Tenant FAQs

Answers to your frequently asked questions

Getting Started

• Are there any Section 8 properties available?

  Section 8 recipients are welcomed to apply to any of our properties. However, must meet the selection criteria and payment standards under the Housing Authority.

  Recipient applicants can now select either a standard "credit history check” or an "ability to pay evaluation” for their rental application process. However, if neither is selected then the credit history check method will automatically be processed. Should you opt for the "ability to pay evaluation”, please reach out to our Leasing Department at (562) 989-9835 before you submit your application. Inform our leasing team that you prefer the "ability to pay" method, and that you will be providing verifiable evidence of your financial ability to cover your portion of the rent. Verification evidence proof can include, but is not limited to, government benefit payments, pay records, and bank statements.

  Please be aware that regardless of the assessment method selected, additional documents will be required. This includes conducting a background screening, verifying employment, obtaining landlord references, or confirming the identity of the applicant.

• What are your office hours?

  Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We are closed Saturday, Sundays and all major holidays.

• How do I see inside a property that I'm interested in?

  To see inside one of our ready to view properties, you may see the unit per the instructions provided on each Property Detail listing. It will indicate if the property is Code Box or Agent Viewing. If further assistance is needed please call (562) 989-9835. We have flexible scheduling and are almost always able to accommodate your desired showing time.

• How long are your leases?

  Lease terms can vary from monthly terms to 12-month leases. Check with the office for details.

Application Questions

• Does my application take the property off the market?

  No. Until your application is approved, all offers to rent will be considered. However, once you are approved and a deposit is put down, the property is then taken off the market.

• How long can a property be held for me?

  Once you are approved and a deposit has been received, a vacant property can be held for up to 10 days. However, this figure may vary depending on the property.

• Can I submit an application on a property that I haven't seen?

  Yes, many of our advertised properties are still occupied and are not ready to be shown. However, if you are interested in a property that is not yet vacant, you can still submit an application.

• What documents do I need to submit with my application?

  Providing the correct documents with your application greatly speeds up the process. Please include the following:

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Photo ID
  • A copy of any military orders
  • Documents supporting other sources of income including Social Security, Disability, Child Support, etc.
  • Copies of any satisfied court judgments which may still appear on your credit
  • Two years tax returns and three months bank statements (self-employed only)

• What kind of credit history do I need to qualify?

  While credit standards may vary, some general credit guidelines include:

  • Certain credit scores may require a Co-signer. Please refer to our selection criteria for more information.
  • If you are applying in a group of two or more, please be aware that the group’s credit will be based on a combined average credit score.
  • If you have "dings" on your credit, recent trends should indicate an improvement.
  • Credit problems that may be an issue include unpaid rents, unpaid NSF checks, unpaid utility bills, and outstanding child support payments.
  • Credit problems which are considered less serious include medical bills, student loans, and problems from the distant past.
  • All bankruptcies must be discharged.

  If you are applying in a group of two or more, please be aware that the group’s credit will be based on a combined average credit score.

• How can I obtain a copy of my credit report?

  All applicants are entitled to receive a copy of their credit report. Once you have paid the application fee and we have processed your application, you may request a copy of it at anytime. You may only obtain a copy of your own credit report.

• Who may combine income in order to qualify?

  Generally, all occupants' incomes are combined to determine income qualifications.

• Do you take co-signers?

  Yes, we invite co-signers to apply when the applicant(s) does not meet our income requirements.

  Co-signers Requirements:

  1. Co-signer must have a credit score (FICO) of 725 or greater.

  2. The monthly gross income to qualify, must be 3 times the rent by individual income only. Income cannot be combinable with an applicant nor spouse’s income.

  3. They can’t have prior negative trade lines nor evictions.

  *Please be aware that Co-Signers are not able to help applicants meet the Credit Criteria

• We are married. Do we need still need to submit separate applications?

  Yes, all persons over 18 must submit a separate application regardless of marital status.

• I'm self employed. What do I need to provide with my application?

  Please submit the first two pages of the 1040 form and three months’ of bank statements.

• How long does it take to get a response after I turn in an application?

  Normally it takes 2-3 business days depending on how quickly your employment and landlord references are able to respond.

• Do I need to call in to see if my application has been approved?

  No, we will call you the moment your application is completed.

• What do I need to do after I'm approved?

  Once you are approved, we'll contact you to receive your security deposit (which reserves the property) and to schedule a lease signing and move-in appointment.

• What happens if I'm declined?

  While most applicants are approved, an application is occasionally declined. If this occurs we will notify you directly.

About the Property

• Which appliances are included?

  Appliances vary by property. Most appliances that are provided are courtesy items and are not under warranty.

• Is renter's insurance provided?

  While the property itself is insured against fire, flood, storms, etc., your personal belongings are not. We strongly encourage all our residents to obtain renters insurance from their local agent.

Pets

• Do you accept pets?

  The pet policy varies from property to property as some property owners allow pets and others do not. Due to insurance constraints, we do not allow the following breeds of dogs in any of our properties: Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, St. Bernards, Great Danes, Huskies, Malamutes, or near relatives. Pet maximum weight limit not to exceed 75 lbs. Tenant that has an animal shall obtain a policy that provides coverage for the animal.

• Do pets cost extra?

  No additional fees or costs.

• How many pets are allowed?

  No more than 2 pets are permitted at each property.

• What happens if I don't disclose a pet?

  Not disclosing a current or future pet at the time of the lease signing produces expensive and severe consequences. When a non-disclosed pet is discovered, it voids the lease and may cause the forfeiture of your entire security deposit. It is critical that all pets obtain prior approval.

Dollars & Cents

• Is the $45 application fee per applicant or per property?

  All applicants 18 and over must submit an application and pay the $45 application fee. This application fee can be applied to any of our properties.

• What are my total move-in costs?

  Your move-in costs will typically consist of:

  • Application fee
  • Security deposit
  • First month's rent
  • Animal insurance (if applicable)

• Is the security deposit refundable?

  Yes, provided that the property is left in satisfactory condition upon move-out.

• Do you take credit cards?

  We do accept online credit and debit card payments for rent; however, security deposits must be paid by certified funds.