Tenant FAQs
Answers to Your Common Questions
Can you hold a place before I apply?
Potential tenants can hold a home only by submitting a security deposit. The security deposit will be returned with unfavorable application results (applicant will be charged a $100 forfeiture fee).
Do I pay first month’s rent with my security deposit?
This is optional. The tenants first month rent can wait until the actual move-in date (and is prorated based on that move-in date).
How do I pay rent?
On-line the website is the preferred method of rent collection. We currently accept check, cash, Google Wallet, Venmo and PayPal.
How old do you have to be to apply?
In general, there is no tenant age requirement for renting a home. Vesta have an age preference of 18 years and older. Different property owners will have different preferences. You should not be discriminated against for your age when it comes to renting an apartment.
I want to get a pet. What do I do?
Depending on the property owner, pets may or may not be allowed. This is a question that should be asked before entering into an agreement with the owner. However, if you decide that you want a pet after you have already taken possession, please check with the property manager. If it is allowed, there will most likely be a standardized agreement to complete (and an additional pet deposit).
I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay. What do I do?
The first thing that you should do is make sure to make your landlord/property manager aware of this possibility. Policies will differ between different landlords/property managers. Once you have heard back from your landlord/property manager, you immediately need to make sure the rest of your roommates are in agreement with this. After those two task have been favorably completed, then you can proceed with the options that your landlord provides. Here is an example of what options some landlord’s provide in this situation:
There are basically three options to remove your name(s) from a lease agreement. Depending on which option you choose would determine if there were any fees associated with the change in tenancy…
1.
Removal of tenant from the lease form – No fees associated
a. This would be an agreement in which remaining roommate agree to take on your portion of lease responsibilities after you leave
b. Exiting roommate’s name(s) would be removed from the lease
c. Any security deposit settlement would need to be worked out between you and the remaining roommates.
2.
Change of tenant on lease form – Fees associated
a. This would be an agreement in which you would have someone else take on your portion of lease responsibilities after you leave
b. Each new roommate must complete an online application (fees associated)
c. Exiting roommate’s name(s) would be removed from the lease
d. Any security deposit settlement would need to be worked out between you and the remaining roommates.
3.
Lease buyout – No fees associated
a. This is typically an option reserved for situations where everyone is leaving the property:
b. Exiting tenants would pay the remaining balance of lease obligations
i. For example: if lease is $100/month and you have 11 months remaining on the lease agreement, then tenants would pay $1,100 to remove your name from the lease
ii. The home will be put back on the market immediately.
iii. If a new tenant is secured before the expiration of your prior lease, the difference of the lease buyout money will be returned to you.
Is the deposit refundable?
In most cases, Yes. Depending on the results of the exiting/move-out inspection, all security/pet deposits are up to 100% refundable. Make sure to ask this question to your landlord/property manager for clarification.
My lease expiration is coming and I want to move out. What do I do?
Most property managers will reach out to you in regards to renewing your lease well in advance of the expiration date. If not (and you plan to move out at the end of your lease), please notify the property manager as soon as you can. Typically, lease agreements will indicate how many days before the lease expiration date that the home will be put back on the market.
Who is responsible for paying for repairs & maintenance requests?
Repair or damage caused by tenant negligence or misuse is the tenant’s responsibility. In such cases, repairs will be made, but the tenant will be charged for the cost of the labor and materials. Damages or plumbing stoppages caused by tenant negligence or misuse will be paid by the tenant.
Who needs a cosigner?
It depends. If you fall short of the lease requirements for any reason, a guarantor can help reduce the stress of applying. Using a co-signer does not mean you are a bad tenant – it simply acts as insurance for your potential landlord if you do not meet the income level, credit score or other requirements.
Each individual property owner develops their own tenant selection criteria based on experience and characteristics of the local market. Some place heavy importance on credit score (as they feel it's a good indicator of a responsible tenant). However, some review an applicant's credit report in full to try and understand the reasoning behind a lower-than-average credit score. Nonetheless, some are willing to rent to people with a poor or limited credit history.
