Frequently Asked Questions
It is December (or Jan, Feb, Mar) and I am looking to rent a property starting in June, July or August, what do I do?
This is by far the most common question we get. We send renewal notices out between February and March and availability will be determined no later than March 31st (but often earlier). What you should do now is click ‘Join Waiting List’ underneath the picture of each property you are interested in and we will automatically email you when we find out what the current tenants are doing – see Join Waiting List below for more info on how this works.
How does the ‘Join Waiting List’ work?
If you are looking for property that is not going to be available for a few more months, you can easily join our waiting list and be notified via email as soon as we find out the status of a particular property. To join the list, click ‘Join Waiting List’ underneath the picture of the house and leave your email address. You will then receive an email letting you know that the property is now available for viewing or has been re-leased by the current tenants. Your email address is private and will not be shared, sold or used for any other purpose than to notify you one time per property. You should sign up for as many houses as you are interested in individually. Also, please be aware that this is not truly a waiting list – everybody who signs up for a property will receive the same email at the same time.
What does ‘Rented Until 7/31/year’ mean?
This means the property is rented until that time and we do not yet know what the current tenant’s plans are. We typically send renewals out four months prior to lease expiration and will typically know a property’s availability no later than 90 days before end of lease.
When can I view a property?
You may view properties that say Available and are listed either in Blue or Green. If it is listed in Black and says rented until xx/xx/xx then you cannot view this property. When you see a property that interests you and it says available, simply call our office or email us to request an appointment. If the house is Blue (vacant), you can set the appointment any time and if it is Green, then appointment time may be subject to proper notification with current tenants. Please keep in mind that we are looking to sign leases that start on or near the availability date, so if it says available 4/1 and you are wanting to move in August, then you should look for another property that more closely matches your desired move date.
Once I have looked at a house and am interested in renting it, what are the next steps?
We will require a completed application (and $25 per person application fee) for each person who will be on the lease and is 18 years of age or older. Applications are typically processed within 24 hours. Once you are approved, we reserve the property for you, and you have 3 days to come in and sign the lease and pay the security deposit. That is it until the day your lease starts and then you will be expected to pay first month’s rent at the time you get your keys.
What are the move-in costs?
A security deposit equal to one month’s rent is due at the time the lease is signed. First month’s rent is due at start of lease. Maximum Realty does not typically require a last month’s rent be paid in advance.
What is your pet policy?
For properties that say ‘No Pets’, that means no pets. For properties that say ‘Pets Considered’ that means that most cats and/or dogs are permitted. Other properties may say things like cats only, dogs under 50lbs, etc. A separate pet addendum will be required at lease signing and a $150.00 additional security deposit is due. This deposit is 50% refundable. There are certain breeds of dogs that we do not allow due to insurance requirements and those are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Sheperds and Chows (including mixed breeds).
What utilities are included?
If you click on the picture of any property, it will bring up a detailed page that lists what utilities are included. It will also tell you about lawn care and snow removal.
How much are utilities?
Utilities will vary widely depending on the size and age of the home, the type of heat and of course, use. The following estimates should give you a good idea of costs:
Water, sewer, trash and recycling – approximately $75-80/month.
Electricity – approximately $40-$50/month (assuming gas heat).
Gas – approximately $40-$150/month depending on time of year.