How To Apply For A Property
Complete and sign the rental application in its entirety. Each person signing the lease must complete an application.
Either fax or send the completed application.
Provide a copy of a valid driver’s license.
To see a property that is available for lease please call or email to make an appointment.
Leases
Most leases are a 12 month lease. See the lease for specific details on terms.
All properties require a parent or guardian signature on the lease as well as the occupant. This guarantees the parent or guardian will pay for any rent due, unpaid utility bills or damage to the property beyond normal wear & tear.
The entire security deposit and cleaning fee is due upon signing the lease.
Security Deposits*
The security deposit is an amount of money paid by the tenant to the landlord (other than the first months rent). The security deposit remains the tenant’s property, but is held by the landlord for the term of the lease to ensure that the tenant pays the rent due, pays the utility bills, and returns the rented property in proper condition, as required by the lease. The law states that a security deposit shall not exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent.
Once the lease is terminated, the tenant has the right to have the entire security deposit returned unless the landlord can substantiate a claim to it because the tenant:
Owes unpaid rent
Owes unpaid utility bills
Caused damage to the rented property beyond reasonable wear and tear
Cleaning Fee
The cleaning fee is separate from the security deposit. This is a non-refundable fee due at the same time the security deposit is paid.
Inventory Checklist*
The inventory checklist preserves some proof of the condition of the property when the tenant moved in. The landlord must provide the tenant with blank copies of an inventory checklist, referencing all items in the rental unit. The landlord must provide written notice on the first page of the checklist that the tenant must properly complete the checklist, noting the condition of the property, and returning it to the landlord within 7 days after moving in.
Utilities
The utilities may be the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant or both. Check the rental agreement to determine who is responsible to pay the utilities.
Insurance
All renters should purchase rental insurance to cover liability and tenant property losses or damages. This is not required but highly recommended. The tenant’s personal property is not insured under the dwelling insurance coverage provided by the landlord. Call your insurance agent for questions about insurance coverage and costs.
Lead Paint*
Since the latter part of 1996, landlords must provide tenants who are renting units built before 1978 with certain information concerning lead-based paints. This information includes a federal government pamphlet entitled:
Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home
And a form entitled:
Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead based Paint Hazards (Rentals)
There are exceptions to this federal requirement, including commercial rentals, zero-bedroom efficiency apartments, and rental units certified as lead-free by a qualified lead abatement inspector.
Smoking*
A landlord can restrict tenants who smoke to certain apartments or buildings or can refuse to rent to smokers. This would not violate any state, federal, or local laws.
Pet Restrictions*
A landlord may prohibit all pets in a rental unit. A landlord may charge a fee for having a pet. An exception here is that the landlord may not prohibit a disabled individual relying on a service animal from housing the animal.
Parent or Guardian Signature
It is a requirement of GMJ Properties for the parent or guardian to sign the lease and be obligated by all of the terms on the lease as is the occupant.
Tenant Responsibilities*
Although responsibilities can be modified in certain instances – by mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant – a tenant is generally expected to:
Pay rent on time and in full
Keep the rental property in a safe and sanitary condition
Promptly notify the landlord of maintenance problems
Exterminate insects that appear if they were not there when the tenant moved in
Leave the rental property in good condition – reasonable wear & tear expected
City of Kalamazoo Approvals
The City of Kalamazoo requires rental properties to be inspected and certified as a rental property every 2 years by the City of Kalamazoo inspector.
Civil Rights
Federal, state, and local laws prohibit discrimination in rental housing based on a number of factors, including race, color, sex, age, handicaps, and family status.
* Information provided by “A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords” – prepared by the Michigan Legislature.