Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the
important criteria used to qualify for renting a home?
• Can I
rent a home if I have bad credit?
• How should I
make my monthly payment?
• How much does
it cost to move into a rental home?
• We will not be
moving for a few months, so how can I learn what homes will be
available in the future?
• There are some
homes that I want to see. How do I arrange to see them?
• Which
utilities and other costs am I responsible for?
• Are you
flexible on when the rent is due?
• What if I
can't make the rent payment on time?
• What if I
want to move out?
• Will I get my
deposit back when I move out?
• Do I need to
clean the house when I move out?
• What if I
have a problem with a neighbor?
• The web page
says "no pets." How can I find out if you will reconsider your
rules?
• What other
pet policies are there?
• Are all
rental agreements alike?
• Should I get
renter's insurance?
• What happens
when my lease runs out?
• Who should
make repairs in my home?
• Can Regency Property Management come into my home without asking me?
• What are Regency Property Management's rights?
• What are my
rights?
What are the important criteria used to
qualify for renting a home?
Generally, we consider the following factors:
• Satisfactory credit history
•
No past rental evictions
• Established history of credit since a
past bankruptcy
• Employment verification
• Present and former landlord references
All properties are offered subject to the Tenancy Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, country of national origin, handicap, or familial status.
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Can I rent a home if I have bad
credit?
Under certain circumstances, we may consider you as a tenant if
you have had recent hardships but are still able to prove that you
can pay your rent on time.
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How should I make my monthly payment?
Rents are due at our office on the first of each month. The office is located at the back southwest corner of the building at 237 College Ave. East, and is open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00....OR you can drop off a cheque or money order into our safety deposit slot during non-business hours at that same location.
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How much does it cost to move into a rental
home?
First month's rent, plus a security deposit equal to one full month's rent. We may consider a payment plan regarding the security deposit, depending on the situation. Just ask us!
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We will not be moving for a few months, so
how can I learn what homes will be available in the future?
Tenants are required to give a 30-day notice of their intentions
to move, so we seldom know beyond 30 days which specific homes are
going to be available for rent. You may want to bookmark our site
and visit often as the time gets closer for you to select a rental
home.
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There are some homes that I want to see. How
do I arrange to see them?
Many homes are occupied and appointments will be needed to see
the inside of the property. You may drive by the property however,
the current occupant is advised not to allow any prospective tenant
access to their home without an appointment being made by our
leasing staff.
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Which utilities and other costs am I
responsible for?
Usually when you rent a home, you are responsible for the power, heat energy and water (and do the landscaping). When renting a suite (apartment, duplex, or 4-plex), usually all of the above is either included or you pay just the power. All tenants pay their own cable, telephone, and personal possessions insurance.
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Are you flexible on when the rent is
due?
Unfortunately, we cannot accomodate late rent payments. Just like
any other business, we rely on cash flow to stay in business and
help provide you with a home.
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What if I can't make the rent payment on
time?
Our lease agreements allow a 5 day grace period beyond the first of the month. If you do not believe you'll have enough to pay the rent within the 5 day grace period, you should contact friends or family to arrange for a loan. Also, we cannot accept partial payments. You must contact the office to make arrangements on the 1st of the month and there will be a late fee charge.
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What if I want to move out?
Consult your lease for instructions. Generally, you must provide
a written notice at least 30 days in advance. If you decide to move
out before your initial one year lease is fulfilled, you will still
be responsible for all rents to fulfill your one year
obligation.
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Will I get my deposit back when I move
out?
Yes, as long as the house is in the same condition as when you leased it, except for normal wear. We will refund your deposit within 7 days of your last paid day of rent.
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Do I need to clean the house when I move
out?
Yes, we expect you to leave the house in the same condition you
leased it.
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What if I have a problem with a
neighbor?
Just like any tenant or homeowner in the community, you will be responsible for handling situations that are not our responsibility.
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The web page says "no pets." How can I find
out if you will reconsider your rules?
At the time of submitting an application for tenancy, you may request any exception that you want the owner to consider. Sometimes, but not always, we may reconsider our requirements after reviewing your pet's verifiable history, and we may increase the rental rate for each additional pet. Pet restrictions do not apply to assistive living animals.
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What other pet policies are there?
We will not approve an occupancy for the following breeds of
dogs:
• Rotweillers
• Pitbulls
• Dobermans
• Chows
You will be required to sign a statement attesting to the fact
that your pet has no history nor any known incident of showing a
threatening posture towards people.
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Are all rental agreements alike?
No. The two most common kinds of rental agreements are "lease"
and "month-to-month."
A lease is for a definite period of time, generally six months to one year. Unless you break the terms of the lease, we cannot raise your rent unless the lease says otherwise. We also cannot ask you to move until the lease is up.
A month-to-month rental agreement is not for a set period of time. It continues until you decide to move or we ask you to leave. If you pay your rent monthly, you must give us 30 days written notice that you are moving. If we want you to leave or decide to raise your rent, we must inform you, in writing with the proper notice, 30 days ahead of time. However, you and Regency Property Management may agree in writing to a shorter notice. Moreover, if you break the rules, perhaps by using the home for illegal purposes or creating a nuisance, we can give you a three day notice to vacate.
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Should I get renter's insurance?
YES! You are not covered for losses to your personal property as
a result of fire, theft or most other risks by the landlord's
insurance.
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What happens when my lease runs out?
Read your lease carefully. It will say what you must do.
Generally if you have a one-year lease, but no automatic-renewal
clause and we accept your rent after the lease is up, the agreement
is automatically renewed, but only on a month-to-month basis.
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Who should make repairs in my home?
You should, if you, your family or a friend cause the damage. For
example, if your child cracks a window, you must replace the glass.
Or, you can ask us to make the repair but you must be prepared to
pay for it.
The best time to ask for repairs or improvements is before you
move in, but after the lease is signed. Walk through the home with
the manager and ask to have certain things fixed.
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Can Regency Property Management come into my home without asking me?
Yes, but only in emergencies. For example, perhaps water
overflows a bathtub in the apartment above yours. We can check your
apartment for water damage, even if you are not at home.
We can enter your apartment or house for certain other reasons,
too, but only after giving you a 24-hour notice and only during
normal business hours. For example, if you plan to move, we have a
right to show the apartment or house to other people. Or, we might
want to bring in an electrician to check the wiring.
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What are Regency Property Management's rights?
We have a right to expect you to follow the rules of your rental
agreement. For example, you certainly should pay your rent on time
and keep the house clean and in good condition. You should also
respect the rights of your neighbors. In return, we will respect
your rights and provide your family with a great home.
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What are my rights?
You have the right to a decent place to live for the rent you
pay. The law says that your home must be livable. If the home is not
livable through no fault of your own, you can move. You may not have
to pay rent after you move, even though you have a lease.
According to the law, for a place to be unlivable or
"untenantable," the problem must be substantial and may involve a
lack of:
Acceptable Heat
Waterproofing and weather proofing such as unbroken windows
Plumbing that is in good working order
Enough hot and cold running water to bathe and clean
Electrical lighting that is in good working order
Clean grounds and building, without a build-up of trash, at the time you move in
Floors, stairs and railings that are in good repair
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