Tenant FAQs

Prospective Resident FAQ

• Can You Hold a Property Before I Apply?

  No. Properties remain available until an application has been submitted, approved, and all required move-in funds have been paid. To ensure fairness to all applicants, we are unable to hold or reserve a property without a completed application and approved lease package.

• How Do I Apply for a Rental Property?

  Applications can be submitted directly through our website. Once you find a property you'd like to rent, simply complete the online application and any required pet screening profile. To avoid delays, please ensure all requested documentation is submitted with your application.

• Can I Tour a Property Before Applying?

  Yes. In most cases, prospective residents may view available properties before submitting an application. Showing availability may vary depending on occupancy status and scheduling availability.

• What Are the Rental Application Requirements?

  Applicants are required to submit a completed application, valid government-issued photo identification, proof of income, and any additional supporting documentation requested during the screening process. Each application is evaluated according to our written rental criteria and applicable Fair Housing laws.

• How Much Income Do I Need to Qualify?

  Applicants generally need verifiable monthly income equal to at least three times the monthly rent. Additional documentation may be required depending on employment type, self-employment income, military income, retirement income, or other income sources.

• How Long Does the Application Process Take?

  Most completed applications are processed within 24 to 48 business hours. Processing times may vary depending on employer verification, landlord references, background screening results, and the completeness of the application.

• Do You Check Credit and Background History?

  Yes. Our screening process may include credit history, rental history, eviction records, employment verification, income verification, and criminal background screening where permitted by law.

• Can I Still Qualify With Lower Credit?

  Possibly. Applications are reviewed as a whole. Factors such as income, employment stability, rental history, debt obligations, and overall application strength may also be considered.

• Can Self-Employment or Non-Traditional Income Be Considered?

  Yes. Self-employment income and other lawful, verifiable income sources may be considered during the application process. Additional documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, profit and loss statements, or other supporting records may be requested.

• When Is a Co-Signer Required?

  In some situations, applicants who do not fully meet qualification requirements may be eligible to apply with a qualified co-signer or guarantor. Approval of co-signers is not automatic and may depend on the specific property, owner requirements, and overall application strength.

• What Happens If There Are Multiple Applications on the Same Property?

  Submitting an application does not reserve a property or guarantee approval. When multiple applications are received, each application is evaluated according to our written rental criteria and Fair Housing requirements. Qualified applications are processed in the order received, subject to owner approval and property availability.

• How Old Do I Have to Be to Apply?

  All applicants must be at least 18 years old. Every occupant over the age of 18 who will reside in the property must complete an application. Minor children may be listed as occupants on the lease.

• Do You Accept Military Relocations and PCS Orders?

  Yes. We proudly work with military families relocating to Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Destin, Crestview, Navarre, and surrounding communities near Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field. We understand the unique circumstances surrounding military relocations and may accept alternative documentation for active-duty service members with PCS orders.

• Are Pets Allowed?

  Many of our properties allow pets, although restrictions may vary by property. All applicants must complete our pet screening process, including those with assistance animals. Breed, weight, age, and quantity restrictions may apply depending on the property and owner requirements.

• How Much Is Required to Move In?

  Move-in costs vary by property but generally include the security deposit, first month's rent, a prepaid cleaning fee, and enrollment in our Resident Benefits Package, which is required for all leases. If the property allows pets, additional pet-related costs may apply, including pet screening fees, pet application requirements, pet fees, pet deposits where applicable, and monthly pet rent. All required move-in funds must be paid and all application requirements completed prior to lease execution and receiving possession of the property. Our team will provide a complete breakdown of all required fees before move-in.

• Do I Pay First Month's Rent, Last Month's Rent, and a Security Deposit?

  In most cases, residents are required to pay the security deposit, first month's rent, prepaid cleaning fee, and any applicable move-in fees prior to receiving possession of the property. All leases also require enrollment in our Resident Benefits Package (RBP), which is billed in accordance with the lease agreement. If the property allows pets, additional pet-related fees, pet screening requirements, pet deposits (if applicable), and monthly pet rent may also apply. We do not typically collect last month's rent. Specific move-in costs vary by property and will be fully disclosed before lease signing so you know exactly what to expect before moving in.

• Is the Security Deposit Refundable?

  Security deposits may be refundable provided the property is returned in accordance with the lease agreement, normal wear and tear excepted, and all lease obligations have been satisfied. Upon move-out, the property is evaluated for damages, cleaning requirements, unpaid rent, and any other charges permitted under Florida law and the lease agreement. Any authorized deductions will be documented and communicated as required by Florida law. Please note that prepaid cleaning fees are separate from the security deposit and are non-refundable. These fees are collected at move-in to help offset professional cleaning costs associated with preparing the property for future occupancy and are not returned at the end of the lease.

Current Resident FAQs

• How Do I Pay Rent?

  Rent payments can be made through the Resident Portal using ACH, approved electronic payment methods, or other available payment options. Additional processing fees may apply to certain payment methods.

• How Do I Submit a Maintenance Request?

  The fastest way to report maintenance issues is through the Resident Portal. Submitting requests online helps our team track repairs, communicate updates, and respond more efficiently. Residents should report maintenance concerns promptly to help prevent further damage to the property.

• What Is Considered an Emergency Maintenance Request?

  Emergency maintenance issues are situations that pose an immediate threat to life, health, safety, or the property itself. Examples may include active water leaks causing significant property damage, sewer backups, electrical hazards, fire or smoke-related concerns, loss of essential services where required by law, or other conditions that create an immediate safety risk for occupants. All residents receive and sign a Maintenance Addendum as part of their lease agreement that outlines maintenance procedures, reporting requirements, and examples of emergency versus non-emergency situations. Residents should review this addendum carefully and follow the reporting procedures outlined in the lease. For true emergencies, residents should contact emergency services when appropriate and then follow our emergency maintenance procedures so the issue can be addressed as quickly as possible.

• Who Is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance?

  Residents are responsible for promptly reporting maintenance concerns. Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the property and making necessary repairs unless the damage resulted from the actions, negligence, misuse, or abuse of the resident, occupants, guests, or invitees.

• What Utilities Am I Responsible For?

  Residents are responsible for establishing and maintaining utility services as outlined in their lease agreement. Specific utility responsibilities will be disclosed before lease signing and are outlined in the lease agreement.

• Is Renters Insurance Required?

  We strongly recommend that all residents obtain and maintain a renters insurance policy throughout their tenancy. Renters insurance can help protect your personal belongings and may provide additional liability coverage in the event of a covered loss. As part of our Resident Benefits Package (RBP), all residents are enrolled in a Tenant Legal Liability (TLL) program. The TLL program is designed to provide certain liability protections for the property owner in the event of accidental resident-caused damage, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the program. It is important to understand that the Tenant Legal Liability program is not renters insurance and does not provide coverage for a resident's personal belongings. For that reason, we strongly encourage all residents to obtain their own renters insurance policy for additional protection and peace of mind.

• Want to Get a Pet. What Should I Do?

  Before bringing a pet into the property, you must first contact our office to verify that pets are permitted. All residents must complete the required pet screening process and obtain written approval before any pet is brought onto the property. Applicable fees, deposits, and pet rent may apply.

• How Do Lease Renewals Work?

  As your lease expiration approaches, our team will communicate available renewal options, lease terms, and any applicable changes. Renewal offers may vary based on market conditions, owner preferences, and property-specific factors.

• I Want to Move Out, but My Roommate Wants to Stay. What Should I Do?

  Because residents are jointly and severally liable under the lease, changes to occupancy typically require approval and lease modification. If the remaining resident qualifies to maintain the lease independently, a lease modification may be available subject to approval.

• What Happens If I Need to Break My Lease Early?

  Early lease termination may involve fees, continued rental obligations, military orders, or other circumstances governed by Florida law and the lease agreement. Residents considering an early move-out should contact our office as soon as possible to discuss available options and requirements.

• Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions About My Lease or Account?

  The easiest way to communicate with our team is through the Resident Portal. Residents may also contact our office directly during normal business hours for assistance with lease questions, account concerns, maintenance requests, or general support.