Rental Applicant Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to process my application?
Much of this depends upon how fast people respond to phone calls. For example, references. Often, an application can be processed within a week but can take longer in some cases. Landlords, especially smaller ones, are very careful to process applications. There are so many bad renters and professional renters that screening valid from invalid renters becomes a highly detailed and long process.
Can I rent an apartment if I have not seen it?
No. This is for your protection as much as the landlords. Photos and conversations are not enough to determine if a place to live is adequate. Landlords like to meet the prospective tenant in person and show the property personally. This affords an opportunity to ask questions of the landlord you may not have thought of before. It is okay to look at the property more than once. Landlords want prospective tenants to make informed decisions and take their time to ensure that a decision is a good one. We want you to be happy.
Is there an application fee?
No, not unless you are using another website to fill out an application. Some rental sites help the landlord pre-screen applicants and charge a fee for this. You do not have to apply using these sites, however, it is to your benefit to go ahead and let the rental site start the process. This saves the landlord time and allows the landlord to complete the process faster. The landlord is not responsible for any fee another web site charges.
Can I just hand you cash and get the keys when we meet?
No. I am not a cash and carry landlord. There are plenty of these landlords around. For landlords, this is a highly dangerous way to run their business. Criminals and professional tenants are looking for landlords who use naive processes to gain access to a rental. Professional landlords will full vet the applicant. Even then, renting to a full vetted applicant can still represent a risk.
I have my credit and background history? Can I provde this to the landlord?
Absolutely. However, I will still check credit history and perform a full background check anyway. Why? Because professional tenants often offer credit and background history as part of their scam. Any information you provide a professional landlord is helpful, but will not shorten their process.
Can I have a roommate?
Landlords are careful to follow occupancy laws and will consider any request with that in mind. Keep in mind that these scenarios can offer more legal risk to the landlord. All adults (18+) residing in a rental must be fully vetted and approved.
Can I move in my boyfriend or girlfriend?
Landlords are not opposed to this or course. And certainly if a couple applies to rent both will be considered without question. All adults (18+) residing in a rental must be fully vetted and approved. Keep in mind that often tenants will try and circumvent the lease terms by moving a boyfriend or girlfriend in after the lease is signed saying the boyfriend or girlfriend is just visiting when in fact, the rental is their primary residence. Do not do this. Moving in an unapproved adult (18+) breaks the lease and will force the landlord to evict the tenants. Always talk to the landlord, fill out an application, and go through the appropriate legal processes.
Do you take cosigners?
While a cosigner may be accepted, cosigners within our area are rare. Landlords are willing to consider a cosigner if the cosigner has a good credit history and can demonstrate stability.
What is the security deposit requirement?
Standard one month security deposits no longer cover lossess from a bad tenant or even one who simply breaks the lease by moving out early. This includes a tenant who leaves the rental in good shape. State laws limit security deposits. I will be requiring security deposit insurance in place of the security deposit which is far cheaper for the applicant and therefore far more attractive overall. Security deposit insurance is a very affordable option but not refundable except under limited circumstances. The tenant will be restricted to the insurance company the landlord already has a relationship with. A certificate of coverage will be required before signing the lease.
What qualifications do I need?
- Monthly total income equal to between 3 and 4 times your monthly rent or more depending upon debt to include credit cards, car payments, other loans, fees, and fines. Total monthly expenditures should not be more than 40% to 50% of income.
- A good credit history verified through a credit agency. Any adverse reporting such as delinquent accounts, collections, judgments, bankruptcy, or a low credit score may disqualify the tenant.
- Verified stable income from employment, retirement account, social security, etc. is required. Employment history of at least one year is required. Longer and stable employment history is preferred.
- Rental history or home ownership of at least 2 years. Longer and stable rental history is preferred.
- Refer to the application for what information is required.
What if I have never rented before?
Landlords will make exceptions for rental history assuming that the applicant demonstrates very strong qualifications otherwise.
What if I have been evicted before?
If you have been evicted or are being currently being evicted, your application is very likely to be denied. Exceptions can be requested, however, keep in mind that specific case information will be required and the court documents and transcripts will be reviewed as well as calling the landlord who filed the complaint before any fianl decision is made.
What if I have a judgement from a previous landlord or anyone else?
Any prior judgement will be seen in the background check, reviewed, and must have been paid immediately after the judgement was issued. Exceptions for judgements are often not considered by landlords.
I do not have enough money right now, can you work with me?
No. Many tenants make requests of the landlord concerning financial assistance of various types in moving in. While landlords are empathetic and like to help people, many tenants have made these requests and failed costing the landlord money. Often, tenants who need assistance moving in default on the rent within one or two months.
What is renters insurance and why is it required?
Renters insurance protects the tenants belongings and other tenants from damages a tenant may cause intentionally or not. It is required because it also protects the landlord for any tenant caused problem. If a renters insurance lapses, it breaks the lease and without immediately reinstating the policy or obtaining a new policy, the tenant will be evicted. A certificate of coverage will be required before signing a lease.
Something needs to be repared, can I fix it myself or hire someone?
No. You will need to call the landlord to have something repaired. If it is an emergency and the landlord is not available, then calling a professional to mitigate any damages is expected.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, electronic payments using PayPal, and bank electronic payments that do not require the landlord to log in to a system. For move-ins, some payments may not be allowed or will require time to ensure the payment completes. Under no circumstances will a payment be made and a refund given without ensuring there is no liability for the landlord.
When is rent due? When will I be late?
Rent is required on or before the 1st of each month. A payment is late on the 6th. If no payment has been made by the 11th, the landlord will file for eviction. If you know you will be late talk to the landlord. Some exceptions may be made. Landlords understand that issues will arise and tenats will need help. Habitual late payments will not be tolorated.
How much notice do I need to give before moving?
The lease requires a 30 day notice in writing. It is also the law. No exceptions.
Can I use my security deposit for my last month of rent?
No. In fact, this is against the law. The security deposit is requested to cover expenses owed to the landlord for damages and other costs as the laws allow. This decision belongs to the landlord and not the tenant. Talk to the landlord. Some landlords will allow the security deposit to be used for the last months rent, however, the landlord will want to see the rental before making this decision. Where exceptions are made, the landlord should write a short note giving permission for the tenant. Otherwise, if a tenant does not pay rent assuming that the security deposit will cover the last month of rent faces liability in court. This is something the tenant and landlord will want to avoid.
