FAQs for Applicants
Getting Started
What are your Office hours?
We are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday and 9:00am to 4:00pm Saturdays. We are closed Sundays and all major holidays. However you may call in for information or to leave a message 24 hours a day at (757) 345-8776; and of course you may always contact us by e-mail at info@earmanproperties.com
When should I begin looking for a property to rent?
You should start looking about 30 days before you need to move. While we usually can’t hold a vacant property for long periods of time without a deposit, we can take applications on occupied properties.
How do I see inside a property that I’m interested in?
Choose a few properties in your area and price range. Then drive by and take a look at them. Do not attempt to enter a vacant property. Once you have narrowed down your choices, call our office and we will arrange for you to view the interior.
Can I make arrangements with the current resident to view a property?
No. While we may be able to show you the property while the current occupant is still living there, we will contact the existing resident and make arrangements directly with them to schedule a viewing for you.
How long are your leases?
Leases are normally 12 months in length. Occasionally a lease can be shortened or extended. Check with our office for details.
Application Questions
Does my application take the property off the market?
No. Until your application is approved, all offers to rent will be considered. However, once you are approved and a deposit is paid for the property, the property is then taken off the market.
How long can a property be held for me?
Once you are approved a vacant property can usually be held for up to 10 days. However, this figure may vary depending on the property. Call our office for details on a specific property.
Can I submit an application on a property that I haven’t seen?
Yes. Many of our advertised properties are still occupied and not ready to be shown. If you see a property that is still occupied, you can still submit an application.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
Providing the correct documents with your application greatly speeds up the process. Please include the following:
• Recent pay stubs
• Photo ID
• A copy of any military orders
• Documents supporting other sources of income including Social Security, Disability, Child Support, etc.
• Copies of any satisfied court judgments which may still appear on your credit
• 2 years tax returns (self-employed only)
What kind of credit history do I need to qualify?
While credit standards vary by property and by owner, some general credit guidelines are:
• 620 Credit Score or better.
• Credit problems which may be an issue include unpaid rents, unpaid NSF checks, unpaid utility bills, and outstanding child support payments.
• Credit problems which are considered less serious include medical bills, student loans, and problems from the distant past.
• All bankruptcies must be discharged.
Who may combine income in order to qualify?
Generally, all occupants’ incomes are combined to determine income qualifications. Call our office for specific details on your selected property.
We are married. Do we still need to submit separate applications?
Yes. All persons over 18 must submit a separate application regardless of marital status.
Do you take Co-signers?
Yes. In certain circumstances we do accept Co-signers (Guarantor). Call our office for specific details on your selected property.
I’m self employed. What do I need to provide with my application?
If you are self-employed you will need to provide tax returns for the past 2 years.
What if I can’t come to your office to submit my application?
Applications may be downloaded and returned digitally as scanned documents: PDF, doc, docx, jpeg, tiff, or by FAX;
Or handed in to a local agent (when available), may also be sent via USPS with Money Order ($25 application fee/adult) to our main office.
How long does it take to get a response after I turn in an application?
Normally it takes 1-2 business days depending on how quickly your employment and landlord references are able to respond.
* This time can vary greatly if the application is sent via USPS, or there is a failure to remit the application fee.
Do I need to call in to see if my application has been approved?
No. We will call you the moment your application is completed. We appreciate your patience; your application is processed with the highest priority.
What do I need to do after I’m approved?
Once you are approved we’ll contact you to arrange to receive your Security Deposit (which reserves the property) and to schedule a lease signing and move-in conference. You will also need to begin move-in preparations. For a detailed list of steps, resources, and links please see: General Information for Tenants
What do I do if I’m declined?
While most applicants are approved, an application is occasionally declined. If this occurs we will notify you directly.
About the Property
Which Appliances are included?
Appliances vary by property. Check the on-line listings for details on a specific property.
Is Insurance provided?
While the property itself is insured against fire, flood, storms, etc. your personal belongings are not. We strongly encourage all our residents to obtain renters insurance from their local agent. We can provide you with agent information to assist you.
What if I have some concerns about the property I’m interested in?
We want you to be satisfied with your new home. If you have any concerns, please make them known immediately. We’ll always tell you exactly how we can resolve them. It is important that all questions be answered in advance of the move-in conference.
Pets
Do you accept pets?
Because each property and each property owner are different, the best answer we can give is “it depends”. In a few properties pets are allowed while in most, pets are not allowed subject to the owner’s approval. Due to insurance constraints we cannot accept the following breeds of dogs: Chow, Rotweiler, Pit Bull, AKA, Doberman Pinscher, or any close relatives. Pet policies are strictly enforced.
Do pets cost extra?
There are very few properties which allow pets. Pets will require additional deposits, & pet photo.
How many pets are allowed?
In most cases no more than 1 pet is permitted in each property.
What happens if I don’t disclose a pet?
Not disclosing a current or future pet at the time of the lease produces expensive and severe consequences. When a non-disclosed pet is discovered (and it always is) it voids the lease and may cause the forfeiture of your entire security deposit. It is critical that all pets obtain prior approval.
Dollars & Cents
Is the $30 Application Fee per Applicant or per Property?
All applicants 18 and over must submit an application and pay the $30 application fee.
What are my total move-in costs?
Your move-in costs will typically consist of:
• Application Fees
• First month’s rent
• Your security deposit
• Any applicable pet fees / deposits
Is there Sales Tax on rent?
No. At this time there is no Sales tax for rent.
Is the Security Deposit refundable?
Yes — provided that the property is left in satisfactory condition at move-out. Most residents receive 100% of their deposit back at move-out.
Are utilities included in the price of the rent?
You are almost always responsible for the utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Telephone). In a town home, condo, or apartment, the policies on utilities vary by each individual property. Refer to the individual property listings or speak with a Leasing Agent for more details.
Do you take credit cards?
Rent and application deposit must be paid by check or money order.
