How long have you been managing rental properties?

Since 1987.

 

Is smoking permitted in any of your rentals?

No. Smoking is not permitted because it increases operating costs and often increases problems with neighbors. Smoking would be a violation of our lease terms.

 

How long does it take to get a rental application approved?

Generally about 48 hours after submitting a completed application. It depends on how long it takes to confirm your employment information and rental history. It helps us greatly if you provide us with accurate phone numbers for your employer and former landlords. It is our desire to get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Do you charge a rental application fee?

Yes. A fee is charged for each applicant 18 years of age or above. The maximum fee is set by law and is adjusted each year. The fee is payable at the time the application is completed.

 

How long do you hold a rental once the application is approved?

A rental will be held for 48 hours after we have communicated to you that your rental application has been approved. You can pay a small fee to have us hold it for a longer period.

 

Is it possible for us to pre-qualify for a rental?

Absolutely. Simply print out and complete our rental application form to get started.

 

Can I make repairs myself and deduct the cost from my rent?

No. All maintenance must be brought to the immediate attention of Pacific Apartment Management. We will promptly arrange to have repairs made. Please use our maintenance request form on the website unless an emergency exists. All emergencies should be called in followed by an email.

 

What should I do if I am locked out of my residence?

If you have a resident manager and he or she is unavailable, you will need to hire a locksmith at your expense to obtain entry.

 

What should I do if I lose my keys?

We will rekey your residence for safety purposes and provide you with a new key at your expense. If the manager is unavailable and you are locked out, you will need to hire a locksmith at your expense to obtain entry and then provide us with a new key.

 

Can I hold a yard or parking lot sale at the apartment building where I rent?

No. These types of activities are likely to obstruct the common areas used by other renters.

 

How do you handle rentals to roommates?

Roommates are equally and fully responsible under the terms of the lease including the payment of rent. The security deposit shall be refunded (subject to any legal offsets) only when all roommates have completely vacated the premises. No partial refunds will be made. If there is a dispute among or between roommates, the dispute must be resolved by the roommates. We will not get involved in such a disputes. If an existing tenant or tenants desire to add a roommate, the prospective roommate must complete an application and be approved like any other rental applicant.

 

How do you suggest I handle a situation where my neighbor plays loud music late at night when I’m trying to sleep?

First, I would politely request that the neighbor turn the volume down because you must get to sleep. If that doesn’t work, contact the manager by email who will make contact with the neighbor. While you have the right to call the police to report a nuisance, this should be a last resort. The vast majority of tenants in the buildings we manage are respectful of their neighbors.

 

Is there a “curfew” on noise-levels?

Yes. Our House Rules are part of your lease. Residents may not make any loud noise after 10 pm or before 8 am. However, all noise (including music, television, and conversations) must be kept to reasonable levels at all times of day, out respect for others. We also ask that you refrain from vacuuming or other household chores that create noise within the these hours. We want to create a peaceful environment for everyone.

 

How long are your leases?

Leases are written for a one year term or longer. We do not offer month to month rental agreements.

 

Can I get a pet?

It depends on your lease. Many property owners do not permit pets. If a pet is allowed, it will be necessary for you to sign a Pet Agreement and a larger security deposit may be required. It is important that you check with us before obtaining a pet.

 

When is my rent due?

Rent is always due on the first day of the month. When you move in, we prorate the rent so that it is always payable on the first.

 

How do I pay my rent?

You can pay online, by personal check, your bank can send a check to us, or you can authorize us to charge your personal bank account (ACH). However, rent is always due on the first day of the month.

 

When does a late fee apply?

If your rent is not received by 5:00 pm on the third day of the month, a late fee will be applied. It is important to understand that most landlords have a mortgage payment due on the first day of each month and they get charged a late fee for delinquent payments.

 

What is a Three Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit?

It is a legal document that is served on tenants who do not pay their rent by 5:00 pm on the third day of the month. It is the start of the eviction process.

 

What happens if my rent check is returned unpaid?

You will be charged a late fee as set forth in your lease and an NSF fee as set forth in your lease. We do not redeposit checks. The NSF check will need to be immediately replaced with a money order or cashiers check. If it is not immediately replaced, the management company is obligated to serve a Three Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit.

 

Do you accept cash?

No. For security reasons, we do not accept cash.

 

Do you accept business checks or checks from someone other than me?

No. Rent checks can only be accepted from someone who signed the lease. If money is coming from another source, it should be deposited into your account.

 

What happens if I must vacate my rental before the end of the lease?

You are legally required to pay the rent through the end of your lease but the landlord is required to re-lease the unit to a qualified renter as soon as possible in order to minimize your liability. It is not in your best interest to vacate the property before the end of the lease term, but if you are required to do so, you should provide as much notice as possible so the landlord can re-rent the property quickly. It is also wise to leave the property in good condition in order to minimize the cost of getting the property ready for the next renter.

 

Can I sublease my rental?

No. Subleases and assignments are not permitted under the terms of the lease.

 

If I am short of money, can I use my credit card to pay the rent?

You can use a Visa or Master Card to pay all or a portion of your monthly rent. Instructions are on this site. There will be a small service charge added to cover our cost. The only exception is that you may not pay the first month’s rent or security deposit with a credit card. These must be paid with a money order or cashier's check.

 

Can I use my security deposit for the last month's rent?

No. You must pay the last month’s rent in accordance with the terms of the lease. A failure to pay the last month’s rent would be a breach of the lease terms that would lead to an unlawful detainer (eviction) suit being filed. This is a certain way of severely harming your credit.

 

When I move out, how long will it take for me to get my security deposit returned?

You will receive an accounting showing any deductions and a check within 21 days of the date that you completely vacate the premises. Please be certain to provide us with a forwarding address so your check is not delayed.

 

Do rent payments effect my credit?

Yes. We routinely write letters on behalf of tenants who have established good credit with us. We also report negative credit to rating agencies. We can assist you in establishing a good credit rating that will help you buy a car, home, or other major purchase at the lowest interest rate available.

 

What utilities do I pay?

Not all properties are the same, so you must inquire before signing a lease.

 

When should I have utilities put in my name?

You should contact the utility company at lease 48 hours before you move-in and provide them with your move-in date. Give them more notice if possible.

 

Can I change the paint color in my rental property or make other changes?

Only with the written consent of the landlord. The answer will generally depend on the remaining length of your lease and the color or other changes requested.

 

How do I request a repair?

We have a request form on our website for your convenience. All requests, other than emergencies should be made in writing using our website. This creates a record of your request which is in your interest and ours. If an emergency, call us first and then send an email.

 

What is an emergency?

An emergency is something that threatens the health, life, or safety of a person or threatens material damage to property. Water intrusion from leaking roofs or plumbing are two examples. Emergencies should be reported immediately by telephone as well as email using our website. We have an emergency service available for all renters. The number is on this website and will also be provided to you with your lease.

 

Will you always notify me before sending a repair person to my home?

Absolutely. You will always receive at least a 24 hour notice except for emergencies such as a gas leak or water leak. The notice will be posted on your door if there is an on-site manager and we will always send you an email and voice mail message. The repair person will always “knock” first and delay entry by at least 20 seconds. We respect your right to privacy.

 

What should I do if my sink, tub, or shower is clogged?

Call your manager and send us a maintenance request using our website. We will address the matter as soon as possible. If the plumber determines that you are responsible, we will be required to pass the cost on to you.

 

 What should I do if there is a leak in my roof?

Call your manager immediately and send us a maintenance request using our website. We will address the matter as soon as possible. You may poke a small hole in the ceiling with a sharp object such as a nail while placing a bucket below to collect any water. This will minimize damage and shorten the time it takes to make any repair.

 

Do you pay referral fees if we refer a good tenant to you?

Yes. Pacific Apartment Management will pay $200 for a referral that turns into a lease at any property we manage.