Tenant Overview
PROSPECTIVE TENANTS
Welcome, to your gateway to finding the ideal rental home. At our property management company, we're dedicated to guiding you through the journey of discovering and applying for the home of your dreams.
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Please be aware that applications are not necessarily processed on a first-come, first-served basis. In cases where multiple applications are received for the same property, RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management and/or the owner retain the right to evaluate and accept the application that aligns best with the criteria outlined below. Additionally, other factors such as the duration of the lease and the desired move-in date may also be considered during the application review process.
TENANT SELECTION
Our tenant selection process ensures thoroughness and fairness to all applicants:
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All applications must be fully completed, dated, and electronically signed.
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A valid photo ID is required.
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Reliable documentation and contact information for all income sources must be provided.
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Income must be at least three times the rental amount for all applicants or guarantors.
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If employed, the employment verification section of the application must be completed by the employer or the most recent pay stub must be provided.
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If self-employed, six months of pay stubs are required.
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Applicants may be denied occupancy for the following reasons:
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Falsification of application.
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Legal issues related to housing, tax liens, outstanding debt to previous landlords, or a credit score below 600.
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Felony charges endangering safety, drug-related felonies, felonies resulting in bodily harm, or felonies related to intentional property damage.
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Sexual offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies.
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Eviction filed in the last five years.
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Poor rental history, including slow or non-payment of rent, violence to persons or property, poor housekeeping, or unruly behavior.
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Regarding pets:
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All pets must be approved by the Property Owner and/or RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management.
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A photo of the pet and shot records must be provided upon request.
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A minimum non-refundable pet fee of $250 applies, with additional fees for extra or large pets.
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The tenant is responsible for all pet-related damages.
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Certain breeds are not allowed as per homeowner’s insurance company regulations.
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If approved, the full security deposit must be paid within one business day in certified funds or a money order. The full first month's rent is due on or before the occupancy date, with the second month prorated.
MOVE IN
Thank you for choosing a property offered by RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management. Below you will find information and forms that will help you move into your new home. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
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THE MOVE-IN INSPECTION PROVIDES:
Before moving in, a member of the RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management team will conduct a thorough move-in inspection, meticulously noting any existing damage or defects. Tenants will be provided with a copy of the inspection form upon move-in and granted a 7-day period to identify and report any additional damage or defects they discover. It's crucial to return the completed form within this timeframe. Failure to do so will be interpreted as the tenant having no further concerns, and the original inspection form completed by our staff will be used at move-out.
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To ensure transparency and accuracy, tenants are encouraged to document the property condition with photos or videos during the move-in process. It's important to ensure that the date and time stamp are enabled on the camera during documentation.
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TENANT IS ENCOURAGED TO DOCUMENT THE FOLLOWING:
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Any carpet stains, cosmetic imperfections, and any mechanical defects with the home.
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Any large holes or damaged doorways, trim and baseboards.
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A/C not Working
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Fridge not Cooling
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Plumbing or Electrical Issues
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Any Appliances not Working
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Submit a maintenance request online for any mechanical defects discovered. We will schedule a technician to take care of required issues. (Do not submit for cosmetic repairs).
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UTILITIES:
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It's important that all utilities are transferred into the tenant's name by the move-in date. Failure to do so may lead to RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management or the owner terminating service, which could result in a loss of power or water to the property.
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Satellite service is an option for some of our properties. However, attaching a satellite directly to the house or roof without written permission from Management is not permitted.
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MAKING RENT PAYMENTS:
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Rent can be paid our Tenant Portal online and in our local office.
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Personal checks will be accepted until a check a NSF check is received.
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Certified funds will be required after any check is deemed NSF.
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Prior to move-in, security deposit, first month’s rent, and leasing fees must be paid.
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These funds must be paid in Certified Funds (cashier’s check or money order).
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MOVE OUT
Thank you for choosing RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management for your rental home. We trust that your stay has been satisfactory, and we aim to make your move-out process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you require any assistance or have inquiries about the move-out procedure, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
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Below, you'll find the necessary steps and essential information regarding your move-out:
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Notify RE/MAX Property Management in writing of your intent to vacate the property at least 30 days before your planned move-out date. Please refer to your lease for specific notice requirements and complete the "Notice to Vacate" form.
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Ensure that all utilities remain on and in your name for 5 business days after the end of your lease, regardless of your actual move-out date. Failure to do so may result in a reconnection fee and any utility costs incurred during this period.
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Leave garage and alarm remotes in the kitchen on the counter upon move-out. All keys should be returned to RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management.
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You officially move out when you surrender the property to RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management. Surrendering the property involves returning all house and mailbox keys. You may drop off keys at our office or request a lockbox installation at the property.
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Walk-throughs with departing tenants are not conducted. Our inspections will be completed once you have surrendered the property. Please ensure all move-out cleaning and maintenance tasks are fully completed before vacating the home, as tenants will not be allowed back in afterward.
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Remove all property and trash from the premises before surrendering it. Arrange for large item or bulk pick-up through your garbage provider for items placed at the street. Additional charges may apply for trash hauling.
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Upon surrendering the property, ensure the following tasks are completed at the house:
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Clean the home to the standard outlined in the "Move Out Checklist."
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Have carpets professionally cleaned, leaving the receipt on the kitchen counter or emailing it to our office. Personal or rented carpet shampoo machines are not acceptable.
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Maintain the lawn by mowing, trimming bushes and shrubs, and weeding flowerbeds.
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Replace the A/C filter and ensure all light bulbs are working.
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Replace non-working blinds, stove drip pans, smoke detectors/batteries, broken or missing door stops, and drain stoppers.
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Repaint any rooms painted without authorization back to the original color, ensuring walls are free of major scuffs and gouges and nails are removed.
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Avoid puttying or patching nail/screw holes unless intending to paint the entire wall.
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SECURITY DEPOSIT:
Your security deposit will be returned to you within 30 days after you surrender the property to your last known address. Please make sure we have your forwarding address for quicker claim processing and receipt.
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SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN HANDLED IN ONE OF 3 WAYS:
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Full Refund of Deposit
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Partial Refund of Deposit – Invoices and a detailed statement will be included listing any deductions and/or charges.
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No Refund of Deposit and/or a Bill for Damages – Invoices and a detailed statement will be included listing any deductions and/or charges.
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If you receive a bill, the balance must be paid within 30 days of receiving the bill.
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EXTENSION
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If the Tenant desires to extend their stay beyond the period specified in the 30-Day Notice to Vacate form, they must contact our office to inquire about the possibility of this extension. Should the extension be deemed acceptable, the Tenant must then complete a new Notice to Vacate form, indicating the revised move-out date. The Tenant will be accountable for all rent up to the new move-out date.
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In the event that the Tenant requests an extension but vacates earlier than initially anticipated, they remain responsible for rent up to the date indicated on the Notice to Vacate form.
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EARLY DEPARTURE
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If the tenant vacates before the 30th day of the notice to vacate, they should inform RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management and return all keys promptly. However, the tenant remains responsible for rent until the last day of the calendar month. RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management will endeavor to ready the unit for new tenants as expeditiously as possible. If new tenants are secured before the last calendar day of the month, prorated rent will be refunded along with the applicable portion of the security deposit.​
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CLEANING
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We highly recommend hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure the thorough cleaning of the home before your departure. If you need assistance finding a reputable cleaning company, RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management can provide recommendations. It's essential to understand that our standards for cleanliness are stringent, and we often find that homes cleaned by tenants do not meet our expectations. Even if only minor areas are overlooked during the cleaning, a professional cleaning company must still be engaged, and tenants will be responsible for the associated charges.
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CARPET CLEANING
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In the event that a receipt is not provided during the key return, carpet cleaning will be arranged automatically after the tenant vacates the property. RE/MAX FREEDOM Property Management will coordinate with an approved contractor for the cleaning, and the expense will be deducted from the security deposit paid upon move-in.
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LIGHT BULBS, SMOKE DETECTORS, AIR FILTERS, ETC
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During occupancy, it is the tenant's responsibility to maintain all smoke detectors. Additionally, upon move-out, the tenant is accountable for replacing any expired or missing light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, appliance light bulbs, and air filters. The expenses incurred for these replacements will be the responsibility of the tenant.
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