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 Arizona
Rent Deposits and Fees:
Security Deposit: This is a refundable deposit that
is returned to you after move-out, less any charges for damages.
Average apartment / condo rent deposit is $200, average house
rent deposit is from $500 to one month's rent. Security deposits
may also be based on credit and rental history, but are not
to exceed 1.5 month's rent.
Reality: I've
never had one returned to me, even after leaving an apartment
in excellent condition. Every tiny scratch, and even normal
wear, is deducted at an outrageous itemized cost. Don't plan
on getting it back, and if you do, count yourself lucky. One
way to protect yourself is to request a damage sheet when
you sign the lease, and then go over the place with a fine
tooth comb and note every scratch on the counter, worn spot,
mark, etc. This will give you some ammo when move-out time
arrives. They are supposed to offer you this sheet when you
pick up your keys, but I've never been offered one.
Administration/Redecoration Fee: This is
a non-refundable fee (also called a cleaning or preparation
fee) that is applied to the cost of cleaning and redecorating
the rental. Average fee runs about $200.00 dollars for both
apartments and homes.
Application Fee: This is a non-refundable
fee that is charged when you apply for a lease. Average fee
is $25.00 to $50.00 per person and covers the cost of processing
your application, including a credit check, and often a criminal
background check. Applications can take anywhere from 15 minutes
to 72 hours to process for approval.
Arizona House Rent Tax: In Arizona, tax is
charged on all non-refundable fees (administration, application,
pet sanitization fees) as well as on unit and pet rent. The
rates vary from city to city, but the average rate is about
1.5%.
Pets: Most Arizona apartment communities
will accept a pet of less than 20 pounds full grown, with
a deposit and monthly pet rent. The total deposit averages
$300.00 per pet, and pet rent averages $20.00 per month, per
pet. Generally, about half of the pet deposit is refundable
after move-out, based on the condition of the apartment. The
non-refundable portion is applied to cleaning after a pet
has lived in the house or apartment rental. Some AZ apartments
will accept pets up to 100 pounds, but this will require a
larger deposit. Most apartments and houses in AZ that accept
larger dogs have breed specific restrictions in place. This
includes some mixed breeds.
Reality: Again,
don't plan on getting your deposit back. Mine never leaves
a stain or mark, but it doesn't really matter. Most apartments
put a 50 lb limit on dogs. I always guestimate my dog at 50
lbs and no one has ever said a word ;-) It's amazing how many
very large dogs only weigh 50 lbs! Regarding cats: my experience
has been that no one claims to have a cat prior to move-in,
and nothing is ever said when one appears. I think every apartment
in my community has an unclaimed cat.
AZ Home & Apartment Lease Terms: The
standard lease terms range from six to eighteen months in
length. Shorter leases are available, but there will be a
premium rent charge (around $200 per month) applied. Short
term leases vary based on availability and the season. Most
AZ apartment communities only offer move-ins specials on long-term
(twelve months or longer) leases. Home buyers and lease break
clauses may be available, but can be quite expensive. Most
Arizona houses will require a twelve month lease, but the
leasor may consider 6 months with a higher rate.
Reality: Breaking
a lease will cost you big time! Besides losing all deposits
automatically, plan on paying an amount equivalent to 2 months
rent.
The Rental Process: When you find your new
Arizona home, you will need to leave a deposit to hold the
rental until your move-in. This "holding deposit"
is usually refundable for a short time and is applied to your
total move-in cost. In most cases all occupants over the age
of 18 will need to complete an application. Some will accept
one application per married couple with the same last name.
The application process will now begin and can take anywhere
from 15 minutes to 3 days. It is standard to review/evaluate
applications based upon 4 areas:
*credit history (typically 75% positive)
*rental history (typically 6 months of positive rental or
mortgage history
*gross monthly income (2.5 to 3.5 times the monthly rent)
*criminal background (most properties will do a criminal background
check)
A co-signer or guarantor may be accepted
for lack of any of the above criteria, but usually not for
poor rental history. A prior eviction or rental judgment will
result in the denial of your application.
Most of the communities in the Metro Phoenix area
participate in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMHP).
As such, you will be required to grant permission during the
application process for a criminal background check; any felonies,
violent, property or drug related convictions would result
in immediate denial of the application. When you move in you
will be required to sign a "Crime-Free" lease addendum
stating that you and your guests will not participate in criminal
activity. Violations of this addendum result in immediate
evictions.
Reality: They
do run these checks, and won't rent to felons.
What to bring when you are ready to look:
* You'll need a government issued photo ID to tour
communities. A driver's license, state identification card
or passports are acceptable. Some properties require that
all adults in the touring party have ID while others only
require one.
*Copies of your current pay stubs or other proof
of employment. This will be required during the application
process.
*A checkbook or the availability to purchase money
orders will be needed to hold the apartment of your choice. Many
properties will accept a personal check for the application fee
and holding deposit. The holding deposit secures a specific unit,
and locks in rental rates and any move in specials. The holding
deposit is usually refundable for 24 to 72 hours.
Welcome!
We want to welcome you to your Arizona home,
whether it's a house, condo or apartment. Phoenix, Scottsdale,
Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale and all the other
cities within the metro Phoenix area are wonderful places
to live and play! Check out some of the <>Arizona
activities you'll want to see and do. Remember, you're
only an hour away from the mountains, less than that from
lakes, and don't forget to go tubing down the Salt River!
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