Tenant Move-In Process
HOW DO I SET UP A SHOWING TO VIEW A PROPERTY?
The best way to set up a showing is through our website. Go to RentWinston.com/home-for-rent and click on "schedule viewing" on the property you would like to see.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SECTION 8 PROPERTIES?
We manage properties for the property owner. It is their decision to rent their home under the Section 8 program. If the property is available under that program, it will be listed in the property details.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
You can fill out an application on our website by clicking "Submit Application" on the property you are interested in renting. Here you will also be able to upload all required documents.
HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?
Our application process typically takes 2-3 business days. However, it could take longer if there is a delay in receiving your rental verification back from your most recent landlord.
What if my credit score is not good?
We do require a minimum credit score, but there may be options available to counter a low credit score. For example, adding a co-signer or paying a double deposit are alternatives for renters with a low credit score.
WHAT ARE the QUALIFICATIONS required TO BE APPROVED FOR A HOME?
- Monthly gross income must be three times the monthly rental amount*
- A background check
- A credit check
- Rental verification from your current landlord, if you are currently renting another property
IS THE APPLICATION FEE REFUNDABLE?
The application fee is not refundable.
I AM APPROVED, BUT THE HOUSE I WANTED JUST RENTED TO SOMEONE ELSE. HOW LONG IS MY APPLICATION GOOD FOR on another rental property?
If your application is approved, it is good for 30 days for any of our properties. You can transfer the application to another property without reapplying.
I HAVE BEEN APPROVED. HOW LONG WILL YOU HOLD THE PROPERTY FOR ME?
Once you are approved, we will hold a property for 30 days from the date you were approved. Your move-in date cannot be later than the 30th day from the date of your application's approval.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE SURE THE PROPERTY IS MINE?
When a move-in date is established, a lease will be sent to your email for you to electronically sign. We also require a security deposit within 24 hours of signing the lease. The rent and pet fee, if any, must be paid by separate checks. We accept money orders and cashier's checks only. We will not except cash, personal checks, or credit/debit cards.
I AM NOT MOVING IN ON THE 1ST OF THE MONTH. How do you handle PRORATED DATES?
If you move in on the 19th of the month or before, you will be responsible for paying the prorated rent before you move in. If you move in on or after the 20th of the month, you will be responsible for paying the remainder prorated rent for that month plus the next month's full rent.
For example, your rent is $1,000/month, and you are moving in on the 15th. You will pay the security deposit plus the prorated rent from the 15th to the last day of the month.
For example, your rent is $1,000/month, and you are moving in on the 15th. You will pay the security deposit plus the prorated rent from the 15th to the last day of the month.
HOW DO I PAY MY DEPOSIT, RENT, AND PET FEE (IF APPLICABLE)?
Once your lease is signed, we require the security deposit to be paid within 24 hours. Rent and pet fees can be paid after that, but they are due before you move in to the property. We require these payments to be made with a cashier's check or money order, but online payment may be possible. A link to set up your tenant portal will be sent via email. There you can make future rent payments and submit maintenance requests.
DO YOU REQUIRE RENTERS' INSURANCE?
Yes, proof of renter's insurance is required before moving in to the property. The policy must have a minimum of $100,000 in liability. You must add Saunders Property Management, LLC as the additional insured. If you do not provide us a copy of your renters' insurance by your move-in date, we will buy insurance on your behalf and charge it to your account as a monthly fee.
HOW DO YOU CALCULATE PRORATED RENT?
We use a 30-day proration calculation no matter how many days in the month there are. For example, your rent is $1,000/month. $1,000 divided by 30 days equals $33.33 per day. If you move in on the 15th of a month with 30 days, your rent due would be $33.33 multiplied by 16 days (the 15th move-in day counts), which equals $533.33 due before moving in to the property.
Prorated Rent Calculator
Tenant Move-Out Process
I AM GOING TO BE MOVING OUT AT THE END OF MY LEASE. HOW MUCH NOTICE DO I NEED TO GIVE?
Our leases require a 60-day notice to vacate.
HOW WILL YOU HANDLE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT ONCE I HAVE MOVED OUT of the property?
Under N.C. law, we have 30 days to provide you with an accounting of your security deposit. If for some reason we need more time, the law allows us to give you notice during the 30-day period that we need more time, and that allows us to extend the deadline to give you your accounting by another 30 days.
WHAT IF I OWE MORE THAN is being held in my SECURITY DEPOSIT?
The owner decides what they would like to do in this situation. If the owner desires, they can file a request for a money judgement for the amount due with the courts.
for WHAT KIND OF DAMAGES CAN YOU CHARGE ME?
In N.C. the landlord can charge for any damages above normal wear and tear. For example, small scuff marks on the wall are not something for which we would charge. However, we would charge for paint on the carpet.
WHAT DO I NEED TO do to TURN the property back over to Saunders Property Management SO that I WILL no longer BE CHARGED RENT?
You must sign the Tenant Property Release Form. You can do that by clicking here. You also need to turn your keys in at our office. You can drop them off or mail them to our office, but please be aware you will be charged rent until we have have received your keys and property release form. It is VERY important we have your new mailing address because this is where we will send any information about your security deposit.
When will I hear something about my security deposit?
Within 30 days from your move out date.
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I have to break my lease early. How does that work?
Things happen. Go to the bottom of this page and watch the video that walks you through the process of breaking your lease early.
Tenant Monthly Questions
I HAVE A FRIEND who WANTS TO MOVE IN WITH ME. HOW DOES THAT WORK? CAN I SUBLEASE MY PROPERTY?
They must submit an application like you did. If they are approved, they can be added to the lease as a permitted occupant. You CANNOT sublease the property yourself, and if you do (or just let them move in unofficially), you will be in breach of your lease.
I HAVE SOMEONE ON MY LEASE who WANTS TO MOVE OUT. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
That depends on if they are financially on the lease or if they are a permitted occupant. If they are just a permitted occupant, you, as the leaseholder, can remove them. If they are financially on the lease, you will have to show the owner that you can pay the rent without them.
I HAVE A MAINTENANCE REQUEST. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Log into your tenant portal and put in your work order there. You can find that link at the top of this page (Tenant Login) or on our home page.
I HAVE LOCKED MYSELF OUT AFTER HOURS. WILL YOU LET ME BACK IN to the property?
Sorry, but if it is after hours, you will need to call a locksmith.
I NEED TO BREAK MY LEASE EARLY. HOW DOES THAT WORK?
Check out the video at the bottom of this page to learn how to do this.
WHEN IS RENT DUE?
Rent is due by the 5th and is late on the 6th of the month. If the 6th falls on a weekend or a holiday, your rent will be due on the next business day.
HOW MUCH IS MY LATE FEE?
Your late fee is 5% of your total monthly rent amount. This will be required to be paid with your next rent payment.
I CAN'T PAY RENT THIS MONTH. WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
First, stay in touch with us, and let us know what is going on with your situation. We normally file for evictions each month between the 10th and the 12th. We then get a court date in small claims court, and they will hear the case. Depending on the outcome of the case, we then file the paperwork with the Sheriff, who handles the eviction of the property.
ARE THERE ANY MAINTENANCE ISSUES THAT I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF myself?
Yes, you need to make sure the air filters are changed monthly. You need to keep the property cleaned, the grass cut, the bushes trimmed, and ensure the smoke detectors are working. Check your lease for other items for which you could be responsible.
I WANT TO RENEW MY LEASE FOR ANOTHER YEAR. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THAT?
Great! Give us a call, and we can talk about how to do that for your specific property.
I HAVE A MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY. WHAT DO I DO?
If it is an emergency that needs a response from the fire department, police, or EMS, then call 911. If not, call our office anytime, and the phone message will walk you through how to reach us after hours.
I REALLY WANT TO BUY A HOUSE. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THAT?
Sure, we are happy to help. We have a buyer's agent that is here to walk you through that process. Just give us a call at 336-939-6275.