Q&A About Rentals in the Wiregrass Region

Q: When is the best time to start looking for a rental?

A: Tenants are required to give a 30 day notice, so to get the best idea of what will be available when you arrive into the area, or are planning on moving, start looking no more than 30 days prior to when you would be able to start paying rent.

 

Q: If we wished to secure a rental two months before moving, can you hold it for us if we pay the deposit? Or do you require rental payment at the same time?
A: Sorry, but we don’t have any owners who can afford to leave their property vacant and not charge rent. We will hold it vacant for 7 days with a security deposit.

 

Q: Is there a security deposit required? How much? Do we get that money back after the contract ends (pending no money needs to be taken out for any repairs)?
A: The security deposit is one month’s rent if you qualify without any conditions, meaning that your credit score is 600 or more and you have no collections for housing or utilities. If you don’t meet our normal criteria and there are other compensating factors such as a good previous rental reference then the deposit will be 2 month’s rent. The only given charge that will come out of the deposit is the actual amount of the carpet cleaning fee. We have the carpets cleaned between each tenant.

 

Q: When am I committed to a property?

A: Once a deposit is put down on the property, you will forfeit your deposit if you do not sign a lease on the property within 7 days. Why? The owner has taken the property off the market for you in good faith, and not let anyone else rent the property out from under you. After you actually sign the lease, you are committed to the terms of the lease in full.


Q: Are the pictures on the website a good representation of what to expect in the property?

 A: We have high standards on how our properties are maintained. The pictures, of course, is our best foot forward and are marketing pictures. However, rentals are usually not new construction and have wear and tear throughout them. While major repairs are required to be completed, cleaning is strict and the carpets are cleaned, there may be visible scuffs, stains and minor cosmetic issues with a property. Please discuss any concerns you have up front before putting a security deposit down or signing a lease.

 

Q:  Some townhomes are in communities that provide lawn maintenance, pest control, and pool/clubhouse access. Is there an additional fee for these services that is not included in the price of rent listed?
A:  If the service is listed in the description, then these services are already incorporated into the rent amount and there are no additional charges.
 
Q: What is the price for the non-refundable pet fee?
A: If a pet is allowed in a rental, the pet fee is $200 and $50 for each additional pet unless specified otherwise for a specific property. 

Q: Do you require one of us to be present in person to secure a rental? We are moving from another state and are hoping to arrange our rental before coming to Alabama.
A: No, you can rent it sight unseen but you will have to sign something saying that if you get here and you change your mind you understand you will forfeit your deposit. 

Q: Are there any  fees that we will be responsible for besides the pet fee and security deposit?
A: There is credit application fee of $20 for individuals or $30 for married couples to run a credit report.

 

Q. Upon moveout, do I have to be present at the move out inspection?

A: No, if you are leaving outside of business hours, the keys to the property can be dropped in our drop box at our office. Just secure the property, make sure the utilities are scheduled to be turned off no earlier than 5 business days from the time you turn in keys, and ensure that we have a forwarding address to send your security deposit accounting letter.

 

Q: What if I need to turn in a vacating notice earlier than 30 days?

A: 30 days is the minimum notice that we need to notify the owner of your intentions to vacate. The form asks specifically what date you will actually vacate the property. We do not require tenants to move out prior to this date that is specified.

 

Q: How do I turn in work orders?

A: Simply call the office and notify the receptionist that you have a work order to turn in. If the property manager is not in the office, the receptionist has a form to fill out to turn in to the property manager. Please be very specific of the problem, give a good number to reach you during business hours and specify key permission or appointment only.

 

Q: When can I expect a work order to be completed?

A: While we try to get work orders turned over immediately, we do rely on 3 party vendors that are licensed and insured. Unfortunately, we do not keep their schedules and they try to work our requests in as quickly as possible. If an appointment is required with the tenant, it may take a little longer to fit into their schedule, but if key permission is given, the vendor will work in to their schedule as soon as possible. If it is an emergency situation, our vendors usually try to get to the situation as quickly as possible.

 

If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact us at 334-347-6610 or email us at becky@realtor.com.