Frequently Asked Questions - Tenants
1. Do you accept Section 8? Some of our rental properties are approved for Section 8 voucher assistance, and many of our homeowners are open to the program. It is still required that applicants be approved with a credit, criminal and rental history background check.
2. I'm looking to move in six months, do you have anything for me? Most of our rental properties fill within 30-45 days therefore the ones you see today will likely be rented in six months. Check back in four months to see what is available or contact one of our leasing agents directly so they can keep an eye out for your ideal property.
3. I see that it says no pets, would an additional damage deposit help? Most of our properties have stated that no pets be allowed but we have found that it is dependent on the situation. If you have a pet and would like to still be considered for a property put an offer on the table and we will ask the homeowner if they would be willing to make an exception.
4. What is the cost to the tenant? Tenants are not responsible for paying a BSL agent. At BSL the homeowner compensates us for our services. Tenants are responsible for paying a damage deposit and first months rent to the homeowner in order to secure a property.
5. How much is an average damage deposit? An average deposit is one month's rent. Some owners may ask for a second month's rent if they desire. Other owners may also ask for a last month's rent payment. All of this is negotiated between the homeowner and the tenant through your BSL agent.
6. Will the application I submit work for more than one property? Yes. If you submit an application and the home in which you were interested in is either rented or your application is not approved, we will continue to search for another option for you and your application fee will not be duplicated.
7. Is a rental price negotiable? Our leasing agents are market experts. We work in these markets daily and often times are right in line with what the market is stating as a reasonable rental rate. If you see a property in which you are interested in but feel the rate is too high, it doesn't hurt to ask if another rate will be considered. Just understand that asking prices are often the price in which they rent for.
8. Are application fees refundable if I get turned down for a property? Application fees are unfortunately non-refundable. Because we hire a service to run this application, we cannot refund the fee. However, we are willing to use that same application for multiple properties until we have placed you in a home.
9. Does BSL own the properties? Private homeowners in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area whom have hired us to find them quality tenants to occupy their property own almost all of our properties.
10. Are there rent-to-own or contract for deed possibilities? Some homes available for rent are also available for sale and a few can be considered for purchase on a contract for deed, rental option or rent-to-own basis.
11. Who approves my application? In all cases the homeowner is the one whom approves the tenant. We collect and present the tenants information and the homeowner renders their verdict.
12. Does the amount I pay monthly cover just rent or are their utilities included in that price? Each lease is different. Read through your lease thoroughly and it will clearly state any and all utilities that are included. If no utilities are stated as included, it is the tenant's responsibility to pay all utilities.
13. If I have bad credit, does that mean I will not be approved? No. Credit is not the only criteria in which is considered. If a credit issue is of concern please submit a full description with your application explaining the issues that will arise once a credit report has been pulled.
14. If I find the ideal home and want to secure the property what is needed to do so? A full damage deposit in most cases is enough to secure the property. However, it will be expected that the first month's rent is secured prior to occupancy. If the lease states that rent is due on the first and the first rental payment has not yet been received then the lease becomes null and void and the damage deposit is forfeited.
15. How do I request a showing? Contact us to preview a home.
16. Who pays association dues on townhomes? Each property is unique. In most cases the homeowner will be responsible for paying all association dues unless otherwise noted in the lease.