Frequently asked questions from potential tenants

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM POTENTIAL TENANTS

*** The following are frequently asked questions that we have received at Visionary Properties Property Management. We have tried to answer the questions to the best of our abilities and as detailed as possible. Please note that policies and procedures may change from time to time and although the following is a great resource changes may have occurred that create discrepancies. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions or clarification by clicking "here".

Will you work with me if I have credit issues?

This is a very common question. We look at every application individually and on its own merit. We encourage you to contact us if you have concerns about your application or ability to be approved for the home you are looking to rent. There can be valid and reasonable explanations for credit/background issues. feel free to consult with one of our property managers if you have general guideline questions before submitting your application. We understand that things like foreclosures and short-sales occur from time to time and those types of items do not necessarily disqualify an applicant. It is our goal and hope to assist you in your home search.

I have a Section 8 voucher. Do you accept these?

Sorry but at this time we do not accept Section 8.

Do I have to pay a rental tax?

Good question and a common one. In Arizona most towns or cities charge a “rental tax” on rent that is just like a “sales tax” you would pay at a store. Your property manager can tell you if the home you are considering would have this tax and how much each month the tax would be.

Does my spouse/partner/adult child have to fill out an application?

Yes. All people who will be living in the home, 18 years of age or older at the time of the lease starting must apply and pay an application fee. Please see the application for our current fees.Please refer to the application to be sure that you are doing everything necessary to apply according to the instructions. Not doing so will slow down the process for you.

How long does the application process take?

The complete application process typically takes 48-72 business hours.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. All people who will be living in the home, 18 years of age or older at the time of the lease starting must apply and pay an application fee. Please see the application for our current fees.

Do you allow pets?

Yes, many properties will allow dogs. Please ask the property manager regarding the particular property you are interested in if and what types of pets are allowed. A non-refundable pet deposit will generally apply.

What is a “security” deposit?

The security deposit is an amount, typically equal to one month’s rent, we hold until you vacate the home. Provided that the home is in the same or better condition it was when you took possession, and you do not have an outstanding balance, then your deposit should be returned.

What is a “cleaning” deposit?

The cleaning deposit is exactly that. Assuming the home you will be renting has been cleaned already we would expect cleaning to be done at the time you vacate the home. If cleaning is not done at the time of vacating then the cleaning deposit would be forfeited.

What is a “pet fee”?

A pet fee is a charge that is due at the time that you take possession of the home that is granting you permission to have the pet at the home. The pet fee is non-refundable.

What is an “earnest” deposit?

This is a great thing. Once we approve your application we will need you to provide a deposit so that we can then take the home off of the market and hold it for you. This deposit then gets applied to the total cost of move in and is non-refundable if you do not move-in for any reason.

Who holds the refundable deposits?

Any deposits that are refundable to you at the end of the lease term are held by us in the trust account. Refundable deposits are not given to the owner of the property to hold or dispurse upon vacancy.

When will my rent be due?

Rent is due on the first day of the month. We mail out invoices and also provide a 24 hour drop slot. Our office is open 8-5 M-F for your convenience as well. Payments not received by close of business on the 1st are considered late and late fees may apply.

Do you inspect the property once I live there?

Yes we do. Please don’t take it personally. All properties get inspected and it does not mean that we assume you are not taking good care of the home. First we have an agreement with our homeowners that we will do a mid-lease inspection of their property so that they can know how great you are taking care of the home. Second we may spot something that needs to be addressed that you did not realize was needed. Plus we like to touch base with our customers to see how we can enhance their experience.

How long is the lease?

In Arizona the standard lease is twelve months. If for some reason a different lease length is needed by you please let us know so that we may try to negotiate that for you.

What if I would like to purchase the home once my lease is over?

Great! The lease agreement gives you the first right of refusal to purchase should the owner want to sell the home. Let us know that you would like to find out if the owner wants to sell it and we will contact them. If you are not working with an agent or were not referred to us by an agent we would love to help you in your purduit of home ownership.

What if the owner wants to sell the home while I am living there?

If you are interested in purchasing the home the lease agreement gave you first right of refusal. If you do not want to purchase the home don’t stress yourselves out. This situation is quite rare. Whoever purchases the home is required to honor the terms of the lease agreement just like you would be required to.

This home is in a subdivision governed by an HOA. Who is responsible for the HOA fees?

The home owner is responsible for the payment of the HOA monthly/quarterly dues. Tenants would be responsible per the lease agreement for following the HOA rules while occupying the home. If an HOA notice is issued, for example for weeds at the home, the owner notifies us of the notice and provides the notice to us then we would enforce the notice with the tenant. If the notice is a continuing problem any fines would be added to the account of the tenant and expected to be paid as additional monies due with their rent. If the tenant should continue to ignore the notices or is unwilling or unable to comply, per the lease agreement we may send someone to remedy the issue ourselves and then add the cost of that to the account of the tenant as well.

How do I know if there is an HOA?

Please consult the property manager or your realtor, if applicable, to find out if there is an HOA or not. The lack of an HOA does not mean that a home can go unattended. The town or city the home is located in will do their own policing of problems and issue notices as well.

Who takes care of the landscaping?

In most cases the tenant takes care of the landscaping at the home. There are a few instances in which yard care would be included and the property would have been advertised as such.

Who pays for utilities?

At all single family homes the tenants will need to provide for their own utilities. In a small number of cases there are condos/apartments that will come with one or more utilities included and these will be advertised as such.

Who pays for the pest control?

Provided there is not an issue at the home when you take possession then the tenant should pay for pest control if they would like pest control. If needed at move in a final pest treatment will be provided by the landlord.

When can I renew my lease?

Technically you can renew at any time but you should expect and offer to renew from us about two months prior to your lease expiration date.

I am going to paint when I move in. Is that okay?

Sorry. It is not. Alterations to the home without permission are not allowed. Please ask though since often this can be negotiated for you.

How many people can live in the home?

Legally in Arizona 2 persons per bedroom are allowed.