FAQ
COMMON TENANT QUESTIONS
Once I apply how long will it take for my rental application to be processed?
Once an application is submitted through our website it normally takes between three to five business days for the screening company to go through the verification process and generate your score. If the leasing agent has not contacted you after three days please follow up with them directly. All application fees are charged by a third party company and therefore are non-refundable.
When is the rent due?
How do I pay rent?
As a convenience to our tenants, rent is required to be paid through our online Portal. The Tenant Portal is secure, unique to each occupant, and linked to the individual email address provided during screening. If you would like to access your Tenant Portal, you can click HERE.
Once activated, and logged in, click “Pay Now” and choose “Pay via eCheck” for the free option to pay directly from your bank account. Selecting the “Pay via Card” option will incur additional transaction fees. Please read the pricing notifications regarding the fee details at the time of payment. These additional transaction fees will not and cannot be waived or refunded by SJA Property Management. Additionally, all paper checks mailed to the SJA office will be subject to a $10.00 check processing fee.
Do I need renters insurance?
SJA Property Management requires that all tenants carry renters insurance. In the event of a break-in, fire, tenant liability, damage to personal property, flood or other loss issues, the tenant’s losses will not be covered without renters insurance. The policies are fairly inexpensive and worth the small investment. If a tenant does not obtain a policy from an outside provider, they will be automatically enrolled in SJA’s renter coverage which will satisfy our lease requirements.
How do I request a regular, non-urgent maintenance item?
For regular, non-urgent maintenance requests, please log into your Tenant Portal and click “Request Maintenance.” Please describe the problem in as much detail as possible. For appliance issues, a make and model number will be helpful. This will help your property manager hire the right vendor for the job. Once submitted, a Work Order is emailed to your property manager, and they should contact you within 24 hours. The law requires that most repairs be started within ten days. However, we will work diligently to complete them as soon as possible. You can check on the progress of your request through your Tenant Portal as updates will be made throughout the process. Please review our Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide before submitting a maintenance request to avoid potential tenant chargebacks.
What happens in case of an emergency maintenance situation?
For police or fire emergencies, please call 911, and then call your property manager to report the incident. Our after-hours emergency number is 425-658-1944. If there is no answer please leave a message. Someone will respond within 30 minutes. Urgent maintenance items include, but not limited to, sewer backups, a broken water pipe anywhere on the property, a break-in causing an unsecured front door, or major roof leaks with water leaking into the home. If the issue happens between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm you should call your property manager and not the emergency number. A maintenance request should also be submitted.
Can I be charged for maintenance on the property?
Yes. If property damage is caused by tenant neglect or improper use, we are required to charge for the maintenance service. Any broken windows or clogged plumbing will also be repaired at tenant’s expense. Please refer to your lease for more specific items not covered by the Landlord. Please review our Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide before submitting a maintenance request to avoid potential tenant chargebacks
Can I install a satellite dish (Direct TV or Dish Network) on the property?
You must obtain written permission from the property manager. Some condominiums have strict HOA rules about satellite dishes. Once approved, any and all cost of installation is at the tenant’s expense. In some cases, tenant may be responsible for returning the property to original condition at move-out once the dish has been removed.
What is your pet policy?
Each property is different. Pets will be permissible only when the Landlord allows a pet on or in the property.
PETSCREENING IS A REQUIRED PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ALL APPLICANTS, even if applicants do not have a pet. All applicants should complete a No Pet, Pet, or Assistance Animal Profile. Only one member of the household needs to complete the profile per pet. In the case of multiple pets with multiple owners, the owner of the pet should complete the profile.
Pet screenings are $20 for the first pet and $15 for an additional pet. No cost for 0 pets or service animals.
After screening is completed, applicants will receive a Fido “paw score”. All pets must be licensed in accordance with State and City regulations. If the pet is considered a “restricted breed”, they will be required to provide Renter’s Insurance with a pet liability clause for that specific breed including but not limited to: Akita, Boxer, Bull Dog, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Husky, Malamute, Mastiff, Pit Bull, Pit Bill Mix, Rottweiler, or any Wolf Hybrid. We do not allow puppies under the age of 1 year old or accept any animals with a paw score less than 2 (based upon age, weight, and breed). A refundable pet deposit and a monthly pet fee per pet will apply for household pets.
What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?
When and how should I give notice to vacate?
It is important to refer to your lease for specific terms. Your property manager should generally receive notices to vacate on a term lease at least 45 days before the end of your lease. On a month-to-month lease, Landlord or Tenant may give written notice to terminate at least 20 days before the end of the monthly rental period. The Notice to Vacate form is available through the Tenant Portal page. Once logged in, click the “Contact Us” tab and choose “Notice to Vacate.”
When can I expect to receive my Security Deposit after my lease ends?
After termination of the lease agreement, your manager will do a thorough inspection of your property. They will then send you a check and a statement notifying you of any charges deducted from the deposit. This will be sent out within 21 days from the day property keys are returned. In order to receive a full deposit refund please review and complete the items referenced in the Tenant Move Out Checklist, located on our website. You will also need to provide your manager with a forwarding address.