Monday, March 31, 2010

Convince Your Landlord To Accept Your Pet

by Britnee Nguyen

When you move into rental homes in Utah you might find many landlords don’t like to accept pets into their rental property. This is because they fear the pet will cause more damage and possibly be a nuisance to the neighbors. There are a couple of ways you can convince your landlord or Utah property management KeyRenter that your pet is trained and will be okay on the rental property.

Provide any training certificates to the landlord showing the pet has been taught obedience in proper schooling. This helps the landlord trust your pet knowing it has been trained by professionals. If your pet hasn’t had formal training, then there are other ways to prove that your pet will behave at the rental home.

One way is to invite your landlord to your current place of residence so they can see the condition of the place with your pet living in it. You could also get a letter of reference from the neighbors and current landlord for the pet. The landlord can also meet the pet at that time to see how they get along and its behavior.

Negotiate a possible pet deposit for having your pet live there. This will give the landlord money in case there does happen to have damage from the pet. If nothing is damaged, you can get the money back when you move out.

Check the laws since some states have policies that allow pets into rental homes. This includes if tenants have special circumstances such as if the tenant is visually-impaired and needs a dog to help get around. This would over-ride a no-pet policy.

If your landlord won’t budge on their no-pet policy, then you will have to find a different rental home to move into. Ask KeyRenter to find a rental home that fits your needs including a home for your beloved pet.

About the Author:

How To Take Care Of Your Rental Home As A Landlord

by Britnee Nguyen

You may be a first-time landlord and not sure of how you should be handling or managing your rental homes in Utah. Many turn to Utah property management companies such as KeyRenterto manage and take care of the rental home. There are some things you can yourself to keep your home in good shape.

Before homes for rent in Utah are occupied, there is a routine maintenance check done around the house. KeyRenter has a 24/7 maintenance crew that can help check for any issues.

Make sure the entire home is clean; this includes wiping down windows and cabinets, and drawers. Check that the appliances work properly in the kitchen and bathroom as well.

Make your home look nice and well-kept by re-painting the walls if you desire. Also, be sure to take pictures with a digital camera of all the rooms in the house. That way you will be able to see if any damage is done after a tenant moves out. You’ll be able to fairly take out of their security deposit the amount you’ll need to fix the damages.

While the property is rented, continue to fulfill any requests of the tenant of any repairs. You are allowed to inspections during the rental time, but you must give the tenant advanced notice before entering into the home. Don’t be negligent when tenants are in your home, you can still keep your property well-maintained.

After a tenant moves out, you can check to see if any damage was done and then get it ready for the next tenants who are moving it. If there is no damage, return the security deposit in full to the tenants. If there is damage that would cost more than the security deposit, you can request this additional money from the tenants.

About the Author:

Renting A Home In Utah

by Britnee Nguyen

You may be deciding on renting a home in Utah, but don’t know the first steps in going about it. Utah property management such as KeyRenter.com helps many find rental homes in Utah that fit their needs. There are several things you should know on how to rent a home in Utah.

Search listings on-line for rental homes in Utah that are available. If you live near the area you want to live in, then you could also drive around looking for rent signs. The best way is to go on Utah property management websites like KeyRenter.com that will have reliable information on all their rental listings.

Once you find a few homes that fit your criteria and is something you want to look further into, then call the landlord or Utah property management to ask for a viewing of the home. Set up an appointment to see the home.

When you go visit the rental homes, bring your background information about yourself with you. This is so you can fill out the application right there if you want to be the first on the list for the home. When you view the home ask questions about it and about the neighborhood.

After the viewing, if you decide you’re not interested in the home, then just thank the landlord or agent for showing it to you. You can also say you’re looking at some other rental homes and if you’re interested you’ll contact them. If you already know you are interested, then ask for an application and fill it out to return to them as soon as you can.

Most likely they’ll run a background check and a credit check on you. If you get accepted after that, then meet with them sign the contract and talk about a move-in date. Ask any questions you may have on the contract before you sign it. After it is signed, make a copy for yourself to keep. The landlord will then give you the keys to the home. Start moving in at the date the landlord said you could. Make sure to make all of your payments on time and to not damage any property while residing there.

About the Author:

Getting Your Rental Security Deposit Back

by Britnee Nguyen

When moving into Utah rental homes, many landlords ask for a security deposit along with the first month’s rent. The security deposit is usually around as the same amount as your monthly rent. They ask for a security deposit is to secure money aside for the landlord if anything is damaged or needs to be repaired due to the tenant’s use.

This doesn’t include if an appliance or fixture breaks because of age or other reasons. But if the tenant ruins something such as dirtying carpet, they can get money deducted from their deposit. Utah property management like KeyRenter also ask for security deposits for the same reasons. Make the most of your deposit and do certain things to keep your house clean to get your security deposit back.

Do a run through with the landlord or Utah property management like KeyRenter to document what parts of the house may already be damaged so you won’t be blamed for it after you move out. Take pictures and make a list of what things are already damaged and have a witness sign it as well as the landlord.

Consistently do quick daily cleanings of the rental home. This includes the bathroom sink, tub, and toilet and kitchen appliances like the fridge and stove. This will make it easier when you move out because there won’t be dirt or grime built up from your time there.

When you move out, refer back to the list you made at the beginning and compare the condition of the apartment to what was listed on the document. That way you personally know what has changed in the condition of the rental home.

Arrange for a tour of the rental home after you move out to show the landlord or Utah property management what the home looks like. If there are any disputes, be sure to negotiate or work it out immediately instead of drawing it out and burning bridges.

After you’ve cleaned up and given a tour with the landlord, ask for your security deposit. They might give it to you on the spot or mail it to you later. If you don’t receive it in a few weeks, write a formal letter asking for your deposit back. If for some reason, the homeowner still doesn’t give it to you when you deserve it, you’ll have all the documents and pictures to prove the homeowner is in the wrong.

About the Author:

Managing Your Utah Rental Homes

by Britnee Nguyen

If you own multiple properties in Utah and have decided to rent out your homes, be sure to know how to manage your Utah rental homes. You have the choice to do it yourself or to team up with a Utah property management company like KeyRenter to manage all your rental homes in Utah.

If you decide managing all you rental homes in Utah is too much, consider looking for a Utah rental property company. KeyRenter has helped hundreds of homeowners manage their homes and can help you save time and money letting them handle your multiple properties.

Advertise your rental homes through yard signs, ads in the newspaper and local magazine, and internet websites. Keyrenter.com can provide all of this for the homeowner as well as a lockbox. Answer phone calls from prospective tenants and set up a time to meet with them to show them the rental home. Keyrenter.com can set these up for you or can use the lockbox to let potential applicants roam the house by themselves when they are told the code to a lockbox.

Give applications to those who want to fill one out and are interested in your rental home. Ask for references and ask if you can run a credit check on them. Keyrenter.com does a full 12-point residential screening on applicants. Evaluate applicants to find the best tenant.

Fill out the contract with the new tenant so all responsibilities are understood. During the length of stay make sure you and the tenant adhere to the contract. Take pictures of the rooms before the tenant moves in so the original condition of the place is known.

Have an organized way of filing your rental payments and security deposit and any other fees. When your tenant moves out, do an inspection of the property to see if there is any damage that needs to be paid for. You can use the pictures you took to compare to the property. If there is, take it out of the security deposit. Any leftover money is returned to the tenant. Be sure your property has fire, theft, liability, and other insurance for your Utah rental homes before the tenant moves in.

About the Author:

Stress-Free Finances While Renting Out Your Home

by Britnee Nguyen

Money, Bills, Checks, Deposits, Taxes… the financial responsibilities may seem endless when you’re a landlord managing your own rental home. An alternative to handle stress-free finances would be to let someone else do it for you.

Property management companies can help with this as well as other renting issues and questions you may have. Utah property management in particular can help from finances, maintenance and legal help. KeyRenter is a property management company that helps its clients have stress-free finances.

First, handle the rent check properly. At KeyRenter, this means the check is written to them on the 1st of each month from the tenant. The check is then cleared through themselves before sending it to the tenant. So if there are any delinquencies, they can handle it for you.

Second, direct deposit makes sure checks are accounted for. Keyrenter not only could send you the check, but can also do a direct deposit right into your banking account. This saves you time of going to the bank to deposit it and gets the money to you quicker.

Third, perform a year-end tax summary report on your rental home to help you know what to file in your taxes for your rental home in Utah. KeyRenter provides this service to their clients.

Use a Utah property management company for a small fee like KeyRenter to handle your finances. This is all for a three-structure fee of $75 monthly management, $400 leasing fee once tenants are secured, and $75 for the year-end tax summary report. These prices are among the lowest for Utah property management.

Other companies can charge 8-10 percent for the monthly fee and charge 25-50 percent leasing fee. Letting others handle your finances while renting out your home can provide a better experience for you and a more organized way to keep track of your records when they do it for you.

About the Author:

Finding Rental Homes In Ogden, Utah

by Britnee Nguyen

You may be looking the Ogden, Utah, area to move yourself and/or your family into a rental home. Rental homes in Utah have been popular since it provides a place to stay that’s short-term and not permanent which many people like. You may want to find rental homes that are closer to some local attractions in Ogden. If so, here are some places and ways to find the best rental home in Ogden.

First, determine if you want to live near the mountains. There are several hiking trails and rock climbing areas on the East side of Ogden that is nestled next to the mountains. If you want to be part of the outdoors a lot, find a place around that area. You can ask KeyRenter, a Utah property management company, if they have any rental homes available in the area.

If you are really into the outdoors, it is suggested to look more into the Northeast side of Ogden. You’ll still be near many hiking trails, but you’ll also be closer to the entrance to the Ogden Canyon. Homes for rent in this area are a good place to live because it’s just a quick drive through the canyon to get to a reservoir to boat and swim in and if you go further there are ski resorts you can go to.

Outdoors may not be your thing. You may like the traditional recreational activities such as going to a movie or doing other family and friend-oriented activities. Look for rental homes in the heart of Ogden which are near the new Solomon Center that houses a movie theater, Gold’s Gym, Indoor surfing and skydiving, as well as rock climbing, bowling alleys, and arcade games. This will provide lots of fun for your family.

You may be a single who likes to hit the town on a weekend night. You should be looking for homes near historic 25th street. The street has several bars, clubs, and restaurants you can go to at night to relax and have a good time. Many people go down there and enjoy the historic look of the street and little shops that are there as well.

If you’re a college student, you’re most likely attending Weber State University which is located more east of Ogden. You will want to look for rental homes in that area. Many choose to live in North Ogden or South Ogden where there are newer homes available that you can move into. Regardless of who you are, there is a place somewhere for you in Ogden, and Utah property management like KeyRenter can help you find it.

About the Author:

How To Find Utah Rental Homes In Springville

by Britnee Nguyen

Finding rental homes in Springville, Utah, may be something you are looking at doing. Springville is just south of the bustling Provo and can provide an escape from the college town atmosphere while still be close to it. There are several rental homes in Utah with some located in Springville. You just need to look at the right places to find them and know what areas in Springville would fit your needs the most.

Looking at Utah property management listings such as KeyRenter can be a good place to start. They have reliable listings since they are a business who is catering to the needs of landlords and tenants. Search their websites and look at the various listings to find ones in Springville and get a general idea of the area.

Springville is close to the mountains and provides hiking trails around the area. If you like to hike and be outside, you should live near the mountains which are on the east side of the town. There are several rental homes in the area if you look for them. You can drive around to find them as well.

The disadvantage to living so eastward in Springville is that you are quite away from I-15 the only freeway in the area. If you have to commute out of town, it’s suggested to live more on the west side of Springville if you are looking for a quick and easy commute. The freeway is fast and if you live near it, it can save you a lot of time.

If you like the arts, consider living near the Springville Art Museum which is close to the center of Springville. Many activities and showings are held there and can provide a way to pass the time for you if you live near it. You could just walk by to check out what they have. Check Utah property management as well for rental homes in Springville. KeyRenter is a good source to go to.

If you are a college student, but don’t like the traditional college atmosphere. You could live in the most northern part of Springville. This will provide you an atmosphere different from the college one, yet is within 5-10 minutes of the nearest university. Good luck in your search for rental homes in Springville, Utah. Location is key in determining your rental needs.

About the Author:

Rent A Home In Utah After Foreclosure

by Britnee Nguyen

Are you in despair because you had to foreclose your home? Your only option after foreclosure is to rent a home while you build back your credit and save money. You may not be sure on how the whole renting process works, but there are professionals in the renting industry who can help you. These rental experts include Utah property management which is like KeyRenter whose job is to make sure rental homes in Utah are occupied and managed properly and legally for the homeowner.

First, check what your credit report looks like. It may not look so great after a foreclosure, but at least you know what’s your credit score so you won’t be surprised when landlords bring it up. Although you’ll have bad credit, there are some landlords who are willing to negotiate a contract with you. If you are worried about your credit report, you can be okay if payment history has been good.

Search for smaller rental homes to receive a more inexpensive monthly rental price. Rental properties include apartments, condos, duplexes, and townhouses. There is a variety of homes for rent in Utah that you can look at. KeyRenter provides all their rental home listings on their website with all the information about each home and a tenant application form that you can download.

Ask family or close friends if they will co-sign a contract with you if needed. Many landlords will accept you in spite of bad credit as long as you have a co-signer. The co-signer is a person who agrees to be in charge of payments if the tenant falls through. Discuss this thoroughly with a person you choose to have as a co-signer. Do this ahead of time before looking for rental homes in Utah, so you are well-prepared and not scrambling to find a co-signer in a short amount of time.

If you get a rental home before your home goes into foreclosure, you’ll also get a better chance of being accepted. This is because your credit score will still be average and not be pulled down by a foreclosure mark on it. Therefore, look for rental homes in Utah well in advance so you can get the home you want.

Have all of your personal documents on hand when looking for homes for rent. Landlords and Utah property management like KeyRenter.com asks for background information about yourself. Have your bank statements, driver’s license, social security card, pay stub, rental history, employment information, and references with you to fill out the application properly and quickly.

About the Author:

Finding Utah Rental Homes After Bankruptcy

by Britnee Nguyen

You’ve filed for bankruptcy and plan on renting one of the several Utah rental homes. There are some things you need to prepare when finding rental homes in Utah after you’ve declared bankruptcy. KeyRenter helps anyone search for rental homes in Utah.

When looking at homes for rent in Utah, you need to see if the home is being handled the landlord himself or herself or a Utah property management company such as KeyRenter. Each one handles the process differently.

Increase your chances of being accepted for a Utah rental home by using a number of strategies. If you choose to rent from a Utah property management like Keyrenter.com, know what the criteria they are looking for a potential tenant. This so you know that you are qualified enough so you are not wasting your time and money paying for a credit report fee.

Just because you filed for bankruptcy it doesn’t necessarily mean you would be declined. It depends on the guidelines of the Utah property management. Sometimes they’ll rent the home to you, but ask for a higher security deposit or co-signer. Explain your situation to the landlord or Utah property management in advance so they know you are not trying to hide anything. Explain your current financial situation that allows you to be able to pay rent.

Include in your application if you have a full-time, steady job or that the bankruptcy happened years ago. Be honest during your application process and many times they’ll negotiate a rental deal with you.

It may be tougher to find a place to live when your credit is tarnished from bankruptcy, but don’t give up. Many landlords and property management will work out a deal with you. Be sure to keep your end of the deal and pay your rent or else your credit will get even worse.

About the Author: