How do I know if a property is still available?
How do I apply for a rental?
What are your qualifications to rent?
Can I be approved with bad credit?
Why don’t you accept a personal check for the application fee?
What are your criminal background standards?
Is the application fee refunded if I am denied?
Why do I need a co-signer?
Do you rent to roommates?
How long will it take to process my application?
What if I have special circumstances that I need to tell you?
How will I find out the results of my application?
What is an Adverse Action letter?
Why can’t you give me a copy of my credit report?
Is the owner willing to make property modifications to accommodate a disability?
What is best method of communication during the application process?
Will you hold a property for me?
Why should I rent from your company?
Why can’t I have a lease longer than one year?
When is my rent due and where can I pay my rent?
How much are late fees?
What happens if I pay my rent late?
Why are the late fees so high?
Why are you charging me for serving a notice to pay rent?
What is a notice to pay or quit? (AKA 3-Day Notice)
Can I pay a portion of my rent payment?
Can I set up an account to pay my rent automatically without having to think about it each month?
Can I pay my rent through your website?
My Paylease bank or credit card deduction didn’t go through, am I late on rent if I pay by check?
How many keys do I get?
What happens if I lock myself out of my home?
How do I get help for a maintenance problem?
How long should I wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?
What do I do in an emergency?
What am I responsible for maintaining?
What do I do if I have ants/roaches/spiders or other pests?
Can I plant my own landscaping?
Can I make repairs and deduct the costs from my rent?
Do we have full access to the community/HOA services as a tenant?
Who pays the HOA fees?
Do I need approval to paint or change something in the home I am renting?
Do I need renter’s insurance?
I don’t want you or the owner entering the property at any time.
What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?
What do I do if I need to move out?
What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?
Can I sublease my apartment/house?
Do I get any rent back if I move out early?
I have given my 30 days to move out, but I need to retract my 30 day notice, what am I suppose to do?
Do I have to turn in my keys to the office when I move out?
Can I use my security deposit as the last month’s rent?
When I move out, why can’t I clean the carpet myself?
I have given my 30 day notice, but I need an extra week or so to move out, what do I need to do?
Do you have a limit on the number of pets that are allowed at a property?
Is there anyway to negotiate the deposit? Can the deposit be split up?
What do I have to do to get approval for satellite installation?
What is the renewal procedure?
When is my lease up?
Can I go month-to-month when my lease ends?
How much will it cost me if I break my lease?
I am getting a new roommate do they have to apply?
How do I take someone off the lease?
I need to break my lease but I have found someone who is willing to rent the property.
Is this allowed?
When do I get my deposit back?
What is a Pet Fee and what does it include?
How much is a pet fee?
Can I pay all of my rent in advance?
Can the co-signer be taken off the lease after the first year?
Do you take section 8?
What is a companion or support animal?
My pet is a support or companion animal. May I rent the property?
I don’t get paid until the 10th and I don’t have rent money, do I still have to pay late fees?
I paid rent at 10:30 a.m. on the next business day after the 1st of the month, why am I being charged late fees?
What are your occupancy standards?
My pet has passed away. Can I get my pet deposit back?
I’m going out of town and won’t be back until the 8th. Can I make arrangements to pay my rent upon my return? If not, what do I do?
Is the property owner allowed to sell this house?
What protection do I have that my rental won’t be foreclosed upon?
If the property goes into foreclosure, do I still have to pay my rent?
How do I know if a property is still available?
Most or all properties listed on the Company Listings section of our website are available to rent. We do not remove listings from our website until the lease is signed. So it is possible that we have approved rental applications on a property, but because a lease has not been and we have not collected all funds owed, they will still be visible. If you find a property that you are interested in and find out that it is no longer available, we will gladly tell you about other properties available or other properties coming on the market soon.
How do I apply for a rental?
The easiest and fastest is to apply on-line. Go to Residential Screening Criteria and Application (link) and review our rental policies, criteria and application. A completed application, verifiable income and application fee of $35 must be provided for each tenant over the age of 18.
What are your qualifications to rent?
A complete description of residential qualifications can be found on our Residential Screening Criteria (link).
Can I be approved with bad credit?
In most cases, depending on how bad your credit is, we may be able to approve your rental application with a qualified co-signer or by paying a larger deposit prior to move-in. If your credit does not qualify you for any of those options, unfortunately, your application will be denied. Please refer to our Residential Screening Criteria (link).
Why don’t you accept a personal check for the application fee?
The application fee must be paid in cash or money order if you want a quick response to your application. Otherwise, we will be required to deposit the personal check and wait 5 – 10 days for it to clear before we can process your application.
Unfortunately, sometimes applicants change their minds and stop payment on the check or do not have sufficient funds in their account and a personal check does not clear. Therefore, most real estate brokerages require the application fee to be paid in “cleared funds”.
What are your criminal background standards?
No felony conviction less than 5 years from release date. Felony convictions can be cause for denial, however, per Federal regulations; drug and alcohol use felonies can be waived with proper documentation. Regardless of conviction date, no applicant with a felony conviction for an act of violence, sex crime or illegal manufacturing or distribution of drugs will be accepted. No one listed on the Terrorist Watchlist will be accepted. If the property you are interested in is in a community association, we will need to research their requirements also.
Is the application fee refunded if I am denied?
Salefish Properties utilizes a 3rd party screening company to provide consumer reports and the application fee goes towards the screening costs. Therefore, the application fees are non-refundable.
Why do I need a co-signer?
If you have no or low credit, have an income ratio lower than our normal standard, or have no rental history, you may be able to use an approved co-signer to move into one of our properties. This is not a guarantee however.
Do you rent to roommates?
Yes and we treat roommates like anyone else.
How long will it take to process my application?
Once a completed application, with proof of income and application fee is submitted, most applications take 24 to 48 hours to verify employment, income, rental history, credit, and check criminal history. Usually, the only delay is an incomplete application or a previous Landlord’s lack of response.
What if I have special circumstances that I need to tell you?
Please provide any special circumstances in writing and include with your application.
How will I find out the results of my application?
All approved applicants are provided with an Approval letter which contains all the details and requirements for renting the property. If you are working with another real estate agent, we will usually send the email to your rental agent instead of communicating with you directly. If you personally submit your application, please be sure to include an email address as most approvals come through email. We will email or call and acknowledge receipt of your application within a day of receipt. Once your application has been approved, we will phone you or your rental agent with the approval. We will send the approval letter to all email addresses provided. If you are not approved, we will notify you with a phone call to you or your rental agent. We will follow-up with an Adverse Action letter to your last known address.
What is an Adverse Action letter?
An Adverse Action letter is a requirement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It explains why your application was not approved. It contains information to obtain a free credit report.
Why can’t you give me a copy of my credit report?
To protect your privacy and financial information, Salefish Properties does not print out any credit or consumer reports. We run the reports on-line and make notes on our application checklist. We do not provide the reports to Landlords either. The Fair Credit Reporting Act would require us to get an applicant’s written permission and the written permission of the consumer reporting agency, which is not possible, before releasing a printed report.
Is the owner willing to make property modifications to accommodate a disability?
Federal law requires housing providers to make Reasonable Accommodations for people with disabilities. Salefish Properties is fully committed to complying with Reasonable Modification requests.
A Reasonable Modification is an alteration to the physical premises allowing a person with a disability to overcome obstacles that interfere with use of the dwelling.
Because some modifications may require licensing and permits, please be specific when informing Salefish Properties of the changes you would like to make so we can discuss it with the Landlord. Reasonable modifications are usually made at the resident’s expense. However, there are resources available for helping fund building modifications. (Refer to HUD programs: Property Improvement Loan Insurance, Title 1 and 203(k) Rehab Mortgage Insurance).
Additionally, if you live in Federally assisted housing the housing provider may be required to pay for the modification if it does not amount to an undue financial and administrative burden.
What is best method of communication during the application process?
Email or call our office during normal business hours at 561-738-0922. You can email info@salefishpm.com and we will usually reply within the same business day.
Will you hold a property for me?
Salefish Properties knows that when you find something that you like, you want to reserve it. Here are our requirements for holding a property for you:
- You must submit a completed application, proof of income and the application fee.
- You must pay one month’s rent to Salefish Properties.
- We will process your application immediately and ask for your cooperation and assistance if your current Landlord is not responding to our inquiry. Once approved, you must meet at our office to sign the lease within 2 business days.
Why should I rent from your company?
We are a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous property management company. We work very hard to provide the highest quality resident services you’ll ever experience. We use professional vendors (painters, handymen, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc.), to ensure that your unit is in good condition.
Why can’t I have a lease longer than one year?
Throughout the years, we have seen tenant’s lives and plans change – job relocations, health issues, etc. and we do not want to lock anyone into an obligation longer than a one-year term. Also, laws change and we like to have an up-to-date lease. Most tenants are invited to renew their lease each year.
When is my rent due and where can I pay my rent?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late on the next business day after 10 a.m. Late fees are $50 the first day and $10 every day thereafter. Rent can be paid by mail or in person to:
Salefish Properties
1375 Gateway Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30PM. The office is not open on weekends or legal holidays. If you can not come to the office during regularly scheduled business hours, we encourage you to pay online (link).
Please specify your rental address in the memo field of your check.
Acceptable forms of rent payment are personal checks, Cashiers Checks or Money Orders. We are unable to accept cash for rent payments.
Rent is not considered paid until it is received in the office, if the United States Postal Service delays your rent check, you are still responsible for paying on-time.
How much are late fees?
Late fees are $50 the first day and $10 every day thereafter. Late fees will continue until the rent is paid in full. If you are going to be late, please contact our office immediately or email your property manager. Communication is very important when the rent is not paid on time. Please do not ignore us when we contact you for information.
What happens if I pay my rent late?
If you have not paid on-time and if you have not contacted our office, we will contact you to find out what the status of the rent is. We will contact you in multiple ways – phone, text, email. If we can’t get in touch with you, we will call your emergency contact. If you have not paid by about the
6th or 7th of the month, we will prepare a Three Day Notice to Pay or Quit, which is required by the State of Florida.
We will deliver this to your residence and there will be a charge of $35 for the preparation and delivery of this notice. You have three business days to pay the rent in full. If you ignore the notice, the Landlord will usually direct Salefish Properties to begin formal eviction proceedings immediately. If you communicate with Salefish Properties and notify us of the date you will pay rent, we will notify the Landlord and the Landlord may delay eviction proceedings.
Why are the late fees so high?
Late fees are set to encourage on-time payment and discourage late rent. The Landlord’s mortgage payment and community association payments are due on the first and in most cases; they depend on the rental income to make that payment. We try to make paying rent on-time as easy as possible for tenants, we accept credit card payments which are less than a late fee. Additionally, there is extra effort and documentation required to when rent is late.
Why are you charging me for serving a notice to pay rent?
When your rent is late, we must prepare additional documents and travel to your residence to deliver the notice in person. This takes extra time and effort; we need to be compensated for this activity.
What is a notice to pay or quit? (AKA 3-Day Notice)
A notice to pay or quit is a legal notice that notifies a tenant that rent is past due. The tenant is informed of the amount that must be paid and the date that it must be paid, otherwise the Landlord can contact an attorney and begin the Eviction process.
If you receive such a notice, please contact our office immediately to either correct an error on our part or to communicate when you will have the rent paid in full.
Can I pay a portion of my rent payment?
Unfortunately this cannot be done as it creates an accounting nightmare, plus any late rent payment will still incur a late fee. If you are late or expect to be late, the best thing to do is to contact your property manager. Communication is very important. You can also contact our office by phone.
Can I set up an account to pay my rent automatically without having to think about it each month?
Absolutely! In fact, on-line payments set-up to automatically pay your rent each month are the only way we can 100% guarantee that you will never have to pay late fees, so long as you have the funds in your account when it deducts the rent from your bank account. Download the form (link) to sign up for our automatic electronic withdrawal method. We use a company, Paylease, which specializes in collecting rent payments.
Can I pay my rent through your website?
Yes! You can use our rent collection partner, Paylease, to set up a one-time or continual credit card payment and earn those extra bonus points! Many of our tenants pay rent through Paylease each month or set-up continual automatic debits from checking accounts.
My Paylease bank or credit card deduction didn’t go through, am I late on rent if I pay by check?
If you are set up on auto-pay through PayLease and your automatic withdrawal does not come get processed, the problem is most likely due to insufficient funds in your account.
Please contact Paylease (link) to see what happened and resolve the issue. Next, please email info@salefishpm.com to explain the issue. If the problem was caused by PayLease, they will pay all late fees. If the problem was caused by the tenant, the tenant will be responsible for late fees and possibly an Insufficient Funds fee. The rent needs to be paid, so you can request that PayLease re-run your account or you can submit a cashier’s check or money order for the amount due.
How many keys do I get?
Salefish Properties will provide two keys per property for the front door. We will provide one mailbox key, one garage door opener per door and one key/device to access community amenities. If a tenant wants to make or obtain additional copies, they can do so at their own expense. However, we do require all keys and all other assigned hardware to be surrendered when you move out to avoid a charge to your security deposit.
What happens if I lock myself out of my home?
If you lock yourself out during business hours, please call our office at 561-738-0922, you can make arrangements to pick up a spare key for $7. If you are locked out on the weekends or after-hours, then call your property manager, the number is provided with your move-in letter, please keep it handy or program it into your phone. You will be charged for the property manager’s visit to your home to unlock the door, but this is usually less than a locksmith’s after-hours emergency call.
How do I get help for a maintenance problem?
For faster service, please submit your maintenance request via email or fax.
NOTE: IS ONLINE POSSIBLE?
Please review the maintenance FAQs and troubleshooting guide before submitting your maintenance request.
How long should I wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?
You should expect us to contact you the same or next business day. If you do not get an acknowledgedment by the second business day, please contact our office at 561-738-0922.
We prefer the initial maintenance request or work order to be written because we generally get incomplete information when you call with your issue and this only delays the processing of your request.
What do I do in an emergency?
If this is an after-hours emergency, please call your property manager, the number is provided with your move-in letter, please keep it handy or program it into your phone.
Examples of emergencies are active water flooding, fire, or anything you believe to be dangerous to your health that can’t wait until the next business day.
For FIRE, GAS or Natural Disasters, call 911 First!
What am I responsible for maintaining?
Residents are responsible for changing air conditioning filters monthly and installing fresh smoke detector batteries at all times. Light bulbs that are easily accessible also need to be maintained by the residents. Other minor maintenance items less than $75 are also the tenant’s responsibility. In certain situations, yard maintenance may be required. Please refer to your individual residential lease for responsibilities.
What do I do if I have ants/roaches/spiders or other pests?
Refer to your lease to determine if the treatment of household pests is the tenant’s responsibility or the Landlord’s responsibility. If you see ants, roaches or spiders within one week of move-in, email the office and we will provide a complimentary pest control treatment. One way to minimize the possibility of pests is to keep a clean home. Homes that are not clean provide a source of food as well as shelter for many pests. If you discover any pests, your first step would be to do a thorough cleaning of the entire home to eliminate the food source.
If the problem continues, most grocery or hardware stores carry products that should resolve the situation in a few days. If the problem continues, please feel free to contact us. We’ll have to do an inspection to make sure that the home is clean or recommend a professional service.
Can I plant my own landscaping?
Not without owners approval. If you want to do some planting please let us know ahead of time and we will work to get the approval for you. Sometimes, there are community restrictions and approval is required by a community’s landscaping committee also.
Can I make repairs and deduct the costs from my rent?
No, you should never deduct any amount from your rent, ever. If you have a rent credit, we will send you a statement around the middle of the month notifying you of your credit. If you are requesting a rent credit of any kind, please notify us in writing and provide the documentation to support your request.
Do we have full access to the community/HOA services as a tenant?
Yes. You’ll enjoy the same benefits as the owner of the property would.
Who pays the HOA fees?
The Landlord is responsible for the Home Owner’s Association or Condominium Owner’s Association dues. However, it is very common for the Home Owner’s Association to send statements and other important notices to the rental address. If you receive such notices, please forward them to our office immediately.
Do I need approval to paint or change something in the home I am renting?
Any and all changes or modifications to the property must be pre-approved in writing. Please submit a written request to Info.Salefish@gmail.com and provide a color sample and/or explanation of the changes you want to make to the walls.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Tenants have exposure to many of the same types of losses as a property owner. There is a special type of insurance called Renter’s Insurance. Neither the property manager’s insurance or the Landlord’s insurance policies cover tenant’s personal losses or liability. Tenants are responsible for obtaining insurance for their personal property if they want to be covered in the event of fire, theft, or other type of loss. Some Landlord’s require a tenant to maintain a Renter’s Insurance policy and others do not. If a Landlord does require Renter’s Insurance, it will be identified in your lease and a declaration page must be provided prior to move-in day.It is highly recommended that all residents carry enough insurance to cover themselves and their personal property. Please consult with your insurance agent for specific details.
It’s very inexpensive and we’ve seen far too many tenants not get reimbursed for personal property damages.In addition to coverage for their personal property, a renter’s policy also provides liability coverage. Tenants may wonder why they need liability coverage when the Landlord’s policy has it. The answer is simple: because the Landlord’s insurance only covers Landlord liability. It doesn’t cover the tenant’s liability. Renter’s insurance covers the tenant’s liability up to a set limit, as long as the tenant did not intentionally cause the loss. Liability coverage isn’t just limited to damage to others or others’ property that occurs inside the tenant’s residence. It also covers legal defense expenses and the renter’s liability outside the home. A common example we have seen is where a tenant moves in and hooks up the washer and dryer incorrectly, which floods the home. Remember, its cheap and it protects you!
I don’t want you or the owner entering the property at any time.
With proper notice, both the Landlord and Salefish Properties have the right to inspect the property. This is a Florida law. Proper notice is defined as a minimum of twelve (12) hours notice and between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. You will be notified by email or by a notice posted on your front door. If there is an emergency, then we can enter the property without 12-hour notice in order to protect the property or the safety of the tenants. Our phrase to identify emergencies is anything related to “fire, flood or blood”.
What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?
Please review your lease and the Tenant Reference Guide then contact your property manager.
What do I do if I need to move out?
It is required that you provide written 60-day notice using Salefish Properties official notice form. You can mail, email, fax, or hand deliver this. If you do not get verification of receipt within 2 business days, please contact our office immediately as we did not receive it. If you need to terminate your lease before the term ends, the tenant will be responsible for certain costs.
What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?
All tenants are still responsible for the entire rent payment. If one tenant wants to leave early, then certain documents must be signed regarding the security deposit and other things. Please review your lease and then contact your property manager for a meeting.
Can I sublease my apartment/house? No, your lease prohibits this. If you would like to have a roommate, they must go through the same screening and approval process that you went through. If there is a community association, they will need to submit an application to the community also.
Do I get any rent back if I move out early? If you move out prior to your lease termination date, you are still responsible for rent. It is Salefish Properties’ suggestion that you allow us to advertise and show the property while you are still in residence. If we find a replacement tenant before your lease terminates, any rents collected by the new tenant will be credited back to you. Our goal is to limit the number of lost rent days, so it is to everyone’s advantage to find replacement tenants as soon as possible. You will be responsible for the Leasing fee (one month’s rent) for a new tenant, as a condition of your early move-out approval. Please contact your property manager as soon as you can for more details and to reduce the early termination expenses as much as possible.
I have given my 30 days to move out, but I need to retract my 30 day notice, what am I suppose to do?We’re so glad that you have chosen to stay! Just like your notice to vacate, your notice to stay needs to be in writing and sent to the office right away. Please email your retraction to info@salefishpm.com or you may fax it to us at 561-533-5458, or drop it off at the office. There is a chance that we may have already secured new tenants, so once you have sent your retraction, you may also want to call to confirm its receipt and to make sure that the lease can be extended.
Do I have to turn in my keys to the office when I move out?
The best time to return your keys is during your move-out appointment. Contact your property manager to schedule your move-out appointment. Our computer system continues to charge rent until we receive the keys and your forwarding address, so you do want to make sure that keys are returned to the property manager or to the office during normal business hours. If you need until midnight, you must make special arrangements with your property manager.
Can I use my security deposit as the last month’s rent?
No, the security deposit can not be used for rental payments. It can only be used to for cleaning or damages after a tenant moves out. It cannot be used for rent.
When I move out, why can’t I clean the carpet myself?
Unfortunately, not all carpet cleaners are the same. Also, some tenants have rented carpet cleaners from grocery stores or used residential cleaners and caused more harm than good. The property’s carpets were professionally cleaned prior to your tenancy and must be cleaned again by a Salefish Properties’ approved vendor.
I have given my 30 day notice, but I need an extra week or so to move out, what do I need to do?
Salefish Properties would be happy to accommodate your holdover. Please email us at info@salefishpm.com or call 561-738-0922 to make sure that we have not selected new tenants. If not, then you must submit a written request with a specific holdover date. Once such a request is received, you will receive notification that the extension has been accepted or denied. You will be required to maintain the property and all utilities during the lease holdover period. Your rent may double on a daily basis, this is allowed by Florida law and is identified in your lease.
Do you have a limit on the number of pets that are allowed at a property?
Each of the properties managed by First Rate Property Management is owned by a different Landlord. Each property owner has their own criteria. Some allow pets, while others do not. Some allow cats, but no dogs. If the listing on our website indicates that the property does not accept pets, the owner has already made their decision not to accept pets. If the listing indicates that the property does accept pets, please inquire if there are any limitations as to the number or type of pets. Additionally, some communities limit the breed, weight and quantity of pets allowed in a residence. Salefish Properties accepts Support or Companion animals as defined by HUD, with proper documentation, no additional rent or deposit is required.
Is there anyway to negotiate the deposit? Can the deposit be split up?
Unfortunately we cannot accept split payments for the security deposit. It is due in full prior to receiving the keys to the residence.
What do I have to do to get approval for satellite installation?If you are going to install a satellite dish on to the exterior of the home, you must have written permission from Salefish Properties and sometimes the community association. Please refer to your Tenant Reference Guide and submit a Request Form to Salefish Properties.
What is the renewal procedure?
At least sixty-one (61) days prior to the end of your lease, Salefish Properties will mail or deliver to your residence, either a notice to vacate at the end of your lease term or most likely, an invitation to renew your lease for another year. The new terms, if any, will be identified in the renewal letter. You are required to respond within 60 days prior to the end of your lease, otherwise, according to Florida law and the Security Deposit Agreement you signed, your security deposit will not be returned. If you would like to renew, we will schedule an Annual Interior Assessment with your property manager. During that time, you will need to inform the property manager if there is any damage or maintenance required to the property. You will be required to repair any damage prior to signing a new lease. Once the Annual Interior Assessment is completed, your new lease documents will be emailed to you. Each tenant will be required to sign them individually and through an electronic signature program. Once the Salefish Properties broker (Nancy Jackson) electronically signs the document, a copy of the executed version will be emailed to all tenants.
When is my lease up?
Your lease states the termination date of your rental agreement. If would like to re-confirm the termination date, please email us at info@salefishpm.com and we will be happy to provide this information.
Can I go month-to-month when my lease ends? What will my rent be if I go month to month?
You must submit a request in writing to your property manager. If the Landlord grants the request, you will be notified in writing if the rent will be increased or will remain the same.
How much will it cost me if I break my lease?
It depends. There are many factors to consider. There will be additional expenses paid by the tenant if the lease term and obligation is not fulfilled. Please refer to your lease agreement and then contact your property manager.
I am getting a new roommate do they have to apply?
Yes! Any additional occupants that are 18 years and older, must submit an application, proof of income and an application fee to be approved. We will conduct a full tenant screening. If the results of the screening are acceptable, we can email you the documentation that needs signed or we can schedule a time for all of you to come in and sign the authorizing paperwork. A fee to add or change roommates may apply. The roommate will also need to be approved by the community association before they move in. If a new person moves in to the property without written approval, a Seven Day Notice to Cure will be served to the tenants, there will be additional fees associated when another adult does not get approved prior to moving in and it could lead to an eviction or community fines.
How do I take someone off the lease?
Any changes to the lease agreement must be in writing. If someone wants to move out, it might be to your best interest to keep them on the lease, as they are as responsible for the rent payments as you are. However, if they have moved out or in the process of moving out, we simply need something in writing from both the departing tenant and the remaining tenant requesting the change. If the remaining tenants qualify on their own, we will gladly make the change. If they don’t, the remaining tenants may pay a higher deposit or keep the vacating tenant on the lease until it terminates. Salefish Properties can email you the paperwork or you can schedule a time to come into the office to sign the new documents.
I need to break my lease but I have found someone who is willing to rent the property. Is this allowed?
If you plan on vacating prior to your lease termination and have found replacement tenants, let your property manager know as soon as you can. The replacement tenants must submit an application, proof of income and an application fee. If they qualify, we’ll be happy to accommodate a new lease signing. The deposit and the move-in inspection report remain with the property, so the incoming and outgoing tenants need to resolve this between each other. There will be a fee to process the paperwork and turnover the property.
When do I get my deposit back?
Per the Security Deposit agreement and Florida law, your entire security deposit will be refunded within 15 days of your move-out date, as long as you do not owe anything for cleaning and damages. If there is required cleaning or other damages for monies owed to the Landlord or Salefish Properties, then Florida law requires a claim to be sent within 30 days of the date you moved out of the property. If you fail to give a forwarding address, your deposit will be mailed to your rental address.
What is a Pet Fee And What does it include?
There is additional work for Salefish Properties when a pet is in residence. It is not a “junk” fee.
On-site Visits – Salefish Properties makes 3 additional visits to the property when there is a pet. The first is prior to the Tenant move in. We go to the property after dark and perform a UV light test. A special UV light is used to identify and map any existing issues with the carpet (i.e. stains). When a Tenant moves out, we return to the property after dark and perform another UV test and then compare any major stain differences to the move-in report. The final visit is to remove the foggers and clean up the fogger cans and newspaper. (The foggers are set-off when we leave the home after performing the move-out Property Condition Survey.)
How much is a pet fee?
Pet fees are property-dependent if the Landlord allows pets; the minimum pet fee is $150.00 and is non-refundable. The Landlord may require additional deposits also.
Can I pay all of my rent in advance?
No, you may not pay all of your rent in advance.<
Can the co-signer be taken off the lease after the first year?
If the co-signer wishes to be removed from the lease, contact our office about 3 months prior to the lease term’s end date. Each adult occupant will need to submit a new application, proof of income and application fee of $35. Salefish Properties will review your rental payment history and updated application information. If acceptable, you can renew without the co-signer.
Do you take section 8?
Each of the properties managed by Salefish Properties is owned by a different Landlord and it is the decision of the Landlord to accept a Section 8 recipient. If an owner will accept Section 8, it will be included in our listing. If you are on Section 8, we recommend that you email us asking if this specific property owner accepts Section 8. If they do, feel free to apply. If they don’t, we will recommend any properties that are currently available that do accept Section 8.
What is a companion or support animal?
Any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Service animals are usually dogs, but may be any animal designated by the tenant and his/her physician. Service animals are not considered to pets. A person with a disability uses a service animal as an auxiliary aid similar to the use of a cane, crutches or wheelchair.
Examples include:
- A guide animal, trained to serve as a travel tool by a person who is legally blind.
- A hearing animal, trained to alert a person with significant hearing loss or who is deaf when a sound occurs, such as a knock on the door.
- A service animal, trained to assist a person who has a mobility or health disability.
- A companion animal or emotional support animal that assists persons with psychological disabilities.
My pet is a support or companion animal. May I rent the property?
First you will need to apply to ensure that you meet our Residential Screening Criteria with respect to credit, income and criminal background. We will also need a written notice from your health care provider confirming your animal’s companion status. Please contact our office for a form by emailing info@salefishpm.com
I don’t get paid until the 10th and I don’t have rent money, do I still have to pay late fees?
Salefish Properties charges late fees per your lease agreement. They can not be waived. However, please notify us that you will be paying late.
I paid rent at 10:30 a.m. on the next business day after the 1st of the month, why am I being charged late fees?
Per your lease agreement rent is due on the 1st of every month. If rent has not been received by 10:00 a.m. on the next business day of the month (there are no exceptions for postage delays), it is considered late and Tenant will be charged and agrees to pay a late fee of $50.00 plus $10.00 per day thereafter; until rent is paid in full.
What are your occupancy standards?
Salefish Properties follows the general 2-plus-1 rule accepted by HUD. That means two occupants per bedroom, plus one additional occupant per household. Occasionally a home may have an additional room that can be considered a bedroom under this rule. We will also need to research the community occupancy standards, as sometimes they differ from HUD standards.
My pet has passed away. Can I get my pet deposit back?
Most of us at Salefish Properties have lost a pet at some point and we know how devastating the loss can be. The terms and conditions of the rental agreement continue unchanged until it is renewed. Once you renew, please remind us of your loss and if you haven’t replaced the pet, we’ll evaluate the property for damage during the Annual Interior Assessment and act accordingly. If there is no damage, then the additional pet deposit will probably be credited to your next month’s rent.
I’m going out of town and won’t be back until the 8th. Can I make arrangements to pay my rent upon my return? If not, what do I do?
Per your lease agreement rent is due on the 1st of every month. If rent has not been received by 10:00 a.m. on the next business day of the month (there are no exceptions for postage delays), it is considered late and Tenant will be charged and agrees to pay a late fee of $50.00 plus $10.00 per day thereafter; until rent is paid in full. To avoid late fees, you should pay your rent before leaving or pay on-line while you are away. If neither of these options are possible, please contact us and let us know when rent will be paid so that we know.
Is the property owner allowed to sell this house?
The Landlord can decide to sell the house at anytime. However, state laws require the new owner to honor your lease agreement with Salefish Properties, in a traditional sale. If the property is bank-owned and the new owner plans to make the property their primary residence, they must provide at least ninety (90) days notice. Typically, when an owner decides to sell, they wait to list the property until 60 days prior to the lease expiry date.
What protection do I have that my rental won’t be foreclosed upon?
If the lender of any of our client’s properties initiates the foreclosure procedures, they will do so by posting a note on the property. If any such notice or communication is ever posted on the property, it is imperative that the tenants notify Salefish Properties immediately, as we will most likely be unaware.
If the documents are addressed to you or “Unknown Tenant” you need to respond, you may wish to seek legal advice also. Your lease is still in effect and your rent is still due to Salefish Properties. Salefish Properties will continue to manage the property and maintain it. A foreclosure can take many months or years to complete. When the end of the lease is near, the tenant may not wish to renew or the lease may become a month-to-month lease term, depending on the circumstances.
Congress passed the Protection of Tenants at Foreclosure Act that provides protection to tenants in legitimate leases, should the bank/lendor actually foreclose on the property.
If the property goes into foreclosure, do I still have to pay my rent?
Yes. Salefish Properties has been hired by the Landlord to collect rents as the agent of the owner, until the property is no longer the owners’. Per your Lease Agreement, the tenant is required to pay rent until the term of the lease is fulfilled. If the tenant decides to move out at the end of the lease, the tenant can vacate after providing Salefish Properties with 60 days written notice.
