F.A.Q.’s
When you’re renting your first apartment or home you may have questions. Here are the top questions we get at our office:
Why might I need a property management services?
You don't live in the area
The property is a second/vacation home
You don't have the time or expertise to self-manage your properties
You'd rather deal with a single company than many subcontractors
You want to protect your Investment without having to worry about the details of daily management
Are property management services expensive?
For a single-family home, 10 percent of a month’s rent is a standard fee for a property management company to charge. Some landlords consider flat fees to be a better deal than basic fees, especially for units that are pricey.
Are appliances included in the rent?
It saves the tenant money to provide their own appliances. Owner/Management provided appliances requires an additional month’s deposit (rent x 2) plus $150 per month added to rent to cover the monthly cost of renting the appliances.
What happens if I pay the security deposit and decide not to move in the property?
When a security deposit is paid to hold a property, if you change your mind and decide not to move in, you will forfeit the security deposit. When you pay a security deposit it holds that particular property for you and takes it off the market for anyone else to rent. When the deposit is forfeited, it will assist in covering the cost of starting the process of marketing the property again. For this reason, please be sure you have viewed the property and are certain you will be able to move in on the scheduled date before you put a security deposit down.
What is my security deposit used for?
The security deposit should NOT be considered for rent. The security deposit IS money used as collateral to insure that the tenants will take good care of the PROPERTY and turn it over in the condition they got it at move in. If there are any damages to the property during the tenants lease term, the landlord has the right to use the security deposit to cover damage cost. If there are no damages, the full amount of the deposit is normally returned to the tenants within 30 days of move out
How do I pay rent?
Rent rates are set in the lease agreement, as well as the due date. The way you pay your rent varies depending on the landlords preferences. At BAR Property Management we require ALL residents to pay rent through the online resident portal. We do not accept personal checks or money orders for rent payments. You can also request a pay-slip that will allow you to pay your rent at a local CVS or ACE check cashing store. At BAR Property Management rent is ALWAYS due one the 1st of each month and considered late after the 5th. If rent is not paid by the 5th, a 12% late fee will be due and payable with the rent. We do not accept late rent without the late fee included.
Can the landlord raise my rent during my stay?
Landlords are allowed to raise the rent once the lease has expired. If you decide to stay in the apartment/house another year once your lease has expired, you will normally be issued a lease renewal which may or may not have a rent increase. You need to read your lease and any lease renewals carefully. If you are renting month-to-month then rent increases are more likely to occur.
Do I need renters’ insurance?
Yes, renters’ insurance is mandatory and proof of renters’ insurance is required prior to signing your lease and receiving the keys to your new apartment/home.
What are utilities and how are they paid for?
Utilities are the basics you need for any housing unit: electricity, heat, water, and trash pickup. Sometimes these bills are included in your rent payment and are handled by your landlord, but other times the tenant directly receives the bill. Be sure to ask your landlord about utilities before signing the lease so you know what you’ll be expected to pay for.
What is the difference between a month-to-month and a fixed-term lease?
It is very important to know the difference between these two terms, as they will determine how long you’ll stay at a place and sometimes even the rent price. A fixed-term lease is an agreement that states the tenant will remain in the apartment or home for a pre-determined amount of time- usually a year. Month-to month leases tend to have higher rent prices because the landlord is not guaranteed income for the next month.
I want to make some changes to my apartment décor. How far can I go?
Making simple aesthetic changes, like swapping furniture, is not a problem (unless you rented a furnished unit). But if you want to make changes to the apartment itself- like painting or mounting some shelves on the wall- you will need to check the terms of your lease. Many landlords have a clause in the lease requiring written permission, so even if you receive verbal permission from your landlord, be sure to get a written document specifically telling you what you can and cannot do.
Foregoing landlord permission can leave you with a financial mess at the end of the lease term if you aren’t able to reverse all of the changes. It’s much easier to be straightforward with your landlord and simply ask what kind of changes you’re allowed to make.
Someone has been staying at my place for a long period of time. How does this work?
If you have roommates, you’ll want to consult them before bringing visitors- especially longer-term visitors- into your home. Secondly, check your lease terms to see if your landlord has already outlined a guest policy stating how long people not on the lease are allowed to stay on the premises. Many leases have special terms that add extra rent costs when more residents occupy the apartment. Sometimes the leases forbid new tenants altogether, as many landlords don’t want to be responsible for people not signed on the lease. At BAR having someone else stay in your rental apartment/home is a direct lease violation, and you can be evicted. Please don’t allow anyone to stay with you unless they are added to your lease agreement.
I want to sublet my place. Is this allowed?
Subletting entirely depends on what is stated in your lease and your local tenant laws. Some landlords welcome sublets and others do not. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your landlord. BAR does not allow subletting.
What kind of exterior maintenance will I be responsible for?
Your level of responsibility for the exterior of the house depends on what kind of rental you have and the terms dictated in the lease. If you live in a large apartment complex, the courtyard will often be cared for – whether it is lawn mowing or snow shoveling- by the building’s maintenance team. If you live in house, you are often responsible for the yard maintenance. Be sure to read your lease carefully to avoid any confusion.
Are landlords required to make repairs?
Landlords should make routine repairs in a timely fashion, no matter how small. Major repairs that compromise day-to-day living for tenants should be a top priority. If your landlord does not respond to your first request, please send a second request.
What repairs is my landlord responsible for, and what repairs am I responsible for?
This can be tricky. What repairs landlords are responsible for can vary, but as a generalization, landlords are usually responsible for most major repairs. This does not include, changing lightbulbs, filters, etc. To prevent yourself from the liabilities that are involved with performing maintenance yourself and it going poorly; read your lease regarding what repairs tenants are responsible for.
Where is my parking space?
Not every home or apartment comes with a parking spot, and in some situations, a parking spot will be an additional monthly fee. Be sure to ask the landlord how parking works. Is there a parking lot or do tenants rely on street parking? Do you have a space assigned to you or is parking a free-for-all? If parking is assigned, where are visitors allowed to park? Ask all of these questions when inspecting a potential apartment, especially if you have a car.
When is a landlord allowed to enter my home?
Most states require a landlord to give 24-hour notice before entering the unit, but that too can vary by city; due to some areas having no set minimum for advance notice. All BAR Properties are inspected yearly and tenants will be given notice in advance. If you call in a maintenance repair no advance notice to enter is required.
What happens when I don’t pay rent on time?
Always be sure to communicate with your landlord. Telling them that your rent is coming late might be a bit embarrassing, but it’s much better than sending a check that will bounce or not paying the rent at all. Keep in mind that if you don’t pay rent on time continuously, the landlord has the right to issue an eviction notice. We (BAR Property Management) will file Pay-or-Quit Notices each month on the 10th of the month, for anyone with unpaid rent.
What happens if I have a special need?
It's essential to communicate openly and honestly with your landlord or property manager. Clearly explain your needs and how they would impact your ability to live in the unit. Be prepared to provide documentation from a qualified professional verifying your disability if requested. Policy
Is Lead Based Paint Dangerous?
Simply having lead paint on your walls is not dangerous in itself. As long as the paint remains intact on the walls, it does not cause harm to people or animals who live there. The danger is caused when the paint comes off the walls, which happens in three main ways:
Paint failure, such as peeling, flaking and cracking
Physical disturbance, such as sanding or demolition (often during renovations)
Normal surface wear as walls are touched, bumped, and brushed against
Once the lead paint is detached from the walls, it can pose a danger, since it now has the potential to be ingested. This can cause serious health hazards.