Tenant FAQs

• Can you hold a place before I apply?

  Properties are typically rented on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application and required fees. We recommend applying as soon as possible to secure a rental.

• Do I pay the first month’s rent and last month’s rent with my security deposit?

  Move-in costs vary by property. Typically, tenants are required to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit before moving in.

• How old do you have to be to apply?

  Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age to enter into a lease agreement.

• Is the deposit refundable?

  Yes, security deposits are generally refundable, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear and all lease terms are met. Deductions may apply for unpaid rent, damages, or cleaning fees.

• You have a property I want to rent. How do I apply?

  Applications can typically be submitted online. A completed application, application fee, and necessary documentation such as proof of income and identification are required.

• How do I pay rent?

  Rent payments can usually be made online through a tenant portal, by automatic bank transfer, or by cashier’s check or money order.

• I want to get a pet. What should I do?

  Check your lease agreement and contact management before getting a pet. Some properties allow pets with an additional monthly pet rent, while others have restrictions.

• I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay. What should I do?

  Lease agreements typically require all tenants to be responsible for the full lease term. If one tenant wants to stay, they may need to qualify on their own or find a replacement tenant with approval from management.

• My lease expiration is coming, and I want to move out. What should I do?

  Most leases require written notice before moving out. Check your lease for the required notice period and submit your intent to vacate in writing by the deadline.

• Who is responsible for paying for repairs & maintenance requests?

  The property management company handles routine maintenance and repairs, but tenants may be responsible for damages caused by negligence or misuse. All maintenance requests should be submitted promptly through the appropriate channels.

Maintenance FAQs

• Why did I lose power to the bathroom, kitchen, or outside outlets?

  A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a device that adds a greater level of safety by reducing the risk of electric shock in locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and outdoors. A GFCI outlet may be wired in a branch circuit, which means other outlets and electrical devices may share the same circuit and breaker (or fuse). When a properly wired GFCI trips, the other devices down the line from it will also lose power. Note that devices on the circuit that come before the GFCI are not protected and are not affected when the GFCI is tripped.

  If you have an outlet that doesn't work, and the breaker is not tripped, look for a GFCI outlet which may have tripped. The non-working outlet may be down line from a GFCI outlet. Note that the affected outlets may not be located near the GFCI outlet, they may be several rooms away or even on a different floor. Pressing the "Reset" will restore the circuit. If the outlet doesn't reset, then whichever appliance that is causing it to trip, may still be plugged in. If after unplugging everything, checking the circuit breaker or fuse, and resetting the GFCI does not work, please submit a maintenance request to First Rate Property Management right away.

• How do I reset a tripped circuit breaker?

  A circuit breaker provides protection by stopping the flow of electricity if an overload or fault occurs. When an electrical fault occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the breaker on that circuit trips and interrupts the flow of current to that circuit. A tripped circuit breaker is still sometimes referred to as a "blown fuse" in reference to the older technology that circuit breakers replaced. If your home uses an actual fuse and not a circuit breaker, click here for information on fuse boxes.

  Before electricity can be restored, the circuit breaker must be reset. However, even before you do that, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so. Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain no dangerous condition exists before restoring power. A Circuit Breaker which has been tripped will either be in the middle or "OFF" position. Locate the tripped circuit breaker and reset it by pushing it all the way to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position. Often when you can't cannot reset the circuit breaker, it is because it must be turned all the way to the "Off" position first.

  Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the circuit breaker trips again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, please submit a maintenance request to First Rate Property Management immediately

  If no circuit breakers were tripped and you still do not have power at an outlet, the circuit is probably on a GFCI.

• How do I check for a blown fuse

  If you have an older home, you may have fuses as opposed to circuit breakers. Located inside or outside of your home is a fuse box that contains a fuse for each of your home's circuits. A fuse provides protection for each of your circuits. When an electrical short occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the fuse on that circuit burns out and breaks the circuit; this is what is referred to as a "blown fuse".

  Before electricity can be restored, the fuse must be replaced with a new fuse. However, even before you replace the fuse, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so:

  Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain that no dangerous condition exists before restoring power.

  Replace the fuse with a fuse that is of the proper rating for the circuit. For instance, if the circuit is rated for 15 amps, use a 15-amp fuse. Never use anything other than a fuse of proper rating.

  When removing or inserting a new fuse, NEVER touch the metal parts of the fuse. If your fuse box is equipped with a master switch to cut power to the fuse box, cut the main power prior to replacing the fuse.

  Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the fuse blows again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, submit a maintenance request to First Rate Property Management right away.

  If the fuse blows after plugging in or turning on a device, that device may have a short or may be placing too much of a load on the circuit.

  If no fuses were blown and you still do not have power at an outlet, make certain that the switch, if any, that controls the outlet is turned on. If you can find no problem, the outlet, switch, wiring or some other component may be at fault. Also, the outlet may be on a GFCI branch circuit.

• How do I fix a clogged or jammed garbage disposal?

• How do I maintain or check the water softener?

How do I fix a clogged or jammed garbage disposal?

How do I fix a clogged or jammed garbage disposal?