What is the age limit to apply for a lease?

No one under 18yrs of age can apply as a principal to a residential leasing agreement. All individuals 18yrs of age and older must complete the application even if they are only residents of the property and not a principal.

Do I have to have some form of verifiable rental history?

No, it is not a necessity but verifiable rental history or mortgage payment history does add to your desirability as a tenant. Canceled, money order stubs, your old lease agreement and / or a letter will help in this verification.

Can I have pets and what is your pet policy?

It is at the owner’s discretion to determine if he/she will allow pets in their rental homes. Some owners will not allow any pets; others will approve only small dogs, while others will allow a dog of any size. Some owners will allow only one pet and others will allow multiple pets. Some owners will allow cats, some will not, and others will allow cats only if they have been declawed and spayed or neutered.

There is an additional security deposit required when a tenant has a pet. This additional security deposit averages approximately $350 per animal. An increase in your base rent may also be required. The incremental increase in the security deposit will be due on the move-in date.

You will be required to complete a questionnaire in regards to your pet prior to acceptance of the animal. Any damage to the property or to the neighbor’s property that is caused by your pets, will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.

Can I get a pet after move-in?

No, not without the prior approval of the owner of the home. A $500 pet deposit will be charged for each pet at that time, and the pet will be added to the lease. Finding a pet without prior approval are grounds for termination of your rental agreement.

Can I install cable or satellite at my property?

Generally, yes. However, you must obtain a consent form signed by your property manager. We have this form available to you on our web page under the “tenant forms/services” link to the left. Print the form out, fill in all of the appropriate information and bring it to the VanEstates Property Management office for your property manager’s signature. The cost of installation is the tenant’s responsibility. Some HOAs do not allow the satellite dish to be visible from the front of the home or from the street.

Do I need Renter’s Insurance?

It is highly recommended to have renter’s insurance on your rental home. The owner’s insurance does not cover the property or the tenant’s possessions. Typically, renter’s insurance is very affordable.

What am I responsible for maintaining?

Tenants are responsible for replacing air conditioner filters, filling water softener, and replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries. Smoke detector batteries should be changed twice a year or more if needed. Proper yard maintenance and watering is required as well. Tenant shall property use, operate and safeguard the premises. Tenant shall pay for repair of drain blockages or stoppages, unless caused by defective plumbing parts or tree roots.

How do I get help for a maintenance problem?

All maintenance requests must be made in writing. Our most efficient way to report a problem is through our website. To the left of the page, we have a link called, “Maintenance Request.” Fill out all of the required information and submit the form. At that time the work order is immediately sent and received by our repairs department and a vendor will be notified to contact you. Another option is to come in to our office and fill out a work order request form in writing.

Does VanEstates Property Management allow sub-leasing?

No, we do not allow sub-leasing in our properties. Please contact our office for other options.

What is an HOA (Home Owners Association) and how does it apply to tenants?

Some neighborhoods have casual HOA’s and some have very formal HOA’S. Homeowners associations are created by builders and developers to help ensure that all homeowners living in a particular neighborhood will take care and pride in their home ownership. The HOA ‘s purpose is to monitor the neighborhood and make sure that everybody is keeping their yards clean, removing trash cans from the curbs, not setting up business in their homes, not parking on the sidewalks or having loud and annoying parties. These are just some examples of items that an HOA tries to control.

To do their job, an HOA employee drives throughout the neighborhood several times a month looking for infractions. Once they find a home that is in violation of the HOA rules, they send out a letter of violation to the owner. This letter is usually followed up with a second letter within ten days, if the problem has not been addressed and fixed.

As the tenant living in a home where there is an active HOA, you are responsible for a violation that occurs at your rental property.

Once the HOA informs the homeowner, Ace Property Management will send you a written notice to fix the problem. If the problem is not fixed within seven to ten days, the HOA will access the owner a fine. These fines can range between $50 and $250. Once you have been notified and if you have not fixed the problem, you the tenant will be responsible for paying this fine.

What is VanEstates Property Managements policy regarding pest control?

Our policy regarding spraying for insects is that the owner will provide one spray by a professional company; thereafter it is the tenant’s responsibility and cost for each subsequent spray.

How do I check for registered sex offenders?

Go to www.familywatchdog.us

It is the sole responsibility of each prospective tenant to determine if the neighborhood they are interested in renting and living, meets their standards. VanEstates Property Management does not do a criminal or sex offender search on the neighborhoods where our rental homes are located.

Where is your office located?

VanEstates Property Management is centrally located within the south western Riverside County. Our office is located at 1421 E. Cooley Dr., Colton, CA . Office hours are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are available by appt Saturday and Sunday.

What is the policy on roommates?

Every adult with a different last name that applies to reside in a rental home must pay VanEstates Property Management a $45 credit check fee when submitting the rental application. Married couples or couples that have joint credit must pay a $30 credit check fee when submitting the rental application.

If roommates have to move and want to be taken off an existing lease, the new replacing roommates must sign an addendum to be added to the lease. The new roommates must also have their credit checked and qualify as an applicant. The security deposit will not be refunded until the end of the lease term and then will only be distributed to the current names that appear on the lease.

Does VanEstates Property Management accept Section 8 housing?

Currently, Section 8 Housing is determined by the property owner and housing requirements.

How long is the standard lease?

Most of our leases are for one year. Occasionally, a landlord will consider a six-month lease. This usually only occurs in January when the lease will expire in June, during the prime rental season. We do accommodate the United States Military men and women by providing them with a Military exemption, which allows them to break a lease if the government transfers them to another station outside of the inland empire.