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A.
Just complete PPM's application form, and submit it
to our office together with the required administration fee. You'll need to supply a photo ID, and proof of employment
and income equal to 2-1/2 times the monthly rent on the property you are leasing. In most cases, two months of paycheck stubs
will suffice for this requirement. If pay stubs are not available, ask us about alternatives. You need not show evidence of
income beyond the minimum requirement of 2.5 times the rent.
Not all of our properties can accept pets, so be sure to check with us on this. If you have an acceptable
pet, you must also submit the separate Pet Application form.
Processing time is generally short, typically 3-4 hours, but you should allow us up to 24 hours to complete
the required verifications. We will notify you by phone as soon as we have your final approval.
When we accept your application and fee, you take first place in line until we've completed processing your
application. The exception is if we already have an application ahead of you, in which case we will inform you of that fact
and will not process yours (or spend your app fee) until we've had a final determination on any applications ahead of
you. We've been told that some management firms will take your fee and then lease the property out from under you... but that
will never happen at Professional Property Management, Inc.
Q. How much money will I need to move in?
A.
Once you've been notified of your approved application,
you'll need to bring us the security deposit in order to hold the property. Typically, the security deposit is about
the same as the monthly rent amount. With an approved application and security deposit, we can hold the home for up to thirty
days while you arrange your move-in. After the thirty days, you must take possession and begin paying rent.
On moving day, when you sign the lease and pick up the keys, we will collect from you one month of rent,
plus the pet deposit if applicable. The security deposit and the initial rent must be in "certified" funds; that is, either
a cashier's check or money order. After you've taken possession, you can use your personal check to pay your rent each
month.
| Q.
What happens to my security deposit?
A. Your security
deposit is held in a segregated escrow account in your name. Under Georgia law, within thirty days of surrendering the
premises at the end of your lease, you will receive a written accounting of your security deposit, and a check for the
full amount, less the actual cost of any unrepaired damage or unrestored alterations. (See the FAQ "How is Maintenance and
Repair Handled?" below.) |
| Q.
What is the usual lease term?
A. Most properties
are offered for a lease term of one year, renewable by agreement of you and the owner. Occasionally, we can make exceptions
to the one-year rule, so if you have special circumstances be sure to ask us. |
| Q.
What is the pet policy?
A. Some,
but not all, of our properties will accept pets with certain restrictions and with a small additional security deposit. Check
the listing information to see if pets are considered.
Permissable pets are domestic cats, certain dogs, or caged birds. No more than two animals per household.
Prohibited dog breeds include Pit Bull, Doberman, Rottweiller, Chow, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire, and Akita. Also prohibited
are puppies under 1 year, and dogs over 55 pounds weight (some condominium rules have a lower weight limit).
Tenants are responsible for the behavior of their pets, and for any damage to the leased premises caused by
them. We will collect an additional $200 security deposit (refundable) for each approved pet. |
Q. How can I tell if I will qualify to lease a home?
A. The only way to tell for certain is to have us process your application. However,
it is likely that you WILL qualify if:
- You can prove your identity;
- You can demonstrate the ability to pay the rent;
- Your credit history shows that you generally meet your obligations; and
- Your rental history shows that you honor your lease commitments.
You probably will NOT qualify if you've been evicted in the past.
Q. What if I've had a bankruptcy?
A. If you have a pending bankruptcy that is not yet discharged, you cannot legally
enter into a lease agreement without approval of the court. A discharged bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify
you; we may consider the circumstances leading up to the bankruptcy, as well as your record since (and/or
before) the bankruptcy.
Q. How do I find school information?
A. Our local public school district is called the Savannah-Chatham School System. Their website is located at http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us . Our property listings occasionally include zoning information, but it remains your responsibility
to verify the zoning if you want your children to attend particular schools. Zoning information is avaliable through the above
website, or click here to go directly to the zoning page. Then just enter the property address and click display schools.
A. Under Georgia law and
the terms of your Lease Agreement, the owner of the property is responsible for all items of "normal wear," including failure
of structures or equipment. You are responsible for "damage" to the premises, whether caused by your intential actions or
by negligence. You are also responsbible for damage caused by you co-habitants in the property and guests who are there with
your permission.
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