What's the Application Process?

Our application process is very straightforward. We will have you fill out an application which will begin the process which needs to be done before showing the property.  Once proof of employment and references are verified, we will have you sign the lease and set a move-in date. A security deposit holds the property until your move-in date at which time first months rent is due. Prior to moving in, utilities will need to be transferred into your name (gas, water, sewage, internet and garbage).  We'd be happy to show you any of our properties to make sure it is the right fit. For students, we do require parents to be listed as the tenants and the students at the occupant.  This will require them to complete the application along with the student.

 

Are There Any Employment, Credit or Income Requirements?

We do require proof of employment as part of the application process and references from previous rentals (if applicable). For student renters, we will mainly need the parents information to be eligible for our rentals. The parents or guardians will be listed as the tenants with the students the occupants. We do not run credit reports but due perform background checks for any legal issues. A copy of the potential tenant's driver license will also be required based on the U.S Patriot Act requirements for proof of identity..  

 

Is there an Application Fee?

There is no application fee to be considered for our Properties. 

 

How Much is the Security Deposit?

The security deposit for our rental properties is the same as one months rent and this will vary based on the property.  The security deposit is returned within 14 days of lease termination as long as there is no physical damage to the property. Any damage will be provided in writing with the cost for repairs at the standard labor rate associated with the damage.   

 

What Are My Lease Length Options?

A fixed long-term 12 month lease is standard for our rental properties. We will consider a short-term fixed 3 and 6 months leases at a premium as well though we do prefer our tenants to stay for one year. In some special cases, we will consider a week-to-week or month-to-month depending on the circumstance.

 

What Utilities Are Included in the Rent?

There are no utilities included in the rent.  Prior to your move in date, you will need to transfer the utilities into your name.  These include water, gas, electricity, sewage, garbage, and internet (if desired).  Once the lease is terminated utilities will be transferred back to Topsmeads Midwest LLC. 

 

When is Rent Due and the Preferred Method?

Rent is due on the first of the month or the move in date at the start of the lease term if different. The preferred method of payment is cash or check.  Late payments fees will be covered in your lease agreement.

 

What's the Pet Policy?

We are open to pets being pet owners ourselves.  We do evaluate extending the ability to have a pet at our rentals on a case by case policy.  This really protects you by making sure that the rental is not damaged which impact your pet security deposit. However, we will need to know, type, size, weight, and age of the animal. The pet security deposit is 25% of one months rent single payment and is refundable within 14 days of lease termination as long as there is no physical damage to the property. Any damage will be provided in writing with the cost for repairs at the standard labor rate associated with the damage.   

 

Is Renter's Insurance Required?

We do not require or offer renter's insurance for our rental properties.  Auburn is a very safe community; however, we still encourage renters insurance.  Renters insurance covers the cost of your possessions that may have been lost or damaged due to burglary, fires, vandalism, etc.

 

What's the Guest Policy?

Having visitors is not an issue.  We do ask that if your guest are expected to stay longer than 72 hours that you let us know and we hold to a no-subletting policy.

 

What is the Policy on Recreation Vehicles?

No RVs, utility trailers, or watercraft are to be stored at any of our properties.  Exceptions can be discussed with us based on the parking availability.

 

What's Changes Can I May to the Rental Property?

Want to load your new rental with your favorite wall art, or paint the walls to something more your style? Please check with us on things such as mounting TVs, hanging mirrors, or any other decoration additions to the home beyond pictures or art work. We do not allow any physical changes to the properties construction and this includes painting. Periodically we will upgrade fixtures in the house such as appliances, faucets, lighting, etc. to improve the aesthetics of the home and within reason we include the renters in these decisions.

 

How Do Maintenance Requests Work?

We ensure that your major electrical and mechanical equipment at the rental is maintained to the highest quality.  However, you never know when the need for an immediate emergency repair may arise.  If the issue could damage the rental property, please contact us as soon as possible. We do cover very specifically in our lease agreement that our sewage lines in Auburn, NE are older and we only cover repairs to the p-traps of the drain lines as a rental company. All houses have garbage disposals and only toilet paper is to be flushed down the toilets.  Grounds maintenance is not included as part of your rent, but Topsmead Midwest LLC does offer both Lawn and Snow Removal Services.

 

Will My Rent Every Increase?

Your rent will remain the same throughout your fixed lease agreement.  Depending on market conditions, the lease may increase upon renewal. Things that will impact increases in rent include the impacts of higher taxes, insurance, comparable sized house rent values, etc.  We feel we offer very affordable quality homes that are fairly priced at market value. 

 

Will my Property be Furnished?

We do offer basic furnishing if requested - beds, nightstands, microwaves, couch, chairs, kitchen table with 4 chairs, end tables, toaster, coffee maker, kitchenware, etc.  Standard appliances and amenities that typical for all properties are a washer & dryer, stove/oven, and refrigerator. Several of our properties do include a dishwasher and in the future these upgrades will be added to all of our rentals. Furnishing fees can be discussed at the time the lease is drawn up.