Here you will find answers to many common questions. Please take a few minutes to see if your question is answered here before contacting us.

PROSPECTIVE TENANTS:

Why is there a rental application fee? We do not “make money” from your rental application fee. It is used to pay for running your credit report and background check. If we end up renting to someone who applied before you, we will not run your background check, and will refund your application fee.

Who do I make my application fee payable to and how do I do it? Application fee can be paid in cash, or online via CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo. You must present your application and fee in person (if you pay online, you will write your payment info on your application.)

Will you consider a Section 8 tenant? Yes, and your application will be held to the same screening standards as a non-Section-8 tenant.

CURRENT TENANTS:

Who do I make my rent payable to and where do I send it?

• Digital payment is highly preferred. You can coordinate with your landlord if you have a preferred method, but we recommend Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo. Be sure you are sending it as cash to a friend, not a business that is providing a service.
  
• If paying by check, you will mail it to the address your landlord will provide to you.
  
• ***If you are paying by check, remember to mail it early enough that it is RECEIVED BY THE DUE DATE, not just postmarked!

I am renting a house. What maintenance things am I responsible for? As stated in your lease, you are responsible for all “ongoing maintenance,” including mowing the lawn, keeping gutters cleared, replacing air-conditioner filters, light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, insect and weed prevention, keeping the house clean and in good condition, etc. (In some properties) a washer and dryer in good working condition were provided to you as a complimentary loaner when you moved in. It is expected that you maintain/care for/replace them so that they (or a comparable replacement) are in good working condition when you move out. If your property includes a wood-burning fireplace and you opted in your lease that you are going to use it, a receipt proving you had an annual cleaning by a professional chimney sweep company will be required. Annual proof of rental insurance is required.

What items is the landlord responsible for? We are responsible for appliances (except complimentary loaner washer & dryer, if applicable), and major systems (for example, heat and air-conditioning.) We also maintain termite prevention/treatment. An inspection/treatment is done a minimum of once per year by a professional termite company.

What should I do if something breaks or leaks? Please phone us IMMEDIATELY! If there is a leak, please put a bucket under it (do your best to prevent further damage) and let us know right away so we can help you fix it before there is too much damage.

NUMBER TO CALL IN AN EMERGENCY: (919)522-4052

If I contact you and don’t hear back immediately, what should I do? We tend to respond immediately when contacted (within one hour or so.) However, on very rare occasions we may not be able to be reached for a bit longer. You WILL hear back from us within 30 hours maximum.

Can I hire my own contractor to fix things? No. We have our own service people we have arrangements with, and decisions about repairs or replacements are made by us alone. If you hire a contractor to fix something without our permission, we may not reimburse you for it.

My lease is almost up. How do I go about renewing it? Just contact us. In most cases, we are glad to renew your lease with very few or no changes at all.

Can I pay my rent online using a credit card? Several of the payment services accept credit cards, possibly including CashApp, Venmo, and Paypal.

I think I’m going to be late with my rent. What should I do? It is not okay to pay your rent late. It could result in eviction, non-renewal of your lease, or additional fees. We encourage you to find a way to pay your rent on time. If your rent is already 5 days late or more, there is a $45 late fee. We encourage you to stay caught up. Unfortunately, if your rent becomes 15 days late or more, eviction proceedings will begin.

Can I make improvements on my own, such as painting walls or installing fixtures? The answer is maybe. You may not go ahead and make such improvements on your own, but you can ask for permission and we may give it to you. DO NOT move forward without receiving our permission IN WRITING.

What is your pet policy? We do allow pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, parakeets, etc. However, there is a non-refundable cleaning fee PER PET, ($250 per dog and $150 per cat, bird, guinea pig, or fish tank over 5 gallons). Dogs must be no less than 2 years old, and all pets much live indoors. We are not prejudiced against certain breeds, but we must be able to enter the home with them there, and your renter’s insurance must not exclude your pets under your policy.

I want to get a new/additional pet. Do I have to notify you? YES! We do allow pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, parakeets, etc. However, there is a non-refundable cleaning fee PER PET, and some other guidelines that have to be met. Adding a pet without getting permission IN WRITING and paying the pet fee is a violation of your lease! On the other hand, if you simply be up front and honest, we are pet lovers and are very unlikely to object to you having/getting/adding a pet.