| Why
are there differences in Arizona home & apartment rent
amounts?
House or apartment style, amenities, year built, location
and room dimensions can determine the rent variance. Swimming
pools and tennis courts, exercise facilities, clubhouse facilities
and washer/dryer in apartment units will also figure in to
the equation. Some home or apartment landlords may charge
premium rents for views, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and
other interior amenities.
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How do I determine
my monthly rent budget?
Most Arizona rental landlords will require that the total
household gross income equals three times the monthly amount
of rent. Several recent studies show that many people allow
30 to 35 percent of their budget for housing.
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Who pays for utilities in an
Arizona house, apartment or condo?
Renters usually pay their own electric, telephone gas,
and cable TV bills. Most Arizona condo and apartment
communities no longer pay for water and trash pick-up.
Some Arizona apartments and condos will indicate "utilities
included" meaning the landlord covers water service
and electric. Residents will still pay for their cable
television and telephone service in this situation.
Arizona vacation rental houses are handled differently
- usually the landlord will take care of all utilities.
Personal experience:
Depending upon the size of the residence, summer air
conditioning/electricity bills can run from $100 to
over $500. A one or two bedroom apartment usually will
cost between $100 and $175 to keep at about 76 degrees.
You get a reprieve in the winter - electricity bills
are typically very low.
The electric companies will let you
pay an averaged amount on a monthly basis after you've
lived in a place a year. This is very helpful - you're
not hit with a huge bill in July!
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Will the landlord provide a lease
agreement?
Most owners have their own lease agreement. If the owner does
not provide a written lease, the renter may then want to provide
his or her own lease, because verbal agreements are difficult
to enforce. Your rights as a renter are covered in the Arizona
Landlord and Tenant Act and you can obtain a free copy
through the Secretary
of State's office.
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What should an Arizona home / apartment
lease include?
A lease is a legal document and should contain the complete
agreement and conditions under which the renter occupies the
apartment or house. The lease should show the monthly rent,
security deposit paid, and terms such as when rent is due
and termination clauses.
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Will I need to pay a security deposit?
Most Phoenix area apartments and homes require a security
deposit. Two weeks or one month's rent is the standard. If
the apartment is left in good condition and the terms of the
lease are met the security deposit will be returned to the
renter within 45 days after vacating. Most properties will
also charge a non-refundable cleaning or preparation fee.
Pet deposits and fees are not included in the security deposit.
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What is an application fee?
This covers the cost of processing the application, including
a credit check. This fee can vary from $15.00 to $50.00 per
person and is non-refundable.
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Can an Arizona home renter keep
a pet without asking the owner?
A number of leases have a clause or pet rider indicating
the restrictions, if any, and the size and kind of pets
allowed. Having a pet without the owner's permission
may be considered a violation of your lease agreement.
Many Arizona apartment communities and homes allow pets,
even large dogs.
Personal experience:
There are always breed restrictions in apartment communities.
If you have a German Shepherd, Pit Bull, or Rottweiler
you will most likely have to rent a house. Usually apartments
limit the size of the animal to 20 lbs, some up to 50
lbs. Fortunately, no one has ever offered to weigh my
85 lb dog, so he passes for 50 lbs.
Most apartment dwellers seem to have
a cat, and few of them actually claim the cat. I've
never seen anyone have a problem with cats.
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Are Arizona rental landlords family
friendly?
Phoenix landlords welcome all types of residents. Many offer
amenities like tennis courts, jogging trails and swimming
pools for everyone to enjoy. Playgrounds and wading pools
are also available in some communities. Most property managers
can provide you with information on Phoenix areal public and
private daycare facilities.
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What if I need furniture for
my new Arizona home or apartment?
Rental furniture is the answer for frequently transferred
executives who don't want to sell or move furniture,
or for people establishing a new home or easing into
a lifestyle change. Some companies also provide houseware
packages including bed and bath linens, decorative accents,
china and small appliances. Basic home furniture rental
plans rent from about $100 a month for a studio, $175
a month for a one-bedroom and $225 for a two-bedroom.
Leases are usually written for 3-month terms, and some
include rent-to-own options. Let your leasing agent
know and they can assist you.
Personal experience:
Because Arizona is such a vacation spot, there are many
apartments, condos and homes that rent furnished.
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