Frequently Asked Questions By Tenants…
HOW MUCH OF A GRACE PERIOD AM I GIVEN BEFORE MY RENT IS LATE? ARE THERE LATE FEES?
See How to Pay Your Rent.
I HAVE ALWAYS PAID MY RENT ON TIME. WHY DID I RECEIVE A 3-DAY NOTICE WHEN MY RENT WAS ONLY 6 DAYS LATE?
The rent is due on the first of the month, late on the 6th. If the rent is not posted in our office by the 6th Realsource will serve a 3 day notice for non-payment of rent. Please reach out to the Realsource staff if you know your rent will be late, communication helps us serve you well.
I’M AN EXCELLENT RESIDENT AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE HOME. CAN YOU WAIVE MY LATE CHARGES?
No, we do not waive late charges. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. We cannot decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late charges; therefore, we enforce late charges across the board.
WHAT FORMS OF RENT PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We encourage tenants to use their online portals to pay their monthly rent from the comfort of their homes. We accept free online e-checks, as well as debit and credit payments with a third party fee. You may also bring your payment into the office in the form of a cashier’s check, personal check or money orders. You may make your payment in cash at most 7-11 or CVS stores.
IF I RENEW MY LEASE, DOES THE RENT GO UP AUTOMATICALLY?
Sometimes, if it is written into your lease. At each renewal a market comparison report is created to determine market rent value for the property. Rent may stay the same, it may be necessary to raise the rent to meet the market value or an increase may be at the request of the property owner.
WHEN DO I GET MY SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK?
We will mail remaining security deposit funds to the forwarding address you leave at our office or your last known mailing address within 30 days of the last day you occupied the property.
IS MY PET DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?Yes, provided that the property suffered no damage from the pet. See Pets.CAN I GET MY DEPOSIT BACK IF MY PET RUNS AWAY OR I NO LONGER HAVE IT?
The pet deposit is only refundable at the end of the lease term after you have vacated the property and we have determined that no damage was incurred by the pet.
CAN I GET AN ADDITIONAL PET AFTER I’VE MOVED IN?
Generally, you are not allowed a pet or a additional pet after you move in. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact your property manager.
CAN I PAINT THE WALLS ANOTHER COLOR?
Requests to paint the walls a different color must be in writing and requires the owner’s consent. Also, you will need to let us know which wall or rooms and we will require an additional deposit which is refundable if the wall or rooms are restored to the original color unless you have approval from the office that you do not need to restore the paint.
WHAT IF I WANT A GARAGE DOOR OPENER AND THE PROPERTY DOESN’T CURRENTLY HAVE ONE?
You may submit a written request to have the owner install a garage door opener. If the owner is not willing to pay for such, you may purchase a garage door opener and our authorized contractors will install it at your expense if we have the owner’s consent.
CAN I CHANGE THE LOCKS?
No, you cannot! Changing the locks would be a serious rental agreement violation. If you have concerns, please contact the Realsource office.
CAN I STILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR MY LEASE IF I AM BEING TRANSFERRED BY MY JOB?
Yes, unless you have a transfer clause in you lease, you can be liable for the remainder of the rent through the end of your lease or until the home is rented to another occupant.
DO I HAVE TO GIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE TO VACATE EVEN IF IT IS AT THE END OF MY LEASE?
Yes! The lease agreement stipulates a written notice of intent to vacate which must be in our office 30 days prior to the end of the lease term.