property without meeting with you?
There are circumstances (e.g., military stationed) that makes it difficult for a potential tenant to visit the property or submit an application personally. In such situations, we do accept applications under the condition that the applicant has someone whom he or she knows visit the property and meet with us. The application itself may be FAXed, emailed, or mailed, but we cannot begin processing the application until we have the application fee and earnest money in-hand via cash or money order.
What are the criteria for approving the application?
In evaluating an application, we generally do not offer a lease to an applicant who:
1.) has a FICO credit score of less than 550
2.) has a net (after taxes) monthly income of less than twice that of the monthly rent
3.) is unemployed (unless a co-applicant is employed) or has no stable source of income
4.) has been delinquent in rent more than four times during the past two years
5.) has a negative reference from one’s current or immediate past landlord
6.) has more than two cars/trucks that will be on the premises
7.) has a negative personal reference(s)
8.) has a record of an eviction
9.) has had more than three “bad” checks within the past three years
10.) has made any untrue statements on the rental application
11.) has more than one other adult co-occupant who is not within the immediate family
12.) does not speak English
13.) prior criminal record within the past 7 years
Every item on the application is allotted a point value. So, if you are low in one area (e.g., credit score) this can be balanced by strong work or prior landlord references. We are sensitive to special circumstances of a potential tenant (such as low credit score due to major medical bills or divorce). So, let us know before you submit your application in order for us to help you!