Renters FAQ's

 

Q: WHERE CAN I GET A LIST OF YOUR PROPERTIES FOR RENT?

Visit our website directly! You will also see our listings on realtor.com, Zillow, and many other sites like that. 

 

Q: HOW CAN I VIEW THE INSIDE OF ONE OF THE RENTALS?

Call, text, or respond to one of the contacts us forms on any of our properties online.  We will update you on availability and then can set a showing time.  

 

Q: DO YOU REQUIRE AN APPLICATION FEE?

 We do have an application fee of 50 per adult over 18.  This covers the 3 reports we pull for credit, background, and housing history.  Some of our rental properties have a homeowners association application as well.  They may also have their own application and associated fee a prospective tenant will be responsible for.

 

Q: WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA USED FOR APPROVING AN APPLICATION?

We generally look for good standing credit, a good background report, and a good housing history report.  Aside from the reports, we look for a 3 to 1 income to rent ratio.

 

Q: DO YOU REQUIRE A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

 Yes, most of our properties will require a security deposit of at least one months worth of rent. 

 

Q: DO YOU REQUIRE A LEASE?

 Yes, each of our rentals will have a fully executed lease.

 

Q: HOW IS A LEASE TERMINATED?

 A lease can be terminated with agreeable terms for both the owner and the tenant. There are a few options on how to go about this.  Your lease will give details on this process. If you have specific questions.  

 

Q: WHAT IF I NEED TO MOVE BEFORE THE LEASE EXPIRES?

  Check your lease Call your Property Manager to discuss your options.

 

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF ONLY ONE ROOMMATE WANTS TO MOVE OUT?

 Changes can be made to the lease.  Call your Property Manager to make a plan for the changes to be made to your current lease.  The tenant choosing to stay will have to meet the requirements for tenancy singularly, however.

 

Q: CAN I SUBLEASE THE PROPERTY?

  No subleasing of the property is acceptable according to our leases. 

 

Q: CAN THE LANDLORD FORCE ME TO MOVE DURING MY LEASE?

 A landlord cannot just force you to leave, however, a landlord can use the Florida Statutes and a legal course of action to force the end of your tenancy.  

 

Q: WHEN IS MY RENT DUE AND HOW DO I PAY IT?

  Typically, rent is due on the first of the month.  Paying rent can be done with a check, money order, or paid online.  Please, no cash. 

 

Q: WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF RENT PAYMENT?

Check, money order or online payment.  NO CASH.

 

Q: HOW DO I PUT THE UTILITIES IN MY NAME?

  Once you have a copy of your signed lease, you can call the utility companies and easily get service turned on.

 

Q: CAN I GET A PET AFTER I MOVE INTO THE PROPERTY?

 Assuming your property is pet-friendly, you will have to get permission and submit the pet fee.  Be sure to check if the property you are interested in is pet-friendly.

 

Q: WHAT OTHER PET POLICIES ARE THERE?

 Property Managers need to know of any and all pets.  A nonrefundable pet fee is the general company rule.

 

Q: CAN I INSTALL CABLE OR SATELLITE TV AT THE PROPERTY?

 Each property has different locations and service providers.  Please make sure you check with your property manager before any installations are done since doing so can cause unwarranted damage to the property. 

 

Q: CAN I PAINT OR MODIFY SOMETHING IN MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

Any modifications will need approval from your Property Manager. To do so without could result in additional expenses or fees.

 

Q: HOW DO I REPORT A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM?  

The quickest way to report a maintenance issue is by calling our maintenance hotline at 866-631-5400.  You can also log in to your tenant portal and submit a request online.

 

Q: WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY?

 Any maintenance issue that can cause injury or damage in any delay in action.  For example, a water pipe has burst and there is water leaking, you will first need to see if you can contain the leak or turn the water off.  This will prevent further damage until regular business hours for a plumber to come out for the repair. If there is no way to turn the water off and therefore water is continuously leaking, then we would want to get the plumber out there as quickly as possible.  

 

Q: CAN I BE CHARGED FOR MAINTENANCE AT THE PROPERTY?

If the cause for the repair at the property is at the fault of the tenant, yes, as the tenant you will be responsible for the cost of the repair.  For example, after a long day at work, you pull into your driveway and accidentally hit the garage door with your car. You will be responsible for the garage door repair.

 

Q: HOW LONG SHOULD I PLAN TO WAIT TO HEAR BACK FROM SOMEONE REGARDING A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM?

 Depending on the type of request, you should not have to wait longer than 24 hours, possibly 48 if the request is not an emergency and it is on the weekend.  However, if you have called the maintenance hotline, chances are the vendor hired for the repair will be the next call you receive about the issue in order to set an appointment with you.  You can always check with your Property Manager is you have any questions

Q: WHAT AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING IN MY HOME?

Generally, you will be responsible for utilities and maintaining a clean environment and changing air conditioner filters monthly.  Many of our properties will require that tenants’ responsible for lawn care and even putting up hurricane shutters if provided and needed. 

 

Q: DO I NEED RENTER’S INSURANCE?

 You are not required to have renters insurance, however, it is highly recommended.

 

Q: I DON’T WANT THE OWNER TO COME IN AND DO INSPECTIONS. 

Your Property Manager will be responsible for any inspections.  These Inspections are done with prior notice and with the tenant. 

 

Q: WHY SHOULD I RENT FROM YOUR COMPANY?

 We like to make our tenants are happy in their rented homes.  Our maintenance hotline makes sure any maintenance issues are taken care of timely and conveniently.   

 

Q: CAN I USE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT AS THE LAST MONTH'S RENT?

 A security deposit is collected and held in an escrow account. This money is not collected to be used as rent. 

 

Q: WHEN I MOVE OUT WHY CAN’T I CLEAN THE CARPET MYSELF?

 If you hire a licensed and insured company and provide the receipt, you can.  

 

Q: WHY IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT SO HIGH?

  The security deposit serves to protect the landlord if the tenant breaks or violates the terms of the lease or rental agreement. It may be used to cover damage to the property, cleaning, key replacement.  It also us a reminder to the tenant to take care of the rental property.

 

Q: IS THERE ANY WAY TO NEGOTIATE THE DEPOSIT? CAN THE DEPOSIT BE SPLIT UP?

 The general answer to this is no.  However, you may discuss this with your Property Manager.  We understand there are specific circumstances where we may need to work with you.  For example, your employer is paying for your housing and they have to mail a check, which can delay the time of receipt.  Again, please check with your Property Manager.

 

Q: IS THE APPLICATION FEE REFUNDED IF I AM DENIED?

 No, the application fee is the cost to run the reports from a 3rd party.  There is no refund or expectations on this fee. 

 

Q: THIS IS MY FIRST TIME PAYING RENT LATE. CAN YOU WAIVE MY LATE FEE?

  The best way to avoid a late fee when life hits you with a curveball is to alert your Property Manager as soon as you see the curve. Communication is best in this situation.  

 

Q: WHAT IS THE MOVE OUT PROCEDURE TO GET BACK MY SECURITY DEPOSIT?  

Leaving the property in the same condition you took possession of the property is the best way to make sure you have done everything.   There is a specific section for you about this in the tenant handbook received at your move in.  

 

Q: WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND?

Generally, this process can take between 15 to 60 days.  

 

Q: DO WE HELP PEOPLE FIND RENTAL HOMES?

 We can help you find a rental house, even if it is not our listed property.  We are also Real Estate Agents. 

 

Q: WHAT PROTECTION DO I HAVE THAT MY RENTAL WON'T BE FORECLOSED UPON?

  We don't list properties that are in the foreclosure process. 

 

Q: WHO MUST BE ON THE LEASE?

 All persons living in the home must be on the lease.

 

Q: CAN THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR REPRESENTATIVES ENTER THE HOME WHEN I AM NOT THERE?  

Without permission or property notice no.  UNLESS there are signs of an emergency. For example, while doing a routine driveby of the property, your Property Manager notices water coming from inside the house, they will enter to subdue any leak and damage. 

 

Q: MY BROTHER IS GOING ON VACATION AND WANTS ME TO WATCH HIS PET. IS THIS OK?

  Always get prior approval.

 

Q: WHAT IF I NEED A FEW EXTRA DAYS TO MOVE OUT OF THE PROPERTY?

 Talk to your Property Manager.  

 

Q: WHY ARE THE LATE FEES SO HIGH?  

Late fees are used to deter late payment of rent.

 

Q: CAN I MAKE REPAIRS AND DEDUCT THEM FROM MY RENT?

No.