Leasing Guidelines

Selecting a rental property is a very important decision. The proper selection of roommates, location, transportation, costs and quality all effect whether or not you will be pleased with your selection. Also, remember that a lease is a legal contract between the lessees and the lessor. Be sure that you can meet your obligations under the lease agreement.

Some Things to Consider:

• When you begin to look for housing consider your lifestyle needs, such as quiet time required, smoking, pets, financial, etc.
• Look early in the rental season - January is a good time to look in Blacksburg.
• Do not rent a premises that you have not seen.
• Find out the approximate utility costs involved.
• Don't make any agreements between roommates that aren't in writing. If everyone agrees, then there should be no problem in getting it on paper. This includes who will pay utilities, rent, pets and overnight guests.
• Explore seriously renters insurance to protect yourself.

1. Raines Property Management cannot rent a unit that has not been seen by the applicant with our leasing agent. Appointments can be scheduled from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
2. We must give our tenants reasonable notice before entering their unit, so schedule appointments ahead of time. Only three units can be viewed at any one appointment. Additionally, due to time restrictions we can only show each unit to you once.
3. There is a $25.00 application fee for all applicants.
4. Signing a reservation form and paying a reservation fee reserves the unit you are interested in renting. This reservation fee is equal to one month's rent.
5. Once the reservation fee is paid and should you decide you are no longer interested in the unit the reservation fee is forfeited.
6. Upon signing the lease the reservation fee converts to your security deposit. All leases with us are joint and severable so all roommates and guarantors are responsible.
7. You need to have all utilities turned into your name by the lease starting date.
8. On the move-in day, the rent for that month is due. Rent will be prorated for the month if applicable.
9. Cash cannot be accepted for application fees, security deposits, or rent.

Raines Property Management is committed to serving our owners and tenants fairly. It is important to understand in advance exactly what we expect of each other. Please ask us if you have any questions at raines@bellatlantic.net.