Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

How much is the application fee?

ANSWER: We charge a nominal application fee of only $10.00 because it is unfair to collect large fees from numerous applicants when we know the listing will be given to only one.  However, each adult applicant must submit a current credit report along with the COMPLETE application(s).  Several techniques for obtaining free credit reports are identified in the instructions above.  If you would like us to run your credit report for you, please submit $150.00 ($200.00 for couples) to Tri-City Properties along with your application fee.  You will be provided a copy of any reports obtained on your behalf.

  • Will I be disqualified due to negative information in my credit history?

ANSWER: No, the only automatic disqualification we have is for dishonesty.  Credit history is just one factor we use to help select the best tenant for our clients.  We have found that nearly all applicants have some type of glitch in their credit history.  If you have questionable credit, or are concerned about your application package, we suggest you get a co-signor or negotiate a higher security deposit.  Your co-signor should fill out an application as well.  We base our recommendations to the owners primarily on applicants that pay rent on time and take care of the property. 

  • I need to move in right away.  Can my application be rushed?

ANSWER: In most cases, no.  We take pride in doing a thorough background check on behalf of our owners.  That takes time.  Generally, we submit all applications to the owners for a decision within one week if time allows.  If you are up against a deadline, we suggest you continue to pursue other housing alternatives at the same time or email us for options.  We do not want to be the reason you miss out on other opportunities while waiting for approval.  We also take time to verify information.

  • Do all adult applicants need to submit individual applications?  Even my child who is 18 years old?

ANSWER: Yes.

  • Is this a Section 8 property?  Do you take Section 8 or other government assisted applicants?

ANSWER: Properties in and of themselves are not deemed Section 8; it is the applicants/tenants that qualify for Section 8 assistance.  Properties then become subject to additional rules and requirements of the Section 8 program.  We accept Section 8 applicants for ALL of our properties however, the Housing Authority does not always authorize the use of every voucher with every listing.  Prior to submitting an application, please check with your worker to ensure you will qualify for this property at this amount. If your worker informs you that your voucher is not enough, but is close to the listed lease amount, speak with your Housing Authority about options and email us also.  We might be able to work with applicants we like.

  • I received the application by email.  Can I return it by email as well?

ANSWER: No, your application, credit report, driver’s license, and Social Security Card all contain personal identifying information about you.  We require bringing in your application package to our office.  Application fees can be submitted via Venmo, check, money order, or cash.  If you are not in the local area, call the office for instructions.

  • Do I need to post a deposit along with my application?

ANSWER: No, but deposits show that applicants are serious about wanting the property.  We will not accept money from anyone until we have a signed lease agreement.  Preference will be given to those applicants that are ready for tenancy.  This would be those applicants that have the funds available and can move in in an acceptable time frame after approval from Tri-City Properties.  Plan on needing 3 times the rent for move in.  This is 2 times rent for the security deposit plus first month’s rent.  Multiply the advertised monthly rent by 3 to see if you have the funds.

  • Can I schedule an appointment to view the property?

ANSWER: There is a high demand for our properties, many people looking for rentals, and limited staff.  We DO NOT keep wait lists of qualified candidates.  Instead, we post to our website www.Tri-CityProperties.com all available information, including open houses and other upcoming opportunities.  To expedite the tenant placement process, we will most likely schedule an open house where all interested persons may come and view the property at the same time.  If the date and time of the open house are not convenient for you, we may schedule private showings for qualified applicants only.  So, in order to request a private showing, please make sure you have submitted your complete application package.  If you cannot, email us your request along with some specifics about you as an applicant and we may be able to accommodate you.

  • What happens to my application if I am not selected to lease this property?

ANSWER: If you are not selected to lease this property, you will be notified by email along with any specific reasons for the decision, if known, and possibly advice on how to improve your standing, if asked.  You will also be allowed to pick up your application package from our office within 5 business days, request your package be shredded, or we can transfer your application to any of our other available properties at your direction.  Packages not picked up in a timely manner will be destroyed.

 

 

  • There is a tenant currently in the property.  Can I make arrangements to view the property now?

ANSWER: No.  We value the privacy of our tenants, just like we will value yours if you are selected to be one of our tenants.  You can drive by but please do not disturb our current tenants.  If you are a pre-approved applicant, meaning you have submitted a complete application and we would accept you as the tenant, we will make sure you are scheduled to see the property in a timely manner.

  • Can I talk to the owner to plead my case?

ANSWER: No, the owner of this property is Foundation Investments, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company, or a private person.  Owners hire property managers such as Tri-City Properties to handle real estate, tenants, and applicants for them.  If you have special circumstances, please include a detailed description along with your application.

  • What if I do not have the security deposit and first month’s rent?

ANSWER: You may still submit your complete application package; however, preference will be given to those applicants that are ready for tenancy.  Applicants that are not completely ready for tenancy may also be those that are not always ready to pay rent on time.  If you do not currently have the funds, please explain to us your plan.

  • I am not ready to move in yet because I need to give my current landlord 30 days’ notice, or I am not moving to California yet.  Will you hold this property for me?

ANSWER: You may still submit your complete application package; however, preference will be given to those applicants that are ready for tenancy.  Vacant properties cause a financial loss for the owners.  It may help your case if you take possession of the property, and pay the required deposit and lease payments, without regard to your actual move in date.

  • Should I follow all the instructions included within this application package?

ANSWER: Yes.  When trying to place tenants, we look for those applicants that follow instructions and pay attention to detail such as: Pay your rent on time, do not damage our property, notify us of water leaks, etc.  HINT: Incomplete or inaccurate applications, missing documentation, or failure to follow instructions helps us to evaluate what type of tenant the applicant will be.

  • Section 8/Housing Assistance Program will not go for the full rental amount.  Can I pay the difference?  Will the owners lower the price?

ANSWER: We will not take payments outside of the Housing Assistance Program’s contract.  This is fraud and we will not jeopardize our longstanding working relationship with the local Housing Authorities by doing so.  If applicants choose to do so, they are jeopardizing their own assistance.  For qualified or desired applicants, owners will sometimes adjust rental amounts in exchange for graduated lease agreements, longer term tenancy, etc.  If you have a proposal, feel free to include that information with your application.

  • Do I need to submit a complete application?

ANSWER: Yes.  If we make copies, it is $10.00 per page.  We find that responsible applicants (ones that will be responsible with rent payments and take care of our properties) seem to be able to follow instructions and submit complete packages.

 

 

  • I am applying for a room to rent.  Do you accept applications from couples?  Do you accept children?

ANSWER: Yes. Tri-City Properties does not and will not allow any form of illegal discrimination.  However, in some situations where a tenant or tenants may be residing with the owner(s) of the home, we make every effort to find compatible applicants.  This may be based on sex, family size, etc.  Also, a listed price point for room rentals may reflect single tenant and expected utility use for one person.  Multi tenants may require a higher contribution for rent and/or utility use.  Feel free to submit an explanation sheet along with your application or simply email our office to fully explain your situation.

 

  • What is the deposit amount?

 

ANSWER: Our security deposits are typically 2 month’s lease payment.  If you have concerns, feel free to submit an explanation sheet along with your application or simply email our office to fully explain your situation.

 

  • What is the total move in cost?

 

ANSWER: Total move in costs are one month’s rent plus your security deposit.  Plan on 3x rent for total move in costs.

  • What is the square footage of this property?

 

ANSWER: If available, Tri-City Properties will post floor plans along with measurements and square footage. If not posted with the ad, you can locate specific property information at https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ar/viewpropertyinfo.asp or on the individual county’s website.  

 

  • I want to apply for more than one property. Do I need separate applications?

 

ANSWER: No, you can submit one application for as many listings as you’d like. Simply include the address of each listing on page #3 of the application and a $10.00 application fee for each property.  

 

  • Can I apply for a shorter term or temporary tenancy?

 

ANSWER: Yes, however the advertised prices are based on a 12-month lease agreement. Changes may increase price.