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FAQ

Tenants

Pets

While we encourage allowing pets, each property may have different rules. If you have a pet, the landlord may require a pet agreement to be added to your lease along with a pet deposit. However, please note that service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets and cannot be restricted or subjected to additional deposits under California law. Certain dog breeds may be restricted by the landlord, except where those restrictions violate laws regarding service or emotional support animals. Please refer to our online application for further details.

Move-In/Move-Out

Unfortunately, early move-ins are not allowed due to liability concerns. The move-in date must align with the lease start date.

If you need to move out early, submit a Notice to Vacate through your tenant portal. You will remain responsible for rent until the property is rented again, as California law allows landlords to charge for the remaining rent until the unit is re-rented, but they must make a reasonable effort to re-lease the property.

Rent and Deposits

The security deposit is generally equal to one month’s rent. Under California law, the maximum security deposit for unfurnished residential units is two months’ rent, and for furnished units, it is three months’ rent.

California does not require a mandatory grace period for late rent payments, but it is important to communicate with your property manager as soon as possible if you anticipate a delay. Late fees may be charged as long as they are reasonable and clearly stated in the lease agreement.

Rent increases typically occur once a year upon lease renewal. California law, including rent control regulations (such as the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019), generally limits rent increases for certain properties to no more than 5% plus the local rate of inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, over a 12-month period.

Rent increases may reflect rising costs for landlords, such as insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Leases

The standard lease term is one year, unless otherwise specified.

New tenants must complete the application process and qualify for approval before moving in.

Insurance

Yes, renters’ liability insurance is mandatory. Proof of insurance must be provided before moving in, unless otherwise specified.

Property Inspections

Property inspections are conducted 90 days after move-in and every nine months thereafter. California law requires that tenants be given at least 24 hours’ notice before any inspection or entry by the landlord or property manager.

Complaints

We value feedback and are always open to improvement. If you have concerns, please reach out to your property manager, and we will work to resolve the issue promptly.

Application Process

To apply, you will need to submit required documents. The details can be found on our RENTALS page and within the rental application. Note that all applicants must be treated fairly, and landlords must comply with California’s Fair Housing laws.

Owners

Maintenance & Repairs

Yes, if your preferred service provider is licensed and insured, we will make an effort to use them. However, in cases of emergencies or if they do not meet our standards, we will rely on one of our trusted vendors.

We manage all maintenance requests, including emergencies, with the help of our pre-screened and reliable vendors to ensure efficient, high-quality service.

Yes, we require a $500 reserve to cover any necessary repairs that may arise before rent is collected. This amount is held in a trust account and will be returned to you when our management services are completed.

While your property is vacant, you are free to handle repairs on your own. However, once a tenant moves in, we take over all repairs and maintenance using our approved vendors to ensure tenant safety and compliance with regulations.

We generally advise against using home warranty companies, as they often result in delays and service quality issues.

Financials & Reporting

You can access your financial reports anytime through our secure Owner Portal. If you prefer, we can also mail you monthly statements at no additional cost. At the end of the year, we provide tax-related documentation, including a detailed cash flow statement and a 1099 form.

We finalize the accounting cycle on the 10th of each month, and direct deposits are issued to your bank account shortly thereafter.

No, management fees are only charged based on the rent collected. If the property is vacant, there are no management fees.

Tenants & Leasing

Yes, if a tenant we place leaves before the end of the first 12 months, we will re-list and find a new tenant for your property at no additional cost.

No, our expertise is in managing long-term rental properties, so we do not handle furnished or short-term rentals.

Absolutely. If you already have a tenant, we can step in to manage the property. We’ll conduct a thorough review of the lease and address any outstanding rent issues.

Pets & Assistance Animals

No, accepting pets is optional. However, we suggest considering it, as over 70% of renters have pets, which can expand your potential tenant base.

We adhere to state and federal laws regarding assistance animals. Emotional support animals are not classified as pets and must be accommodated as required by law. To ensure compliance, we use a third-party service to screen and verify animal details such as age, breed, and medical history.

Property Inspections & Security Deposits

Yes, we perform an annual mid-lease inspection at no additional charge. This helps us confirm the property is being properly maintained and that the tenant is complying with the lease terms.

We hold the tenant’s security deposit in a trust account, as required by California law, to ensure compliance and proper handling.

We manage the entire move-out process, including returning the security deposit. We handle any allowable deductions for repairs or damages to ensure everything is done correctly and in accordance with the law.

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