Q. What do I have to do to get into a home or apartment?
A. First, you have to physically see the property, then you may place an application with us and you will be notified as quickly as possible. If you are accepted, you will then sign a lease, pay your 1st full month’s rent, security deposit, and last month’s rent. If you have pets, you will need to fill out an application and depending on the length of your lease, pay those fees as well.
Q. Why do I have to physically view the home or apartment?
A. When a lease is signed and money changes hands, the lessee is then locked into the property for the full term of the lease. We do not feel comfortable locking someone into a lease and taking their money on a home they have not seen. It’s similar to not buying a home without seeing it first.
Q. I’ve seen this home; I really like it, will you hold it for a month? I’ll pay a deposit.
A: No, sorry. Our properties are rented on a first come, first serve basis. One of the reasons for this is in a few weeks, another property may come available that you like much more. Things may happen with your life and moving into that property becomes impossible. We do not feel comfortable taking your money on hopes and dreams. When you’re ready, please come fill out an application and sign a lease with us.
Q. What are the application fees?
A. $30.00 per adult. This means every person on the lease and every person who will be living on the property who is over the age of 18. Every adult on the lease will have a credit and background check run on them. Every person, over 18, (eg. adult children, parents, friends) who regularly sleeps and/or lives in the property will have a background check run on them. *Your application is valid for 30 Days*
Q. What if I have pets?
A. Many properties allow pets, however some do not, please make sure your preferred property allows pets. You will need to fill out a pet application, per pet. Our pet fees are Non-Refundable and are generally as follows: If you sign a 12 month lease, the fees are $25.00 per month for the 1st pet and $10.00 per month for each additional pet, up to 3 pets. If the lease is less than 12 months, you must pay a $250.00 fee, per pet, up front, at lease signing. Please see our pet policy for more details, but we do not allow any aggressive type breeds.
Q. What if my credit is low?
A. We do not make all our decisions based on a score. Your employment, your background, and your references mean a lot to us as well.
Q. What shows up on background checks?
A. If you have been arrested, it will show up on a background check. We run a background check on all adults because we want to have a safe community for all of our residents. If you made a mistake, please tell us and discuss it openly with us so we may make an informed decision.
Q. Do you have to call my employer?
A. Yes, we do. We must verify employment prior to finalizing your application.
Q. Do you have to call my landlord?
A. Yes, we do. We must verify that you have fulfilled your prior lease obligations, your payment history, and that you have properly notified your landlord of your intended vacancy.
Q. What if I’ve been evicted?
A. It is imperative that we know the circumstances. Sometimes, there are reasons beyond your control and we need to know so we can make an informed decision.
Q. What does pro-rated mean and how does it work?
A. Pro-rated rents are used when a person moves into a property any other day than the 1st of the month. For example, if the rent is $795 for the month and you move in on the 17th of January. The daily rent fees are $25.65 per day (because January has 31 days). You will occupy the property for 14 days of January so you will pay $359.03 for your January rent. This amount would be due on February 1st, because at lease signing you paid your first full month’s rent, February.
Q. What is the deposit?
A. In most cases, the Security Deposit is $500.00. If it is another price, then it will be stated. The Security Deposit is due at lease signing and cannot be paid monthly. The Security Deposit is held in escrow until the end of your lease at which time, if you have fulfilled all of the requirements of your lease, you are eligible to get it back minus any damages or cleaning fees, if necessary. Please see the lease for more details. The security deposit cannot be used for last month’s rent.
Q. I cannot afford to pay 1st month’s rent, the deposit, and last month’s rent. Is there anything I can do to still be able to rent the property?
A. Yes. You must pay the 1st month’s rent and the security deposit plus any pet fees at lease signing. You may negotiate to pay the last month’s rent in installments.
Q. When are rents due?
A. The first of the month, no matter when you signed your lease. That is why we pro-rate the rent. Rents are considered late if not paid before the 6th of the month.
Q. Who pays the Utilities?
A. Unless otherwise stated, you do. You have 3 days to change the utilities after lease signing.
We look forward to assisting you with your new home in the Great Smoky Mountains of TN!
Questions, please call: (865)774-0006
