Tenant FAQ's

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How much is required for the security deposit?

The amount of security deposit is equivalent to the rental fee of one month unless an owner would require an additional deposit based on your application. The deposit and application fee’s are to be paid in full at the time of signing the lease agreement. In addition to this, the funds for the rent and deposit must be certified.

Is applying for a property “sight unseen” possible?

Yes, it is. However, we encourage all our applicants to see the property that they wish to rent first. If you are unable to view the property, you can ask your relatives or friends to do it for you. If your relatives or friends view the property on your behalf, we’ll ask them to sign a sight unseen addendum.

How do I pay the rental fee?

We accept different modes of payment. However, due to security reasons, we don’t accept payments by cash. You can pay through the following methods:

  • Bank Transfer
  • Money Order
  • Cashier’s Check

*DFC will no longer accept payment by mail due to the post office losing mail.

When is rent is due?

You will have to pay your rent on the first day of the month. If you are unable to meet the deadline of the grace period, a $5.00 a day late fee will be applied.

What if I’m unable to pay rent?

First and foremost, always communicate your situation to staff first. Many of our owners are flexible and will offer alternatives if the tenants remain honest and in constant communication. If you are unable to pay rent, contact our office and set up a payment plan or fill our a Re-Rent form to surrender your deposit and vacate the property.

How do you handle repairs and maintenance requests?

First and foremost, we take repairs and maintenance requests from our tenants seriously. We categorize repairs into emergency and non-emergency situation. If it is an emergency, we’ll do our best to get the issue fixed as soon as possible. Please call this number (816) 364-1000 to report any of your maintenance issues.

What do you consider an emergency?

If the condition of the property endangers your safety or health, then it’s an emergency. Examples of situations that constitute emergency situations are as follows:

  • If the heating system fails in winter
  • Sewer Back up
  • Running Water

We’ll do our best to have these issues fixed as soon as possible.

What should I do if the smoke detector will not stop beeping?

This often happens when batteries are running low. Please replace the batteries as needed. You can buy these at the local market or local hardware store. Smoke detectors should always be connected.

Who pays for maintenance on the property?

We’ll handle all repairs and maintenance issues at the property. However, you’ll bear the costs of the maintenance if:

  • You miss an appointment with the maintenance contractors
  • The maintenance issue arose due to your negligence or carelessness
What happens if I get locked out of the property?

Notify us immediately. If you are locked out during regular business hours, a $35 fee will be required for you to pick up a key at our office. If you are locked out after regular business hours, please hire a locksmith at your own cost.

Who’s responsible for landscaping maintenance?

The person charged with the responsibility of caring for the lawns is usually defined in the lease or rental agreement. Though, the tenant bears such responsibility in most single-family homes.

You’ll be required to clean the gutters, trim bushes, as well as mowing, weeding and watering the lawn. Other things include removing snow from sidewalks and driveways in winter and cleaning up leaves in the fall.

We can refer a landscaper to you if assistance is needed to meet these obligations.

Is renters’ insurance necessary?

Yes, it is. A renters’ insurance covers the loss, damage, and theft of your personal belongings. We specifically require our tenants to obtain renters’ insurance that covers at least $100,000 in liabilities. Proof of the insurance will be needed before you move in.

Are we allowed to keep pets?

Please talk to your property manager for clarifications. This request may or not may be approved as some owners accept pets on their properties while others don’t. If approved, you may also need to adhere to certain guidelines. For example, you may not be required to keep certain pet breeds. You may also not be able to keep pets exceeding a certain number.

Keeping unauthorized pets is a serious lease violation.

Can I have a roommate?

Yes, you can. However, the person needs to be authorized to live in the property first and must be on the lease and approved by the owner. This means that they’ll have to be screened first to establish whether they are eligible to live in the property or not.

If you choose to live with a roommate without them being approved, your tenancy may be terminated.

Is subleasing permitted?

No, it is not. If you wish to break the lease early, please contact us. We’ll give you our procedures and policies regarding breaking a lease.

What is your smoking policy?

If you are a smoker, please make sure that you do not smoke inside of any property. You will be fined or evicted if we discover that there is damage to the property due to smoke.

Can I change the color of paint?

Before you do this, please contact our office in writing. Our owners do not allow for tenants to paint, but have in the past paid for new paint in a property to make the tenants feel at home.