How do I locate a suitable place for lease? A real estate agent at Upper End Properties will work with you to discuss your needs, provide you with listings and show you properties that meet your requirements (price, size, location, etc). Viewing properties online will help narrow down your search and come up with a final list of places to view in person. Visit www.upperendproperties.com

Is there a cost involved if I use a real estate agent? Usually not, the commission is typically paid to the agent by the landlord so there is no cost to you, the prospective tenant.

How do I apply for the lease? Read and complete the following forms:

• How to apply for a lease

• UEP tenant and lease agreement

• UEP rental application

You have shown me a great place for lease but I would like to know what else is out there, let’s look at some more listings. There is a natural inclination to wonder if there is something else “better” out there. But if you keep looking there is a good chance that you can lose the place you would like to lease. Our advice is if you find a place you would like to lease don’t assume it will be available later.

You have shown me some homes in one city and I would like to expand my search to a few more. You should really decide where you want to live before contacting a real estate agent. We suggest driving around each area and looking at the neighborhoods, schools, parks, shopping, etc. We will be glad to assist you in this decision by sending you listings and providing you with information. Our job is to help you find a place for lease in the area of your choice. All of our expenses are our own, so please help us help you by narrowing down your choices.

I have bad or less than perfect credit. Should I tell my agent before we look at homes? Yes, it will save a lot of time. Credit issues are not fatal but they do require special handling on the part of your agent, who may need to check with potential landlords before showing you rentals. Be up front and let your agent know of credit issues before you go out and see homes.

What forms will I need to sign once my application is accepted? You will sign the lease agreement; this is the form that spells out all of the terms and conditions of the lease including the monthly rent, late fees, length of lease, amount of deposits and other expectations of both the tenant and landlord. It is a legally binding contract, so be sure you read it, understand it, and agree to all of the terms before you sign. You may also be expected to sign other forms such as agency disclosures, certain state and local area disclosures, etc. These are not contracts in the usually sense, just legally required documents that tell you things you might want to know about the area, the rental, the neighborhood, etc.

Can I negotiate the lease cost? Yes, you may be able to negotiate the monthly rent or any of the other costs (deposits, include utilities, etc). This is not a guarantee that you will always be successful, but it worth asking for.

Can I change the length of the lease? Some landlords may agree to a shorter or longer lease term under certain circumstances. Most leases are for one (1) year. This is usually the most desirable situation for the landlord, plus it gives you a full year of a guaranteed monthly rent without a rent increase. If a landlord does agree to a shorter term (for example, 6 months) they may ask for a rent increase to compensate for the shorter term. For a longer term lease (for example, 2 years) you may be able to get a lower monthly rent.

What are my total costs to move in? Typical costs include first month’s rent and a security deposit, but may also include a pet deposit, key deposit or other charges. The total amount to move in should be clearly spelled out to you by your agent in addition it will be included in the lease agreement.

Can I make changes to the rental property? This is a very common question. Many tenants want to paint a room, etc. The most important thing to understand is that any changes to the home must be approves by the landlord. When requesting changes, always follow these guidelines:

1. Discuss the change with the landlord and get the agreement in writing. If you know beforehand that you are going to want changes to the home, have your agent write it up as part of the lease contract addendum. Otherwise, get permission from the landlord in writing.

2. Discuss who will be handling the costs. Some landlords are ok with paint or modifications or improvements if the tenant pays for them. For larger modifications or improvements, the landlord may wish to share in the cost or pay all of it since he/she may be the long-term beneficiary of the change.

3. Keep records. Save all letters, e-mails and invoices in your “lease file”. This will help avoid misunderstandings or disputes later.

Will I need insurance or am I covered by the landlord’s policy? You should take out a Renters Insurance Policy. In most cases, a landlords insurance covers only structural damage to the building itself and many landlord policies don’t even go that far if the damage is caused by a tenant. A Renter’s Insurance Policy is reasonably affordable and will protect your furniture and personal belongings in case of fire, theft, vandalism, floods, etc. It also provides you with liability coverage in case of accidental damage or injury to persons.

Who will be responsible for repairs? The landlord has the responsibility of keeping the home in good condition, so repairs and maintenance of the structure, appliances, air conditioning system, plumbing, etc are the responsibility of the owner. However, if a specific problem is caused by the tenant, then the tenant is responsible for repairs and the costs.

Notify the landlord promptly regarding any needed repair, and never order a repair without their permissions. Always allow the landlord to choose the repair company and order repairs.

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