FAQs

We are an Equal Housing Opportunity provider and welcome all who meet our rental criteria. To ensure a smooth application process, we review the following for all applicants aged 18 and over:

• A completed rental application for each person over 18

• Valid government-issued photo identification

• Verifiable proof of income

• A standard credit screening

• A routine background and criminal history check

We require all applicants aged 18 and over to provide a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. We accept any one of the following documents:

• State-issued driver's license or identification card

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. CIS Form I-551 permanent resident card (also known as a "Green Card")

• Valid foreign passport

To ensure residents can comfortably afford their new home, we require that the combined gross monthly income of all leaseholders be at least three (3) times the monthly rent.

Gross income is your earnings before any taxes or deductions are taken out. We are happy to combine the income of all applicants to meet this requirement.

Example Calculation: For a home with a monthly rent of $2,000, the required combined gross monthly income would be at least $6,000. ($2,000 Rent x 3 = $6,000/month)

You can verify your income using a variety of documents, including:

• Two most recent pay stubs showing year-to-date earnings

• A signed offer letter on official company letterhead

• The two most recent years of personal tax returns (if self-employed)

• Official documentation of verifiable income from other sources (such as disability, retirement, or court-ordered payments)

If you have a unique income situation or any questions, please contact our leasing office. We're here to help!

Yes, we offer the option of adding a guarantor (often called a co-signer) to the lease. This is a great solution for applicants who have a solid background and rental history but may not meet the income or credit requirements on their own.

A guarantor is legally responsible for the lease terms if the resident is unable to pay. To qualify, a guarantor must:

• Complete a rental application and pay the application fee

• Pass our standard background check

• Have a gross monthly income of at least five (5) times the rent

• Have a credit score of 700 or higher

As a standard part of the application process, we review a consumer credit report to verify financial responsibility. We are focused on the overall picture, not just the credit score itself. Our review considers factors such as:

• Consistent payment history

• Outstanding debt and collections activity

• Bankruptcies or other public records

• The number and type of accounts

Our screening process is performed in full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and is applied consistently to all applicants.

We do not have a strict minimum credit score. We understand that a credit score is just one piece of your financial story, so we conduct a comprehensive review of your overall credit profile to make an approval decision.

While we don't decline applications based on the score alone, the results of the screening determine the terms of approval. For applicants whose history may not meet our standard qualifications, we offer several options to help secure a lease, such as:

• Adding a Guarantor (Co-signer): A qualified individual who applies with you and agrees to be financially responsible for the lease terms.

• Paying an Additional Security Deposit: In some cases, an increased (but fully refundable) security deposit may be offered.

All options are based on our standard, pre-defined screening criteria and are offered in full compliance with Fair Housing laws. We encourage you to speak with our leasing office about your specific situation.

We conduct a background screening on every applicant aged 18 and over. This check looks for relevant criminal history in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Housing guidelines.

A criminal background screening is completed for every applicant aged 18 or older. We are committed to a fair and equitable process, and our review is conducted in full compliance with the Fair Housing Act and guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Our Process: We believe in an individualized assessment rather than a blanket policy. We review each record on a case-by-case basis, considering the following:

• The nature and severity of the offense

• The amount of time that has passed since the conviction

• Any mitigating information or evidence of rehabilitation you wish to provide

Types of Offenses Reviewed: Our review focuses on convictions that present a demonstrable risk to residents or property. These may include, but are not limited to, felonies or misdemeanors related to:

• Violence, threats, or harm to persons

• Drug manufacturing or distribution

• Sex-related offenses

• Arson or other severe property damage

NOTE: An arrest record is not a basis for denial. We only consider actual convictions. If your application is affected by information in your screening report, you will be notified and given an opportunity to provide additional context.

Yes, verifying past rental performance is a key part of our application process. Our team will contact the landlords you've listed for the past [e.g., 2-3] years to confirm a responsible rental history.

Specifically, we look for:

• A consistent record of on-time payments

• No outstanding debts to previous landlords

• No history of evictions filed

• No major lease violations

What if I'm a first-time renter? We welcome first-time renters! If you don't have a rental history, we will simply place a greater emphasis on your credit and income qualifications. Conditional approval may be offered, potentially requiring a qualified guarantor.

We believe in full transparency with our fees. Below is a simple breakdown of the costs associated with applying for and leasing your new home.

1. Application Fee: $75 per Applicant

• Who Pays It? This non-refundable fee is required for every individual who will be on the lease (aged 18 and over).

• What Does It Cover? The cost of processing your application, which includes your credit and background screening reports.

• When Is It Paid? This fee is submitted with your online application.

2. Administrative Fee: $150 per Home

• Who Pays It? This is a one-time, non-refundable fee for the home, not per person.

• What Does It Cover? This fee is collected after your application is approved. It reserves the home for you and covers the costs of drafting all lease documents, setting up your official resident account, and coordinating the final preparations for your move-in.

• When Is It Paid? This fee is typically paid at the time of the application and prior to approval.

We understand that move-in costs are a major consideration, so we offer several flexible options for your security deposit.

1. Traditional Security Deposit This is a standard, fully refundable deposit that is held during your residency to cover any potential damages beyond normal wear and tear.

• Standard Approval: The deposit is equivalent to one month's rent.

• Conditional Approval: Based on the overall screening results, some applicants may be approved with a higher deposit, typically equivalent to two months' rent.

2. Security Deposit Alternative with Rhino We are proud to partner with Rhino to offer you a modern, affordable alternative to a cash deposit.

• How It Works: Instead of paying a large, upfront refundable deposit, you pay Rhino a smaller, non-refundable fee (either monthly or as a one-time payment). This insurance policy satisfies our security deposit requirement, allowing you to move in for a fraction of the traditional cost.

IMPORTANT: Any fees paid to Rhino are non-refundable insurance premiums.

How to Sign Up: Our leasing team can provide you with information on Rhino and guide you through the simple enrollment process.

We proudly offer flexible leasing options to fit your lifestyle. Here is a clear breakdown of how our lease terms work.

Standard Lease Term: Our most popular and typically best-priced lease option is for 12 months.

Flexible Options & Pricing: We generally offer a range of lease terms from 6 to 24 months. The availability and pricing for these terms are dynamic and can change daily. The monthly rent is determined by several factors, including your move-in date and the length of your lease. Often, shorter-term leases will have a higher monthly rent, while longer-term leases may offer a better value.

How to Find Current Availability: The best way to see the most accurate, up-to-the-minute pricing for all available lease terms is to visit our online leasing portal. You can select a specific home and move-in date to view all your options.

We love our four-legged residents! We are a pet-friendly community and welcome your pets subject to the guidelines below.

General Policy: A maximum of two (2) pets are allowed per home. Some dog breed restrictions apply. Please contact our leasing office for a complete list before applying. Weight limits may apply in certain areas; please check with our team.

Fees:

• One-Time Pet Fee: $350 per pet (non-refundable)

• Monthly Pet Rent: $25 per pet

Assistance Animals: Service animals and verified Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not considered pets and are welcome without any pet fees or restrictions. Please contact us to complete the required accommodation request paperwork.

To maintain a safe and secure community, our policies distinguish clearly between adding a leaseholder and subletting.

Subletting and Short-Term Rentals: Not Permitted. Every person living in our community must be an approved leaseholder who has passed our screening process. Therefore, subletting your home or listing it for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) is a violation of the lease agreement and is strictly prohibited.

Process for Adding a Roommate to Your Lease:

Step 1: Contact the Leasing Office. A current leaseholder must notify our team. We will guide you and your prospective roommate through the next steps.

Step 2: Application and Screening. The new person must:

• Complete our standard rental application online

• Pay the non-refundable application fee

• Successfully pass the same credit, criminal, and rental history screening that all our residents complete

• Meet the income requirements (total household income must continue to meet the community standard, typically 3x the rent)

Step 3: Lease Addendum. Upon approval, all current and new residents will sign a lease addendum. This legally adds the new roommate to the lease, granting them full rights as a resident and making them equally responsible for the lease terms.

NOTE: All individuals on a lease are considered "jointly and severally liable," meaning every leaseholder is held both individually and collectively responsible for the entire rent amount and all conditions of the lease.

Our move-in process is designed to be simple and seamless. It's broken into two parts: a few things to complete before you arrive, and the key handover on your big day.

Before Your Move-In Day: To ensure everything is ready, please complete these items at least 48 hours prior to your move-in appointment:

• Sign your lease documents electronically

• Set up your electricity account with [Electric Provider Name] and provide us with your account number

• Provide proof of renter's insurance (minimum $300,000 liability)

• Pay your move-in balance (first month's rent, deposit, etc.) in the online Resident Portal

On Your Move-In Day:

• Arrive at the leasing office for your scheduled appointment

• We'll do a quick review, share important community details, and answer any questions

• Once everything is finalized, we'll hand you the keys and welcome you to your new home!

Yes. For your financial protection, all residents must provide proof of an active renter's insurance policy with a minimum of $300,000 in personal liability coverage.

Renter's insurance is an inexpensive way to protect your personal belongings from events like fire or theft, and to cover you in case of accidental damage to the property.

To comply, you will need to:

• Obtain a policy from any licensed insurance provider

• List our community, [Your Community Name LLC], as an "Interested Party"

• Upload the "Declarations Page" of your policy to your online resident portal before you move in

We're committed to making the rent payment process as easy as possible. Here is a complete guide to our policies and payment options.

When Your Rent is Due:

• Due Date: Rent is officially due on the 1st of each month

• Grace Period: You have until the end of the day on the 3rd of the month to pay without penalty

• Late Fees: A late fee will be applied to any outstanding balance starting on the 4th of the month. We highly recommend setting up auto-pay to avoid this!

Your Payment Options:

1. Online Resident Portal (Easiest & Most Popular) Through our secure online portal, you can:

• Set up Auto-Pay: Schedule recurring payments so your rent is always on time

• Pay with eCheck (ACH): This option is free and debits directly from your bank account

• Pay with Credit/Debit Card: A standard third-party processing fee will apply

2. Pay with Cash at a Local Retailer (WIPS) If you need to pay with cash, we can issue you a Walk-In Payment System (WIPS) card. Simply take it to a participating retailer (like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) to make your payment safely and securely.

3. Pay by Check or Money Order You may drop off a check or money order in the secure payment box located at our leasing office. Please make it payable to West End Estates.

NOTE: To ensure the security of our residents and staff, we do not accept cash payments directly at the leasing office.

To ensure a fair and consistent process for all residents, we strictly follow the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

• Grace Period: Rent is due on the 1st, but you have until the end of the day on the 3rd of the month to pay without penalty.

• Late Fees: Starting on the 4th of the month, an initial late fee will be applied to your account. A daily late fee may also accrue until the balance is paid. Please see your lease for the specific fee amounts.

• Legal Action: If the balance remains unpaid, a formal "Notice to Vacate" may be issued, which is the first step in the legal eviction process.

Communication is important. If you are facing financial difficulties, please contact our office before the grace period ends to discuss your situation.

In your monthly rent, we include standard trash removal and community pest control.

Residents are responsible for setting up and paying for their own electricity, water/sewer, and internet/cable services. Our leasing team can provide you with a list of local providers for your convenience.

Our professional maintenance team is ready to ensure your home is in great condition. To provide the quickest and most effective service, we have two distinct channels for requests.

For Non-Emergency Requests (The Fastest Method): For all standard maintenance needs (like a dripping faucet, an appliance issue, or a burnt-out exterior light), the best way to reach us is through your Online Resident Portal.

Why use the portal?

• Available 24/7: Submit your request anytime, day or night

• Track Your Request: You can provide detailed notes, upload photos, and see real-time status updates

• Creates a Record: All your requests are logged for easy reference

Our team addresses these requests in order of priority during regular business hours, and we will always knock and announce our presence before entering your home.

For URGENT Maintenance Emergencies: Please contact our office at 000-000-0000. When the recording picks up, press 2 for maintenance.

WARNING: Do NOT submit emergency requests through the online portal.

What qualifies as an emergency? An emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to safety, health, or the property. This includes:

• No air conditioning when the outside temperature is above 80°F

• No heat when the outside temperature is below 50°F

• Major water leak or flooding

• Total loss of power (and it's not a known area outage)

• Smell of gas (please also evacuate and call 911 and your gas provider)

• A broken lock or window that compromises your home's security

• Structural or major damage to home