Policies on Renting FAQs

Q: I see a home I like on your website. How do I view the home?

A: After reviewing the list of available properties, drive by those homes in which you have an interest. A drive-by is recommended to allow you a chance to inspect the age, condition and surrounding areas to see if they meet your standards. There are a variety of different ways to view our properties, in fact, many of our vacant properties allow you to come to the office and check out a key. There is no charge for this service but a valid drivers license must be left with us while you have the key out. Please call the office at 520-458-4388.

Q: I have driven by the home and would like to see the inside. How do I schedule a viewing?

A: Call the office at 520-458-4388 to set up an appointment. If you are viewing a property with one our staff, please be prompt for your appointment as our staff may not be able to wait for your arrival due to additional viewing appointments. The staff member will be able to answer specific property questions and provide you with applications. Applications can also be obtained here on our website as well.

Q: I am ready to apply. What do I need to do?

A: Applications may be obtained from from the office, here on the website OR faxed to you 24 hours a day by calling 520-458-4388. The Application must be completely filled out and signed before they will be processed. Each Adult resident must fill out a separate application to ensure we receive complete background information. Married couples that live together may complete one single application.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: There is an application fee of $25.00 per adult applicant (18 years of age). This fee may be paid by personal check, or money order. We do not accept cash. This fee must accompany your application or it will not be processed until received.

Q: How long does it take to process my application?

A: Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing will normally be completed within 24 hours. This can be longer if a complication arises such as difficulities contacting your past landlords. We will review a credit and crminal background report, verify your employment or income, and check with any current and past landlords you have rented from. As a representative of the Owner of the property, we must act in their best interests and will choose the best application if more than one has applied.

Q: What are the qualifying rules?

A: We manage homes for many different homeowners, each homeowner may have a different standard for tenant selection. Generally, owners consider the following factors: Satisfactory credit history, Monthly income about three times the monthly rental amount, No outstanding judgments, No past rental evictions, Established history of credit since a past bankruptcy, Verified employment, Criminal background check, Present and former landlord references. All properties are offered subject to Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, country of natural origin, handicap, or familial status. 

Q: Once I am approved what happens next?

A: After an application is approved you will need to pay a deposit to hold the property. Once a deposit to hold is recieved any other applications on the same property will be held until the lease is signed. Deposits must be paid by money order or cashier check. No cash or personal checks are accepted. At the time of your deposit being paid, the leasing staff will set an appointment for you to return, sign your lease agreement and pay the first months rent (this must also be paid by cashier check or money order). If no deposit has been received within 24 hours of approval, the property will return to available status and any other application on file will be considered.

Q. How much does it cost to move into a rental home?

 A: Based on a $1,000 per month rent, your monies needed at lease signing would be $1,000 first month, $1,000 security deposit, $250 pet deposit (if applicable), and a $25 application fee per adult. There may also be a 1% city rent tax.

Current Tenant FAQs

Q: What if I don’t pay my rent on time?

A: Your rent is due by the first of the month, with the first of the month being defined as the postmark on the envelope (not the date written on the check). Rent is due on the first, if not paid by 5p.m. on the third, and eviction processes begin on the fourth. Late fees are as follows: Tenant agrees to pay a 10% of your monthly rent as late fee for any payments not RECEIVED by the Landlord on or before the third (3rd) day of the month) NO Exceptions and $5.00 a day every day after that. Tenant understands that if payment is not received, by US mail at the designated address on or before the 3rd day of the month, a 5-day notice will be issued. If the rent is not received by the expiration of the 5-day notice, an eviction will be processed. The landlord will not pick up payments at the premise. The Tenant agrees to pay for all cost involved in the eviction process, including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees. REMEMBER THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO PAY THE RENT ON TIME. IT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT OBLIGATION. Here’s a hint for you. Mail your rent check early, so that we receive the check early. You will never have a problem if you do this. Note that we don’t make deposits of rent checks until when it is due, that is the first of the month.

Q: What if I send the Landlord a bad check?

A: Several things. First, your rent is now late (see above for what happens if you don’t pay your rent on time). Realize of course that “passing a bad check” is against the law. In the event Tenant’s check is returned for any reason, a $35 returned check charge will apply, AND the late charge as stated herein. Returned checks must be redeemed by CASHIER’S CHECK, CERTIFIED CHECK or MONEY ORDER. The SECOND TIME a check is returned, Tenant agrees to pay all future rents and charges in the form of CASHIER’S CHECK, MONEY ORDER or CERTIFIED CHECK. If the Tenant’s rent is past due and the landlord exercises his/her legal right to seek a judgment against the Tenant in court, a $500 fee shall apply in addition to court costs, late fees and past rent due.

Q: What is the process of moving out?

A: Call our offices and let us know as soon as you are sure that you are going to need to move. We will send you a “Moving Out Package” that will consist of the following: RECEIPT OF TENANT’S NOTICE TO VACATE, MOVE OUT INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES AND A SURVEY. Refer to the packet of information provided to you when you signed the lease agreement. These forms will give you a good idea of what to expect. Also see Move-Out Questions.

Q: How long after I vacate will I get my security deposit back?

A: First know that in order to get your full security deposit back, you must follow the Move Out Instructions that would be sent to you after you give notice to vacate. Also anything that needs repair may be deducted from the full amount. Remember, we only expect you to return your home in the same condition as when you moved in. Your security deposit will be mailed to the forwarding address you provide within 14 days after your Move-out Inspection has been completed.

Q: What if I want to get a roommate?

A: Not a problem. However you must follow the rules. Your home has a maximum number of people who can live there. Only people listed on your lease may occupy your home. All adult persons MUST complete a credit application that includes criminal background checks, and they must be approved by Landlord BEFORE (not after) they are allowed to move in. The new occupant will be added to the lease, but remember that EVERYONE is responsible for paying the rent, and consequently, if the rent is not paid, EVERYONE will be evicted, and EVERYONE will have the event recorded in their credit history.

Q: What if I want to get a pet?

A: Probably this too is not a problem, UNLESS THE LEASE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS PETS. However, you must follow the rules. The first rule is that some breeds of dogs are prohibited for any reason. See your rental handbook concerning what breeds of dogs are not allowed. If you obtain a dog that is on the prohibited list, this is immediate grounds for eviction, so don’t do it. Next, you must contact the Landlord in order to ad the pet to the lease and pay an animal deposit.

Q: What if something breaks?

A: Remember first that this is your home. So if something minor breaks, then fix it yourself. If something major breaks, then by all means contact the Landlord. Remember that should any damage to the property, including but not limited to broken windows, fixtures, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, or appliances, beyond normal wear and tear, be caused by Tenant, occupants, family member, guests, or other persons related to or affiliated in any way with Tenant, Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for costs of such repairs within FIFTEEN (15) days of repairs being completed, or at the time of the next rental payment, whichever comes first.

Q: What if I have bugs?

A: You have two choices. Either hire a pest company to provide routine extermination for you OR do the routine extermination services yourself. Note that Sierra Vista realty does not provide pest control.

Q: So how clean do you want to place to be?

A: Ideally we would like your home to be the nicest place on the block. Realistically, however, we want you to keep all outside areas and hallways clean, uncluttered and broom swept. All walks, yards, driveways and parking areas are to be kept free and clean of all personal property, such as toys, bicycles, buggies, motorcycles, etc. Tenant must keep the yard mowed, edges and weeds pulled in order to maintain the outward appearance of the property. The yard, trees and shrubs must be maintained regularly, either by the Tenant or by a service hired by Tenant, or the Landlord will have the landscaping at the Tenant’s expense.

Q: Can I have a party?

A: Of course! However, it is recommended that your activities be kept in moderation, and it is also recommended that you speak with your neighbors before you have your party. Remember they have our telephone number too. Also remember that any excessive traffic or frequent guests or visitors in and out of the dwelling is considered a violation of this lease. Complaints from neighbors, other tenants, police, city officials or anyone else about noise, late night (after 10:00 pm) activities, or any other nuisances are considered a violation of your lease. If the premises are a condominium unit or a single family home in a deed restricted neighborhood, Tenant agrees to abide by the Condominium Rules, Regulations and/or Declaration of Condominium or the Association covenants and agrees to pay for copies of said Declaration if desired but in any event may read the Declaration at the office of the Landlord during the Landlord’s office hours, provided reasonable notice is given Landlord by Tenant for such reading. Also remember that you, occupants, guests, family members, or other persons related to or affiliated in any way with you shall not engage in any unlawful activity. In the event that any of these parties violate this provision, Tenant shall be subject to termination of lease and eviction.

Q: What about parking or working on my car?

A: Other than changing a tire, NO CAR REPAIRS OR DISMANTLING IS ALLOWED, NOR SHALL INOPERATIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING THOSE WITH FLAT TIRES ARE TO BE PARKED ON THE PREMISES. Oil and gas spills will be cleaned up at the Tenant’s expense. The Landlord has the right to request Tenant to move vehicles to avoid hazard with lawn mowing or any other maintenance activity, if such maintenance is provided by Landlord/Owner. NO PARKING ON THE GRASS. No mobile homes, trucks, campers, boats, trailers, or other recreational vehicles are to be parked on the premises unless by prior written permission of the Landlord.

Q: Can I paint the walls or put up wallpaper?

A: No. We cannot allow you to paint, wallpaper, alter, remodel, or structurally change any part of the property, nor remove any fixtures there from, although you can ask and in some situations, we may be able to make arrangements between yourself and Sierra Vista Realty for a special project. In this situation, your request is all the more likely if you are an excellent tenant!

Q: Will the Landlord drop in on me unannounced?

A: No. What may happen is that the Landlord will want to perform routine maintenance on the house to keep it in good working order. If this were to occur, Sierra Vista Realty would send you a PROPERTY INSPECTION/ROUTINE MAINTENANCE letter, informing you of when to expect the Landlord or affiliated contractors to perform the work. If such work is required on the inside of the home, the Landlord or affiliated contractors would set a time with you to do such work. No work would be performed inside your home without you being present.

Q: What if I screw up and do something in violation of the lease agreement?

A: You will receive a written notice explaining the violation and prescribed number of days to comply OR the property manager will fix the violation and bill you, the tenant, with the amount due on receipt (not rolled into the next rent) OR if the violation is egregious, the process of eviction will begin. Example of reasons why you may receive such a written notice includes parking vehicles on the lawn; grass/shrubs not cut; garbage in yard; garbage cans not picked up; unauthorized and/or vicious animals; and parties and/or loud music, among other issues. If you get such a written notice, then we recommend that you take IMMEDIATE ACTION to correct the problem.

Q: What if I have an emergency?

A: Again remember, while this is a house, it is your home. In case of emergencies, call the emergency service number, 227-6694, leaving your name, your address, and a brief description of the emergency, along with your phone number. Please speak slowly, clearly, and say your number twice.

Q: What if I have other questions?

A: Answers to most of your questions are contained in the Rental Lease Agreement and your Tenant handbook. Read through these documents first, and if you do not find your answer there, then by all means please give us a call.

Tips for Renters

If you need help re-lighting your gas hot water tank click here.

To light your pilot light on a gas fireplace click here.

How to reset a GFI click here.

How to change your furnace filter click here.