FAQ’s about being a Tenant

Q: What are the advantages of renting with Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc.?

A: Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. takes a professional, friendly, detail-oriented approach to working with residents. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver service excellence in everything we do, especially when it comes to the residents of our properties. We are attentive to your concerns and work to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Here are some additional reasons to choose Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc.:
• We will work with you to ensure that you find the right property fit for you and your family.
• We use professional vendors (painters, handymen, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc) to ensure that your unit is in good condition.
• We are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency maintenance repairs.
• We provide a detailed website which provides multiple resources and references for all kinds of renting needs.
• All deposits that are retained by us are kept in a FDIC insured bank in a designated account.
• Our lease is designed to protect both the manager and the resident so that expectations are clearly addressed before moving into the  property.

Q: Where can I get a list of your properties for rent?

A: You will find a list of our available units on our website.

Q: How can I view the inside of one of the rentals?
A: The first step to seeing one of our rentals is to drive by the property to see if it is in a location that is suitable for you. If the property is occupied, please do not disturb the current residents. Once you have driven by the property, you can contact us to schedule an appointment to view the property.

Q: Do you require an application fee?

A: Yes. Each person over the age of 18 who intends to live in the rental property must complete and submit a rental application. The cost for processing the application is $50 per applicant. There is also an additional administration fee of $50 per applicant. If you require a Guarantor in order to be approved, the guarantor will need to fill out a separate application at a cost of $30.

Q: What are the criteria used for approving an application?

A: When you submit a rental application you are allowing us to perform a background search. We are attempting to determine the likelihood of your paying the rent on time, and whether you will take proper care of the property and fulfill your lease obligations. The three main factors we consider are your credit report, landlord/mortgage history, and your employment and income verifications. While your credit does not have to be spotless, it is important that you do not show a pattern of paying your bills late or not at all.

Q: How long does the application process take?

A: Applications generally take 24 to 48 hours to complete depending on the availability of your references. If you have not heard from us within 48 hours, please give us a call.

Q: Do you require a security deposit?

A: Yes. We require our residents to pay the security deposit in order to “take the unit off the market”. In general, the security deposit will be equal to one month’s rent, rounded up to the nearest hundred although some deposits vary. If you are not approved for tenancy, your deposit will be refunded.

Q: Do you require a lease?

A: Yes. We require a written lease agreement on each of the properties that we manage. Our normal lease period is one year (12 months).

Q: What if I need to move before the lease expires?

A: You should notify us in writing of your intent to move. We will make every effort to mitigate our potential loss by trying to rent the home as soon as possible. You will be held responsible for paying the rent through the end of your lease term or until the home is rented (whichever occurs first). You will also be held responsible for a re-letting fee which is typically 85% of one month’s rent for breaking the lease.

Q: What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?

A: If your roommate moves out, a written notice must be submitted to Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc.. Remember that residents are jointly and severally liable to ensure that the rent is paid. You must have written permission from Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. to substitute a roommate. (It is not the responsibility of Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. to arbitrate or mediate problems between multiple co-residents.) Security deposit reimbursements to departing roommates are handled by the remaining residents. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.

Q: Can I sub-lease the property?

A: Yes, but only with prior approval from Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. See our Subletting procedures for clarification.

Q: Can the landlord force me to move during my lease?

A: No. The landlord cannot evict you from the home unless you breach the lease agreement that you sign. Even if the owner needs to move back in to the property, or sell the property to a buyer, your lease will be honored through the expiration date.

Q: Can I get a pet after I move into the property?

A: In order to get a pet in your property you must have pre-approval from Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. If there is a no-pet policy in place for the property then you may NOT get a pet. If pets are allowed you must first seek written approval with Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. and submit the appropriate fees and documentation. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact us.

Q: Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?

A: Generally yes. However, you must first obtain written permission from Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. At some properties you may be prohibited from installing a satellite dish in any location where the dish is visible from the ground or from any other unit in the complex. Any cost of installation (or damaged caused by the installation) will be an expense of the resident. Satellite dishes may not be installed on the roof or attached to the building in any way.

Q: Can I paint or modify something in my rental property?

A: No. Unless you receive written permission from Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. prior to making a change, you may not alter the property in any way. If you desire to alter the property you should submit your request in writing, and wait until you receive written consent before making alterations.

Q: How do I report a maintenance problem?

A: To report maintenance issue simply complete and submit a maintenance request on our website. If you require emergency service after hours, please call our 24-hour emergency response system. For fire, gas or natural disasters, dial 911 before calling us!

Q: How long should I plan to wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?

A: In a non-emergency situation, please allow 24 hours to hear from us. If you have not heard from our office within that time frame, please contact us. Please remember, maintenance requests submitted through the website are only viewed Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Q: What is considered an emergency?

A: Examples of emergencies are active water leaks, flooding, sewer backups, sparks from appliances, gas odors, fire, etc.

Q: What am I responsible for maintaining in my home?

A: You are responsible for maintaining heating and a/c filters and fresh smoke detector and CO2 detector batteries at all times. This may mean changing them at least twice each year or more frequently as needed. The lease states you must change HVAC filters every 3-4 weeks.  Light bulbs that are easily accessible also need to be maintained by the residents. In most situations, yard maintenance may be required. Please refer to your individual residential lease.

Q: Can I be charged for maintenance at the property?

A: Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance problem, you will be charged for it. Also, you may be billed for a service call if you miss a scheduled appointment with one of our service technicians.

Q: Should I purchase my own renters insurance policy?

A: It is highly recommended that all residents carry enough insurance to cover themselves and their personal property. Please consult with your insurance agent for specific details. The owners’ insurance does not cover any of your belongings, only the structure itself.

Q: When is my rent due and where can I pay my rent?

A: Rent is due by the 1st of each month. There is a grace period of 3 days. Late fees are applied to all payments that are received after 8:30 a.m. on the 4th. Rent can be paid in any of three ways:
1. Rent can be paid by mail to our local office.
2. Rent can be brought directly to the office during normal working hours or put into our drop box by the front door.
3. Or you can pay online.

Q: What is the move out procedure to get back my security deposit?

A: The requirements for the return of your deposit are outlined in your lease. They are as follows:

1. You must occupy the unit for the entire lease term or renewal period.
2. You must have given written notice that you will be vacating the property at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the lease or  renewal period. This is done by filling out the “Residents’ Notice of Intent to Move-Out” form.
3. You must have paid all rents and other sums due according to the terms of the lease.
4. You must clean the unit according to the cleaning instructions provided to you at move-in.
5. You must return all keys, as well as provide a forwarding address, to our office at the time of move-out.

Q: When can I expect to receive my security deposit refund?

A: Your security deposit will be reconciled within 30 days of lease expiration and the return of all keys to our office. Any deposit refund will be returned in one check, jointly payable to all residents. The check will be mailed along with an itemization of any deductions to only ONE address of our choosing (see paragraph 4, page one of the residential lease contract). If no forwarding address is provided, your deposit will be held at our office.

In addition, we offer apartment locator services to assist you in finding the perfect apartment for rent at one of our properties near you.

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