Renters FAQs

While we encourage owners to allow pets, policies vary from property to property and from landlord to landlord. If you do have a pet, the owner may require us to add a pet addendum to the lease and a pet deposit will be required. The addendum may stipulate that you cannot have any further pets on the premises, for example. On our online application, you’ll also notice a list of dangerous dog breeds which we cannot allow under any circumstances.

Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, allowing tenants to move in early is not possible. The move-in date is the lease start date.

The typical security deposit is equal to one month’s rent. If you have a pet, then the amount increases by $1,000 for the first pet and $500 for the second pet, if your pets are approved. You’ll also have a pet addendum added to the rental agreement.

There are a few documents and items you’ll need to provide along with your rental application. You can find the rental application requirements at the top of our Vacancies page. They are also detailed on the rental application itself.

The standard duration of a lease is one year.

Utility responsibilities are outlined in your rental agreement. In most cases, tenants cover electricity, gas, internet, and trash. Water may be included, depending on the rental property. Check your lease or contact your Orange County property manager for a full breakdown.

There is no California or Orange County rent payment grace period to cover late rental payments, but we understand that things happen and that an occasional hiccup will occur. If you are going to be late with a rental payment, it’s important that you contact our Orange County property management team so we can help you.

Our late rent policy means we always forgive the first late payment each year, as we understand things can happen. Any late rent payments thereafter incur a nonrefundable extra rate of 5% of your rent. Late fees are paid first and may result in a balance of unpaid rent due.

Many tenants ask how much a landlord can increase rent and how often. Rent typically increases annually when the lease is renewed. Standard increases are between 3-5% annually.

Apartments can raise rent without any specific reason, although there are rent control laws in place in California to avoid sudden and high rent increases for tenants. Our Orange County property management team generally increases rent to help offset increased landlord costs such as insurance, deferred maintenance, repairs, and other costs.

We inspect properties 90 days after your move-in date and every 9 months thereafter. The goal is to ensure the home is clean, cared for, and that the terms of the lease are being followed.

For a maintenance emergency like flooding, loss of heat, or an electrical hazard, call the 24/7 emergency repair line listed in your tenant resources. Our Orange County property management team will help you set up repairs with a trusted vendor.

After-hours calls are monitored and handled immediately. Do not use the online portal for urgent needs, as property management does not monitor those requests 24/7.

Many people apply jointly with prospective roommates. The only apartment rules for roommates are that each applicant must meet our criteria and be approved to move in.

Any new residents must go through the application process as well and qualify before they are approved by property management to move into your unit.

Lease renewal options are available for most rental homes, depending on the lease expiration date and property status. You will be notified before your lease ends and given the option to renew or explore other Orange County rentals in our network.

Things happen, so if you are being relocated for work, getting a divorce, or decide to buy a house, submit a Notice to Vacate in your tenant portal, and we’ll work with you. You are responsible for continuing with rent payments until the property is rented again.

As your lease expiration date approaches, we’ll reach out to confirm if you plan to renew or move out. If you choose to move out, follow the notice steps in your tenant resources. Make sure the rental unit is clean and empty by your move-out date to avoid deductions from your security deposit.

After every tenant moves out, our property management team handles cleaning, inspections, and changing locks to ensure the rental home stays secure.

Yes, you do need renters’ insurance. All Orange County residents must provide proof of renters’ liability insurance upon moving in. If you do not provide proof of coverage, then we’ll provide a policy for you at $12.50 per month. There are also great policies available for purchase through the Tenant Portal to cover personal belongings too.

Small, non-permanent decorations are usually fine. If you want to paint, install shelves, or make other changes, request written permission from property management staff first. Unauthorized changes may affect your security deposit or lease agreement.

Log in to the tenant portal and update your profile under account settings. It’s important to keep your contact details current to receive updates about rent increase notices, maintenance requests, or emergency repair communication.