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I’m interested in taking over a current tenant’s lease. What are some risks involved?
When taking over someone’s lease, you are taking over the lease terms, the condition the apartment is in and the security deposit that was originally paid. You’ll want to be sure to go over the original Move in condition checklist with the current tenant, as any damage not listed on the form can be seen as damage made by the current tenant. Be sure to review the Key form to be sure you are getting each key, remote, pass, etc. checked out to the tenant, as anything not returned at lease expiration will be charged against the security deposit. Also note if the keys needed to be replaced, as there will be a charge at move out for rekeying of the lock. For more information, please refer to the following link:
Taking Over a Lease
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You have a property I want to rent. How do I apply?
Please review our screening criteria to be sure you qualify, then complete our application form and submit it to us along with the application fee, a color copy of a valid & current ID and income verification documents.
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Who needs to apply?
Each proposed occupant age 18 and over shall submit a completed application. Each adult applicant must qualify individually, regardless of age, and must meet all the criteria. Applicants who do not qualify under these guidelines will be asked to obtain a valid cosigner and/or the application may be denied.
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How can I hold a place I am interested in?
A completed application will hold the unit you are interested in renting during the application process. We accept completed applications on a first come, first serve basis. We do not accept holding deposits, unless otherwise specified.
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Someone has already applied to the apartment I want. Is there anything I can do to get my application in front of theirs?
No. We take applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first completed application we receive has priority until it otherwise falls through. At our discretion, we may accept a back-up application that we will process only in the event the first application does not go through.
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Do I need a cosigner?
If you do not meet part or all of the screening criteria, you will be asked to provide a qualified cosigner for the application. Please include with your application the cosigner agreement, cosigner fee, a color copy of a valid & current ID and income verification if your cosigner rents.
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What if I’m self-employed and don’t have pay stubs?
In the event you don’t have pay stubs and a W-2, we’d require your two most recent Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 months. These cases will be reviewed on an individualized basis and may result in the need for a cosigner.
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I’m paid via direct deposit and do not receive pay stubs. Can I show you my bank deposits for proof of income?
No. Bank deposits do not show how the income is being obtained. Part of our criteria is that the income is consistent and legally obtained. Federal law gives you the right to request payroll records even if you are not provided with paystubs.
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I cannot provide proof of my income. Can I still apply?
With a valid cosigner, yes.
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I am cosigning for my child, who has a roommate. Am I only cosigning for his or her portion of the rent?
No. All signers and guarantors on a lease are each equally and severally liable for the lease—that includes the total rent. Westview does not accept split payments nor will we assist in splitting rents amongst roommates; one payment for the full amount of rent is due and payable by the 1st of the month.
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What is Renter’s Insurance and how much does it cost?
We require all Tenants to carry a Tenant Liability Insurance policy that will offer the Landlord $200,000 per occurrence in coverage for tenant liability damages resulting from fire, smoke, explosion, backup or overflow of sewer, drain or sump, water damage, falling objects and collision with vehicles.
We do not and cannot legally require you to carry insurance to cover your own personal belongings. However, we strongly recommend that you choose a plan that protects your personal belongings. We usually see tenants spending $10-$20/month for their Renter’s Insurance.
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Where do I get Renter’s Insurance?
Most Insurance Agencies offer Renter’s Insurance. We encourage you to shop around, and recommend contacting your Auto Insurance carrier as well. Oftentimes, you will receive a discount for holding multiple policies. In some cases, your or your co-signers carry homeowner’s insurance on another property may be carried over to your rental.
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When do I sign the Lease Agreement? What is due at signing?
The application process usually takes between 1-3 business days. Upon approval, you will be asked to sign the lease agreement and pay the security deposit (Our standard deposit is equal to one month’s rent), administrative fee ($100) and last month’s rent (if required) within one business day. Any remaining balances, including pro-rated first month’s rent, will be due before you will be given possession on the first day of the lease term.
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Is the deposit refundable?
The security deposit is fully refundable, less the non-refundable carpet cleaning fee, which is charged of two hours at a minimum of $35/hour, $100 minimum.
