What do you look for in applications?
Our application and approval process consists of three steps. The first step involves completing our application either online or in writing. We will review the application for initial acceptability, and invite you to complete the screening process if and only if the application is accepted. There is no fee to submit an application.
The second step is the screening processing. We use a service provided by TransUnion (one of the three major credit reporting companies) called SmartMove to assist in processing all of our applications. You pay a fee directly to SmartMove, and we only request that applicants complete this process if their application passed through our initial review. In other words, you are only charged an application fee if your application has a high probability of being accepted.
SmartMove is a third-party, independent screening service. They look at your credit, leasing history, and employment history and perform a criminal background check to come up with a recommendation. You don’t need good credit in order to be approved; two important considerations are past evictions, and income greater than 3 times the rent.
Visit TransUnion Smart for more information about this service.
In the last step, we contact you with our acceptance decision normally the day following your completion of the online SmartMove application. We contact everyone who has applied, so you are left wondering what the status is of your application. From start to finish the process typically takes 2 or 3 days.
Do you accept applicants with a poor credit history?
Yes, we do and have accepted applicants with a poor credit history. We understand that life can be challenging sometimes do to divorce, layoffs, business downturns, and other unforeseen events. We look at your entire life situation including your income.
The website shows very few or no properties available for rent. Is this correct?
We generally do not have any vacancies. When one of our properties does come available, it is normally rented within a few days.
What will you do to prepare my home before I move in?
Before you arrive, your new home will be fully move in ready including a thorough cleaning. The following are some or items that will be completed prior to your move-in date:
- Touch-up all paint on the walls and trim for a fresh, clean look.
- Clean all the floors and shampoo the carpets.
- Completely sanitize your kitchen and your bathrooms.
- Clean your kitchen appliances – inside and out – and inspect them to ensure everything is in top working order.
- Clean and test your heating and air conditioning systems to ensure everything is operating efficiently.
- Clean and test your energy-efficient light fixtures to ensure safe usage.
- Clean and test all windows and window treatments to ensure that they are easy to open and close.
Do you negotiate on the monthly rent charge?
The rent charged on all properties is at or below market rate especially when the condition and quality of the property is taken into consideration. Therefore, the rent is non-negotiable.
Will you consider a rent-to-own lease?
Under very limited circumstances would we consider a rent-to-own lease. We generally view rent-to-own leases as an unfavorable transaction for those looking to purchase.
What is the pet policy?
We are pleased to accept cats and dogs in many of our properties. The following non-traditional pets ARE allowed: turtles, non-poisonous frogs, domestic hamsters, hermit crabs, gerbils, small domesticated birds, and domestic fish. Fees for these non-traditional acceptable pets may vary if applicable.
Restricted dog breeds are NOT allowed. Restricted breeds include the following: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Husky, Wolf Hybrid, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, and St. Bernard and all “mixes” of the above breeds. Snakes, spiders, ferrets and iguanas are NOT allowed due to liability reasons.
A maximum of two pets are allows, and refundable pet deposit and a non-refundable pet fee are charged for each pet. We reserve the right to decline any animal.
Do you allow service animals?
Yes, we follow all federal requirements and laws with special care given to those pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have a service animal, you will be asked the following two questions:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Are emotional support or therapy animals service animals?
According to the ADA’s website
No, emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not service animals. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places. You may check with your State and local government agencies to find out about these laws.
Does your lease include a military clause or military leave clause?
Absolutely! We love working with military families, and provide very flexible terms that go beyond those required by the law. We greatly appreciate and value the service of our military service members including our two sons (Marines and Army).
Who do I contact if I have a problem?
Unlike corporate or hedge fund owned housing, you will contact us (the owners of the property) directly. We will provide our personal cell phone number, so issues can be resolved quickly without formal service requests or other cumbersome documentation. Most issues are resolved the same day if at all possible.