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Tenant FAQs

Answers to your frequently asked questions

  • Are utilities the responsibility of the Tenant?

    It depends on what is written in your lease agreement, but typically, the tenant pays the utilities. If this is the case, then we advise that you call all necessary utility companies a week in advance in order to have the utilities turned on or transferred into your name. A list of local utility vendors will be given to you upon the signing of the lease agreement. You will not receive access to the property until proof of the utility transfer(s) have been provided to your property manager.

  • Can I change the Locks?

    No! You cannot change the locks yourself. Re-keying the property without our permission is a serious lease violation. The lease agreement specifically forbids tenants from locking out the property owner.

    All notices or requests by Tenant for rekeying, changing, installing, repairing, or replacing security devices must be in writing. Installation of additional security devices or additional rekeying or replacement of security devices desired by Tenant will be paid by the Tenant in advance and must be installed only by contractors authorized by our office.

  • Can I make changes to the property?

    No modifications may be made to the property without prior WRITTEN permission of the property Owner. This includes installation of cable TV, security systems, light fixtures, trees, bushes, painting, wallpapering, or anything of the like.

  • Do I need Renters Insurance

    It is strongly recommended that all residents carry enough renter’s insurance to cover themselves and their personal property. The owner’s insurance only covers the structure; none of your personal belongings are covered. For example, if a water pipe were to break and flood your home, the owner’s insurance would only cover the damage to the structure and would not replace or repair any of your belongings. Please consult an insurance agent for specific details for this valuable coverage; typically, the cost for renter's insurance is very affordable.

  • Do I need to pay a holding deposit to rent the property?

    Deposit(s) are due within 24 hours upon approval to take the property off the market. Until the deposit is paid, the home will remain on the market for other people to apply. If the Deposit(s) are not paid within 24 hours of approval we will rent the property to the next qualified applicant.

  • Does your Office have an After-Hours Drop Box?

    No, we don't. If you need to drop off rent or any other paperwork, you'll need to come during our normal business hours.

  • How long does the application process take?

    The application will normally receive a decision within 2-3 business days once the application is received, any fees paid, and all the supporting documentation reviewed. Occasionally there may be delays in receiving responses from third parties while verifying your documentation.

  • How much money do I need to make to rent one of your properties?

    Your monthly income should be a minimum of 3 times the monthly rental rate and verified by the employer through pay stubs, tax returns, and/or bank statements. Self-employed income may also be verified with a CPA-prepared financial statement or tax return. Your employment history should reflect at least 6 months with your current employer. Transfers or relocations must have correspondence showing an accepted job offer.

  • I am an excellent tenant and take good care of the property. Can you waive my late charges?

    No. We do not waive late charges. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. We cannot decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late charges, therefore we enforce late charges equally to all tenants.

  • I did not have a pet when I moved in; may I have a pet now?

    First, email your Property Manager your request for a pet. Do not move a pet into the property without permission from your property manager. If your request for a pet is approved, then a pet addendum and a monthly fee of $25.00 per pet will apply.

  • My lease expiration is coming and I want to move out. What do I do?

    The Tenant must give the landlord at least 30 days WRITTEN notice of intent to vacate. Notice can be brought by our office, mailed, or sent via email to your Property Manager. Verbal notice is insufficient for any reason. Your Lease Agreement strictly prohibits using your Security Deposit in lieu of payment of the last month's rent, and strong penalties can ensue for doing so. Upon receipt of the notice, your Property Manager will send you a Move Out Procedures Form to inform you of specific responsibilities before vacating and to discuss the showing instructions to prospective tenants during your remaining time in the property. If you have not heard from us within a couple of days after sending the notice, contact us immediately as we did not receive it. After you have vacated the property, please immediately return your keys to our office during business hours and get written confirmation of the return of the keys. The Property Manager will conduct a thorough move out inspection and send you a certified letter in writing of any and all costs that will be deducted (if any) from your security deposit. Please make sure that you have provided us a forwarding address in writing, we have 30 days from that date to provide you with an accounting and/or refund of your Security Deposit.

  • When I move out, what do I need to do to receive my full security deposit back?

    We advise that you remove all personal belongings and clean the house thoroughly including floors, walls, trim, windows, bathrooms, counters, cabinets, and appliances. All carpets should be shampooed. Gutters should be cleaned out. The roof should be free of leaves and debris. If you are responsible for lawn maintenance, then the grass and hedges need to be trimmed to a reasonable height and all beds should be free of weeds. We ask that all damages be repaired by a licensed contractor that is approved by Gemini Capital Management.