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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I rent from Real Property Management Bakersfield?

We are a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous real estate company providing residential property management company services. We work very hard to provide the highest quality resident services.

We answer the phone Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are happy to answer any questions you have.

We comply with all federal, state, and local laws and will provide services without regard to the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or

national origin of applicant/resident.

When your home needs service, we use professional vendors (painters, handyman, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc).

Repairs are normally done on an appointment basis with you at your home.

We are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency maintenance repairs. We provide you with an urgent maintenance call center that is available to you 24/7.

We give you 3 days from moving in to report any condition issues.

We accept credit and debit cards through our online payment systems.

We offer ECP (electronic cash payments) as a rent payment option.

All deposits are kept in a state chartered FDIC insured bank.

How do I know if a property is still available?

If the property is listed on our website, it is still available – https://www.rpmbakersfield.com/houses-for-rent-in-bakersfield-ca. Since we receive applications 24 hours a day via website, we never know when a new application may come in. When you send in your application, we will email, text or call you within one business day to let you know the status of your application. If someone ahead of you is approved and takes the property, your application is still good for any other property we manage, just so long as you qualify.

How do I apply for a rental?

Application fee is $50 per adult.

The applications are found on our website, located on the listing page, https://www.rpmbakersfield.com/houses-for-rent-in-bakersfield-ca. Only apply once to your primary property of interest, your application is valid for 3 months. If your property of interest changes, simply email support with a new property of interest. If you are interested in more than one property of interest with our company, there is a section on the application where you can include your second and third choice, you will only be processed for one property at a time. If you need help contact us at [email protected].

What do you need to qualify to rent?

When you turn in an application, we will:

Call your previous landlord references. Be sure to provide the names and telephone numbers (home & work preferred) of, at minimum3 previous years worth of rental history from individuals not related to you.

Be sure to include your move-in and move-out dates and the exact house or apartment number. If you had a roommate on the lease contract, their name would be helpful as a point of reference, as well.

Verify your income source and level:

Your legal and verifiable monthly income should be at least 3 times the rental amount. If you are self-employed please provide your latest tax returns as well as 3 months worth of bank statements. Please contact of your references so they know we will be calling. If your employer is a large company that does not provide verification, please provide at least one full month of pay stubs.

Pull a credit report for each applicant:

We use the credit report to tell us if you have a history of honoring contractual agreements and paying bills on time. If you have open collections to a previous landlord, your application will be automatically denied. If you have a low credit score (below 550) you will be denied.

Check the courts for prior criminal and civil actions:

We obtain a national criminal history search to see if you have any felony convictions or domestic assault and abuse convictions. If there is a felony, drug conviction, or domestic assault and abuse conviction within the past 7 years, the application will be automatically denied.

See full criteria at this link.

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications are processed in 3 business days once a complete application is received. Complete means that we have received the application and all requested documentation.

 

We process applications as quickly as possible. Often, we have to wait for return phone calls from landlords and employers.

 

We must verify your employment, rental history, and credit. We need the last three years of history from your landlord(s) and this can be the most difficult part of your application to verify. We will call you if we are having trouble obtaining any information. If we cannot verify information quickly, we have to move on to another application. If we already are processing someone else’s application on the property you apply for, your application may have to wait for that application to be completed. Make sure the name of your landlord is the owner of the property or the property management company. Providing daytime phone numbers can shorten the turnaround time when messages have to be left.

Can I see a property?

Please visit the following website to view the available showing times. Go here -> https://www.rpmbakersfield.com/houses-for-rent-in-bakersfield-ca

We use an automated system to schedule showing times with either our showing coordinator or using a code box available at the property. Our automated system will coordinate confirmations and cancellations with you. In the event that your showing is cancelled by our system it is often times because the property has been secured by deposit or an emergency has come up. In either event we will reach out to try to schedule a new showing time or a showing for a similar property if you’re interested or you can revisit our list of available homes to schedule a new showing.

What if I need help to qualify? Will you allow me to have someone co-sign?

Some properties will accept a co-signer if you lack either credit or rental references. If that is the case we will accept a co-signer that has verifiable income sufficient to qualify for both their living situation and for the property they are co-signing, and the co-signer must have a greater than 650 credit score and required 4x rent. The co-signer must fully complete our application and pay the application fee, which is non-refundable.

Does Real Property Management Bakersfield allow pets?

Due to insurance costs and limitations, we cannot allow the following types of dogs in any of our properties: 1. Pit Bulls, 2. Rottweilers, 3. Chow Chows, 4. Doberman Pinchers, 5. German Shepherds, 6. American Staffordshire Terriers, 7. Wild dogs such as coyotes, wolves, and dingos, 8. Mastiffs, 9. Akita, 10. Bullmastiffs, 11. Presa Canario, 12. Malamutes, 13. Boxers, 14. Any dog that has any of the above breeds in their lineage.

As a general rule, pets will not be allowed in multi-family dwellings. If the property allows a pet, the applicant will pay an additional pet deposit and or a non refundable pet fee. Some properties that allow pets require additional pet fees per month, and those fees will be due with each months rent payment. Individual listings typically indicate pet information and whether pets are allowed or not.

Pets must be spayed or neutered, and all pets must be properly vaccinated. The pet owner must keep the animal from causing damage or disruption and cared for in a safe and healthy manner. Service animals as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act are exempt from these fees but must still be cared for as listed above.

Can I get a pet after the lease starts?

If the home is pre-approved for a pet, inform us of the breed, age and weight of the proposed pet for our approval. If the pet meets our pet approval policy as stated on the pet addendum the tenant will need to sign the pet addendum and pay any applicable pet deposit and pet admin fees. If the home is not pre-approved for a pet, then no pet will be allowed.

Can you keep my number and call me when “this” type of home becomes available?

Because of the high volume of inquiries received by our company, we are not able to logistically accommodate this request. We ask you to continue to keep checking our website at https://www.rpmbakersfield.com/houses-for-rent-in-bakersfield-ca to see if any properties come up that fit your criteria as our listings change daily.

Do you take Section 8? Do you have any Section 8 properties available?

Yes, there are particular properties in which Section 8 will approve and we specify it in our advertising. We treat Section 8 applicants like anyone else. The applicant must still qualify under the guidelines outlined above.

I am getting help from an agency to pay for my deposit and first month's rent, is that okay?

Yes, but you would have to still qualify through our application process and provide letters from the applicable agencies at the time you apply.

What about maintenance items or damages the day we move in or thereafter?

For damages – notify us of issues within 3 days from the lease start date.

For repairs – submit a maintenance request at any time during your tenancy online through your tenant portal at https://rpmca060.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in. If you do not have internet access, you can call our 24/7 maintenance hotline number 1-888-566-8842.

Can I pay rent in advance?

Yes, you can set up advanced online payments.

Can I paint walls in the home?

Let us know what color of paint you want to use and where you would like the painting to be performed. We will inform you of approval or denial. Any painting must be performed by an approved third party vendor at tenant’s expense (paid in advance) and may be repainted back to the original color by RPM Bakersfield at the tenant’s expense at the time the tenant vacates. Real Property Management Bakersfield reserves the right to make this determination at its sole discretion at the time the tenant vacates.

What if I move in and there is a bug problem?

For single family homes – If you notice an infestation of insects within the first 30 days of your lease we will provide appropriate extermination services, should it be appropriate. After 30 days of residency all extermination is the responsibility of the resident unless otherwise provided by the owner. This information would be indicated on the property information page, when browsing available homes and would be included within your lease as a resident.

A friend will be living with me for just a little while, do I have to put them on the lease?

Any ‘visitor’ staying more than 14 consecutive days on more than 2 occasions in any one month is required to submit an application and be approved in order to be added to the lease PRIOR to occupying the unit.

Can I rent without a social security number?

Yes, if you have documentation that we can use to verify your identity. Any adults applying must fill out the application, if they have a federal ID number that can be written down or any other government issued identification, this number can be written down as well. Please know upon signing a lease a valid photo ID is required from everyone over the age of 18.

Do you accept the deposit in multiple payments?

No.

Can you hold a property for me to rent later?

We will hold a property for a maximum of 2 weeks (14 days) before the lease starts. A signed lease and deposit must be paid for an approved applicant to hold a property. You do not need to move in on the 14th day, yet ; however, rent will be charged and will be due.

** Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Owner Relations Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Do you rent to people who have an eviction on their record?

No.

Do you rent properties to felons?

There are no automatic denials for criminal history. We perform an individual assessment for each person to determine if they are an immediate threat to our team, the property, or the neighborhood. Please make sure to answer the application question regarding crimes fully and honestly, as any false information will result in an automatic denial.

Do you work with bad credit situations?

Credit scores do factor in our application process but it is not all that we look at. Application approvals are based on several categories including but not limited to: rental history, income, employment, criminal and eviction history and credit score. So if you have issues on one category, but not on others, you may still qualify. We cannot predict the outcome until it has been run through the application processing system.

Is the lease term flexible?

Nearly all of the lease rent rates we quote prices for are for 12 month terms, if it is a month to month lease rate, there may be a higher cost. The length of a lease may vary. Discuss this question with a leasing agent.

There are no photos of the property, how do I see the inside?

We will post updated photos and video as soon as the property is vacant and presentable. We do begin to market properties before this is the case. You can also schedule a showing to see the property in person when it becomes available for showings.

What do I need to bring to the lease signing?

We encourage you to use our online systems to apply, pay deposits, sign leases and pay rent. However, if you must pay or lease sign in our office, you will need to bring certified funds (bank cashiers check or money order) in the amount of the deposit and any other payment for any rents due. When you come to pick up keys on the day you are scheduled to move in, you will need to bring certified funds for the first month’s rent. We will also need to take a photocopy of your driver’s license or other form of identification so we know that you are who you say you are! Proof of renters insurance with Real Property Management Bakersfield listed as an additional interest and utilities established in the residents name are also required.

What is the $119 documentation fee?

This fee is for the preparation of the lease, lease execution, corresponding documents, and for conducting the move-in inspection providing digital copies with pictures.

What is our Resident Care Plan?

This fee is for the enrollment and continued access to the Rental Rewards Piñata program, online portal access and 24/7 maintenance hotline. Additionally, it includes a Rental Insurance Policy that covers up to $15,000 for loss of most personal property, typically due to sudden and accidental loss due to theft, fire, water damage, and the like, a liability policy that covers up to $100,000, and a loss of use policy that covers up to 24 months, all underwritten by State Farm.

What is our Renter’s Rewards Program (powered by Piñata)?

Piñata is a platform that rewards you for paying your rent. You’ll receive rewards just for signing up, including a $25 restaurant gift card, $30 local gift card and access to over 300,000 deals on local and national brands.

Do you accept paper apps?

We strongly encourage you to fill out our online application; however, we are able to provide paper applications at our rental office if needed. You must bring in all required documentation when submitting your paper application in order for it to be accepted

If self-employed what documents do i need?

In addition to other documents, for income you will need to provide a tax return plus 3 months of bank statements.

Does my wife/boyfriend/partner have to fill out an application or can we both just fill out one?

Each adult must fill out an application at the current application fee per adult.

I forgot to include a paystub or my ID can I have an email to send it too?

Please email it to [email protected].

Where are you located?

We are located at 2008 21st Street Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93301. You can contact us at [email protected]

Resident Information and Forms

Thank you for choosing to rent a property through Real Property Management Bakersfield. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of residential services. Please let us know when you have questions or need assistance with your home or apartment.

Our property management team is available to assist you Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  If you have an after hours emergency, call our Urgent Maintenance Call Center 1-888-566-8842 , they are available anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week for you.

Our goal is to improve our service by offering support and delivering tools that will ease communication between residents and the property management team. You can login to your Online Portal to report less than urgent maintenance requests and to pay rent.

You can get some answers to common questions by reviewing the questions and answers on this page. For any further questions please email us at [email protected] any time to receive quick service and assistance.

Rent Billing Questions

If you have any questions regarding your rent statement, please contact our office 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m Monday through Friday, except for major holidays at (661) 379-6923.

Don’t see an answer to your question? Please email [email protected] and we will get your question answered as soon as possible!

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When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

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