TENANT FAQ
What is the reason behind the application fee?
In an effort to provide the best possible environment for all of our Tenants, we run a comprehensive background check as part of the application process. The Application Fee covers the time and services necessary to complete the check. For more information on submitting an application visit our Application and Screening Policy of our website.
What Utilities are the tenants responsible for?
Please refer to your Rental Agreement (lease) to find out what utilities you are responsible for. All utilities that you are responsible for must be switched into your name on or before the first day that you occupy your new home. We recommend that you contact the utility companies about 1 week prior to taking possession of the property.
Will the Property Manager come inspect the property periodically during the lease?
Yes. Many rental agreements give the landlord the right to enter the property to inspect it to see if the tenant is complying with his obligations, to make necessary repairs, to place “for rent” or “for sale” signs on it, or to show it to prospective purchasers or tenants. Entry should be at reasonable times & with reasonable notice. Check your Rental Agreement (lease) for more information.
What is expected of tenant at move-out of property?
The rental property must be returned in the same or better condition than it was when the Tenant first moved in. It is important to thoroughly clean the entire property to avoid losing any of your security deposit. It may be required in your Rental Agreement (lease) that all of the carpets, in the home, be professionally cleaned prior to end of your Rental Agreement (lease).
What does a tenant need to do to receive their full security deposit back?
We advise that you remove all personal belongings and clean the house thoroughly including floors, walls, trim, windows, bathrooms, counters, cabinets, appliances. All carpet should be professionally cleaned. Gutters should be cleaned out. The roof should be free of leaves and debris. If you are responsible for lawn maintenance, then the grass and hedges need to be trimmed to a reasonable height and all beds should be free of weeds. Tenants will be financially responsible for all damages beyond normal wear and tear. We ask that all damages be repaired by a licensed contractor that is approved by Real Estate Rentals.
Can I end my current lease with a 30-day Notice?
No. If your Rental Agreement provides for a definite termination date, you are obligated for the entire lease term, even if you have a good reason for leaving, such as illness or job transfer. If you leave early, and the landlord is unable to re-rent your property, they may sue you for the unpaid rent & damages, and/or file a negative credit report against you.
How do I submit a maintenance request after I move in?
Current residents may submit a maintenance request 24/7 via their online resident portal or by calling 256-547-8638. A member of our Maintenance Team will review your request and contact you, the homeowner, and the appropriate vendors to remedy the issue.
When is my rent due? And what are the standard late fees?
All rent and other monthly charges are due on the first (1st) day of the month. If rent and other monthly charges are not received by the fifth (5th) day of the month, then the payments will be considered late, and late fees will be assessed and due immediately. The standard late fee is 15% of monthly rent. If rent and other monthly charges are not paid by the sixth (6th) day of the month, then an additional daily late fee equal to $2.50 will be assessed and charged until payment is submitted in full.
How do I submit notice to vacate my rental home?
All notices to vacate must be submitted in writing. Residents may submit their written notice to vacate via the online resident portal, email, or hand-written letter. The minimum notice to vacate requirement is thirty (30) days.
How do I terminate my lease agreement early?
The same thirty (30) day minimum written notice to vacate requirement outlined above applies if you need to terminate your lease agreement early. Early cancellation fees will be charged according to the terms outlined in your lease if you terminate it prior to the expiration date.
How do I renew my lease? And are there short and/or long-term renewal options?
RER will contact the homeowner of your rental home about 75-90 days before your lease end date to confirm your lease renewal options. You will receive either a lease renewal offer or a notice to vacate the property in writing about 45-60 days before your lease expires. The lease term and rate are determined by the homeowner of your property. RER will facilitate any negotiations between the homeowner and you.
Can I install a security system at my rental home?
Yes. Installation of the security system cannot cause physical damage to your rental home. Nothing can be drilled into the exterior siding of your home, and any hardware that is drilled into the home during installation must remain at the property when you move out. Removable devices can be taken with you when you move out.
Can I install a satellite dish at my rental home?
Yes. The satellite dish cannot be attached to the roof or siding of your rental home. It must be installed on a pole in the yard of the residence.
Can I install a privacy fence at my rental home?
The installation of privacy fences must be approved by the homeowner. If the owner approves your request, then you will be allowed to install a privacy fence at your own expense. The fence must adhere to HOA and city guidelines, be installed by an RER-approved vendor, and remain at the property when you move out.
What are the benefits and costs of the Resident Benefits Package (RBP)?
• The RBP program costs $30.00 per month in addition to other monthly charges.
• Resident Rewards: A rewards program is made available to you through a mobile application provided by the team at Piñata (the rewards provider). You will receive exclusive discounts, gift cards, etc. just for being enrolled!
• Credit Building: Your positive payment history is reported to the major three credit bureaus via a third party. Late payments will not be reported; therefore, they will not negatively affect your credit score. Back reporting is available when you enroll in RBP at renewal of your lease. The average increase in credit score for enrolled residents is about 23-42 points!
• $1M Identity Protection: Aura’s IdentityGuard provides $1 million of identity protection for each financially responsible resident listed on your lease agreement. You can read more about this service at www.identityguard.com.
• HVAC Filter Delivery: HVAC filters are delivered to your home approximately every 60 days, or as required by your HVAC system. You simply need to change out the old filters for the new filters when they arrive.
• Utility Concierge Service: A Utility Concierge team is available to aid in the activation of utility, cable, internet, and other relevant services. They will gather important set-up information for you to make the transfer process easier at move-in. They can also help you find new internet or cable services at any time during your lease term. • Home Buying Assistance: ARM can connect you with a Licensed Real Estate Agent and/or Broker to offer buyer representation services if you want to purchase a home.
• 24-Hour Maintenance Coordination Service: You can call or text 205-855-6674 for immediate assistance at any time on any day of the week. An on-call representative will assist you.
• Online Portal Access: You have access to your online resident portal for the purposes of reviewing pertinent documents, paying rent and other fees, and reporting maintenance concerns.
• Multiple Payment Methods: All payments can be paid in a variety of ways using your resident portal and via physical funds. Available options include ACH, debit and credit cards, electronic cash payment, money order, cashier’s check, and personal check.
• Vetted Vendors: ARM ensures that all third-party vendors are appropriately licensed, bonded, and insured.