Paying Your First Month’s Rent
Paying Your First Month’s Rent Welcome to Lobos Management! If you’re paying your first month’s rent, that’s exciting! We welcome you as our resident and look forward to a long time together. As you might have heard, you need to pay your first month’s rent with “certified funds.” We refer to these funds as “certified” because they are backed by a bank or other financial institution (such as a credit card company). Essentially, the bank or credit card company certifies that your payment is guaranteed. What Do Certified Funds Include? These funds include: Credit Card – Use this card to pay your rent online. Note: you will likely incur a processing fee of around 2.99%; we do not collect this fee. This fee is charged by the payment processor, not Lobos Management. Believe it or not, when you pay through the Resident Portal via a credit card, the processor charges 6%; we pay half of that, and you pay the other half. We accept all major credit cards except for American Express. Cashier’s Check – You are able to pay with a cashier’s check. This check is secure and drawn on the bank’s or institution’s funds rather than your own (i.e., as opposed to a personal check). Money Order – This secure, prepaid document is used as an alternative to personal or cashier’s checks. You can obtain these from credit unions, some banks, and institutions such as grocery stores or USPS. Note that you will need to have the equivalent amount of cash in hand to obtain your money order, and you may need to obtain more than one, as these orders tend to be limited to $500 to $1,000 apiece. Why Do We Require This? We are often asked why we require certified funds for the first month’s rent, while the rest of your residency allows for more varied payment methods. The answer is that we want to ensure that, before you move in, everything is squared away financially and no balance is owed. Requiring certified, secure funds is the best way for us to do that. Though this process may seem inconvenient, it actually benefits residents too.
Requirements To Pick Up Your Keys
Picking Up Your Keys On move-in day, you’ll want to come to the office to pick up your keys unless you have made other arrangements with your property manager or leasing agent. For example, in the city, most residents come to our main office at 233 Spahr Street to pick up their keys. There, we love handing out move-in bags, packets, and other goodies! Below is a photo of our move-in bags, ready to be picked up by our new residents. In addition to the fun stuff, we also obviously provide keys. Your set(s) will include a: Unit Key. This key is specific to your unit. Building Key. This key helps you access the building. These keys are found on your neighbors’ key rings as well. Mailbox Key. This key is also specific to your unit’s individual mailbox. These keys are harder to make, as each is small and uniquely-shaped. For practical and security reasons, we supply one per unit, no matter how many people are on the lease. The cost to replace a unit or building key is approximately $10 per key, while mailbox keys tend to be more expensive (around $35), as they are more difficult to make. Per our policy, everyone on the lease will have his or her own set of keys. If someone is an occupant (not on the lease), he or she will have to get a copy from their fellow residents. When picking up your keys, you’ll want to let us know, as soon as you can, what date and time you’ll be picking up your keys. Keep in mind that your lease starts at 6 PM. While you’re usually clear to move in starting as early as 9 AM (when most Lobos offices open), note that we might have workers still making the apartment totally ready before that 6 PM mark. Requirements to Receive Keys In order to receive keys, you must: Be listed as a tenant or co-signer on the lease. Present your photo ID. Pay your first month’s rent with certified funds and have a fully signed lease. Click here for more information on paying with certified funds. If you have roommates, the first person moving in will pick up all of the keys. We do not hold keys here. This person will also pick up parking tags, if applicable. Authorizing Someone Else To Pick Up Your Keys Need someone else to pick up your keys? We can facilitate that, but there are a few extra steps. To authorize someone to pick up your keys, you must provide us with a handwritten note known as a key authorization. This note must be dated and signed and should state that you authorize [FULL NAME OF PERSON] to pick up your keys on your behalf. When that person arrives at the office, they must show a photo ID in order to receive the keys. Below is a photo of what a key authorization can look like: Your authorized person will be given your move-in packet, move-in bag, and keys. After that, it will be your responsibility to coordinate with them to receive your keys.
Move-In Day Tips and Info
Move-Day Tips & Information You Won’t Want To Miss We’ve been in this business a long time, so we know that move-in day is both exciting and stressful! Our goal is to make your move-in day as smooth as possible. We hope this guide answers all of your move-in day questions, but don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need! One way to guarantee a successful move in day is to double-check the Pre-Move-In-Day Checklist (ADD LINK) a few weeks before your key pick-up date. Key Pick-Up Checklist In order to receive the keys for your new unit, you must: Be listed as a tenant or cosigner on the lease Present your photo ID (driver’s license or passport) at the time of pick-up Pay first months’ rent with CERTIFIED funds Have a fully signed lease agreement For more information on picking up your keys, view this article. Picking Up Keys As soon as you know the date and time you plan to pick up keys for your new unit, let your leasing agent know! You will come to your local office to pick up your keys and move-in materials. You can expect to receive one front door key and one unit key per tenant, as well as one mailbox key per unit where applicable. If you are moving into a unit with roommates or multiple tenants, whoever is moving in first will pick up ALL sets of keys for the unit. We are not able to hold keys at the office. The first person moving in will also pick up all parking tags and parking materials, if applicable. Your Move-In Folder and Move-In Bag Along with your keys, you will receive a move-in folder and bag. The folder will include documents regarding Renters’ Insurance, Utility Company Info, the Resident Portal, and required information regarding Lead Based Paint for any property built before 1978. You will also receive a move-in gift bag from your local office. These usually include some helpful items to make your day easier, like water and snacks, along with toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, and trash bags. We try to think of everything to make your move-in day a positive experience, and we’re here if you need anything along the way! Move-In Rules and Tips When it comes to moving in, there are some rules to note regarding parking, moving in, and what to do if you have an issue. We’ll address each topic in turn below. Parking Everyone has a different amount of items to move in. Some people have many large or bulky items, while others plan to order things as they go and have them delivered. If you are moving in with a truck or any other vehicle, please try to work as efficiently as possible. We understand that moving can be difficult, but we encourage everyone to be mindful that multiple residents may be moving at the same time. Please avoid parking in fire lanes or blocking driveways. In the City of Pittsburgh, the Parking Authority may issue a ticket if a vehicle is parked in the same spot without a permit for more than two consecutive hours. Keep this in mind if you are using a moving truck. Moving In Your Furniture We ask that residents do not move furniture or large items through building lobbies whenever possible. Most buildings have back or side entrances that should be used for moving. If you are moving into a building that does not have an alternate entrance (or the layout requires you to move through the lobby) please be especially careful. Many of our lobbies are equipped with cameras, and this policy helps prevent costly damage to lobby areas. We are able to review lobby cameras if damage occurs, and charges may be applied to accounts if damage is observed. What To Do If You Have An Issue Our leasing and maintenance teams inspect all units before your move-in day to ensure a seamless experience for you. However, if you experience a maintenance-related issue while moving in, please submit a maintenance request through your resident portal. If the issue is urgent, please call the office directly. Our staff is available to assist you with any problems that may arise. Additionally, once you get settled, we require residents to fill out their Move-In Inspection Report within 48 hours. It is important to note that this report is for documentation purposes only, and any maintenance should be reported in the Resident Portal.
All About Your Move-In Inspection Form
On move-in day, we couldn’t be more excited to have you! When you pick up your keys, you’ll receive a move-in folder with important information, including your move-in inspection form. Whoever you pick your keys up from, whether it’s a leasing agent or office staff, will go through these materials with you to make sure you don’t have any questions. If you’ve been reading your New Renter’s Toolkit, you’ll probably already feel like an old pro! What Is A Move-In Inspection Form? You will also be instructed to complete a move-in inspection form. This form must be submitted within forty-eight hours of moving into the unit. If you pick up your keys early but don’t actually move in until that weekend, the forty-eight-hour window begins when you enter the unit. If you need more time, please contact us, but we strongly recommend completing the inspection form as soon as possible. Once you’ve completed your form, you can upload it to your resident portal to store in your account for documentation. Here is what this form looks like: This inspection form allows you to document any pre-existing damage in the apartment. However, it’s important to note that the form is for documentation purposes only. If you have an actual maintenance issue, you should submit a maintenance request through your resident portal. The move-in inspection form asks you to list the area or item you are inspecting, the condition you find it in, and any notes you would like to add. For example, if the closet door in the living room has a small scratch, you should note that on the form. This form will be very helpful during the security deposit transmittal process at move-out, when we compare the condition of the unit to how it was when you moved in. If something was already present before you moved in, you will not be charged for it. That’s why it’s important to be as detailed as possible when completing your move-in inspection form.
Paying Your Balance & Signing Your Lease
Paying Your Balance & Signing Your Lease Before you move in, it is imperative that you pay your balance and sign your lease. As far as balance goes, that can be found at the bottom of your lease (see below): Paying Your Balance As shown in your lease, we include the “Amounts Due Upon Signing,” along with a breakdown for your convenience. The example below illustrates how the total amount due is calculated. In this sample, the total of $1,734.00 comes from adding together the security deposit ($500), administrative fee ($199), application fee ($35), and first full month’s rent ($1,000). Your specific numbers will likely be different, but this breakdown gives you a clear idea of what must be paid before you can receive the keys to your apartment. Please note that paying your renter’s insurance balance is not required before move-in, but this balance will be due during your first month of occupancy. For more information on how to pay your balance before move-in, please see our “How to Make Payments” article, which explains certified funds and payment methods. Signing Your Lease We will also need a fully signed lease agreement before you can pick up your keys. Be sure to initial each page and sign at the end of the document. You will also need to sign your water/sewage agreement. If you come to pick up your keys and we do not have a paid balance, signed lease, and signed water/sewage agreement, you will need to complete these steps before keys can be issued. That’s why we recommend finishing everything ahead of time—it makes the move-in process much quicker and easier.
FAQs About Your Lease Agreement
FAQs About Your Lease Agreement When you rent an apartment with us, you’ll always sign a lease. In this article, we’ll cover some FAQs about the lease. Of course, we always recommend reading through your lease thoroughly prior to signing it. That said, these FAQs are some of the questions we hear most often about our lease, compiled below. RENT & PAYMENTS When is rent due? Rent is due in full on the 1st of each month and must be paid without reminder. How can I pay rent? Rent may be paid online through the resident portal or by approved payment methods, such as check, money order, cashier’s check, or electronic payment. Cash is not accepted. What happens if my rent is late? Late fees apply if rent is not received on time (by the first of the month). Nonpayment may result in legal action or eviction. What if my payment is returned by the bank? Returned payments will result in additional fees and may require future payments to be made with certified funds only (credit card, money order, or cashier’s check). SECURITY DEPOSIT & FEES What is the security deposit for? Your security deposit helps cover unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs, missing keys, or other charges related to your lease. Can I use my security deposit to pay rent? No. Security deposits cannot be applied toward rent or other monthly charges. When will I receive my transmittal back? After you move out, return all keys, and provide a forwarding address, your transmittal will be returned in accordance with Pennsylvania law (mailed out within 30 days of your lease end date), minus any lawful deductions. It’s very important to provide a forwarding address; that way, we are able to send you physical mail. How are transmittals sent? Transmittals are sent as a single physical check to one forwarding address. All of the tenants’ names will be listed on the check. UTILITIES Which utilities am I responsible for? Utility responsibility varies by unit and is outlined in your specific lease. You must maintain required utilities in your name for the full lease term. At some of our properties, you pay water/sewage, gas, and electric, while at others, these utilities (either all or just some) are included. It depends on the building and unit. What happens if utilities are shut off? Turning off utilities may be considered abandonment of the unit and could result in additional charges or lease violations. It’s important to stay in good standing with all of your utility providers. MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS How do I request maintenance? Maintenance requests must be submitted through the resident portal as soon as an issue is noticed. The earlier the request is submitted, the better we can address the issue. What repairs am I responsible for? Tenants are responsible for basic upkeep such as light bulbs, batteries, filters, unclogging drains, and damages caused by misuse or neglect. Unsure whether you’re responsible? Give us a call at 412-441-1400. What if I don’t report a repair issue? Failure to report issues promptly may make the tenant responsible for resulting damages. For example, if you fail to report a small leak and that leak gets bigger, the damages from the now-large leak could result in financial liability for you. APARTMENT USE & ALTERATIONS Can I paint or make changes to my apartment? No alterations, painting, or installations are allowed without written permission from the landlord. Can I install air conditioners, washers, or dryers? Only with written approval from the landlord. Certain appliances and installations are prohibited. Who is allowed to live in the apartment? Only individuals listed on the lease may occupy the unit. These individuals can be listed as tenants or occupants. Anyone other than these individuals cannot occupy the unit. PETS Are pets allowed? Pets are not permitted unless written approval is granted. Unauthorized pets may result in fines, cleaning charges, or lease termination. If you are in need of Emotional Support or Service Animal accommodations, please call our office to be given more information on completing that process. INSURANCE & LIABILITY Do I need renter’s insurance? Yes. Tenants are required to carry renter’s insurance or will be automatically enrolled in a landlord-provided insurance program for a monthly fee. Is the landlord responsible for my belongings? No. Tenants are responsible for insuring their personal property. ENTRY, SAFETY, & NOTICE Can management enter my apartment? Yes. Management or management’s agents (such as maintenance personnel) can enter your apartment without notice between the hours of 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM to make repairs, improve the property, show the property to prospective tenants or buyers, inspect the unit for damages or lease violations, or for any other reasonable purpose. What behavior is expected of residents? Residents must follow community rules, respect neighbors and staff, and avoid disruptive behavior. LEASE RENEWAL & MOVE OUT How do lease renewals work? Tenants must respond to renewal offers and provide written notice if they do not intend to renew. How much notice do I need to give before moving out? At minimum, you must give 60 days notice prior to your lease end date that you are going to be moving out. To provide a proper Notice to Vacate, you are required to write a handwritten note with your name, unit, and building declaring your intent to not renew your lease. This note must be signed. You can take a photo of it and send it to us via email or text, or you can mail it (just be sure it gets to us in time for it to be a proper notice to vacate). What do I need to do before moving out? Leave the apartment clean, remove all belongings, return all keys, and follow the move-out checklist to avoid charges. EARLY TERMINATION & DEFAULTS What happens if I break my lease early? Early termination may result in continued rent responsibility, fees, and other charges, in addition to potential legal action. What is