FAQs

• Every applicant MUST inspect the specific unit he/she is interested in before submitting a Rental Application.
• All of our vacancies (except in Cleveland Co)  are shown either by a self-tour using Rently lockboxes or by appointment with a local Realtor®.
• A unique Rently link or instructions to contact a Realtor® appears below the property description and above the map for each individual vacancy.
• For vacancies in Cleveland County, please call our Shelby office at 980-404-0800 to arrange a showing.

• Find a unit; inspect the interior; submit an application; pay the $200 binder; pay the first month's rent; sign a lease.
• Review our vacancy list and select one or more unit you are interested in. Our entire list is available on this website or one of our offices.
• Inspect the interior of the unit you are interested in. See “How do I see a Vacancy” above.
• Complete a Rental Application which is available on this website.  You will need to provide a Photo ID,  proof of a valid Social Security Number, and valid proof of income.
• Our Application Fee is $55 per adult occupant and we accept Certified Check, Money Order, VISA & MasterCard.
• Each application must also post a Binder of $200 when applying. If the application is approved, the Binder will be applied toward the first month's rent. If the application is not approved, the Binder will be promptly refunded. Please refer to the next FAQ for more information about binders.
• We process each Rental Application as quickly as possible. Completing the application takes about 15-25 minutes. Generally, processing the application generally takes 24-36 hours.
• Assuming that all vacancy repairs are completed, you can move into your new home as soon as your Application is approved.
• The Applicant is required to post a Security Deposit and sign a lease before moving into their unit. The amount of the security deposit varies by property and rental rate. Ask your Leasing Agent for more details.

• Good faith money posted as part of the Rental Application process. A binder does NOT hold a property.
• If approved, the binder amount is applied to the first month's rent, although the applicant must deposit the required "security deposit" before taking occupancy.
• In the event the applicant fails to take possession after the rental application is accepted, the binder is forfeited as liquidated damages.

• Photo ID
• Valid proof of Social Security Number(social security card, W2, W7, or Tax Return)
• $55 Application Fee and $200 Binder(Certified Check, Money Order, VISA or MasterCard)
• Proof of marriage if the husband & wife have different last names. 
• All applicants over 18 years old must complete a separate application
• If you are currently employed, your most recent pay stubs
• If you are self-employed, copies of your most recent tax return and copies of your recent bank statement
• If you are starting a new job, the job offer letter from your new employer
• If you have a pet, please bring a picture of the pet and fill out https://trlawing.petscreening.com

Yes

Married couples must be able to prove they are married. Generally, two photo ID’s (such as driver’s licenses) with the same last name are sufficient. An alternative is to present a Marriage Certificate.

• The combined income of married couples will be considered to meet the income requirement (i.e., three (3) to four (4) times the monthly rental rate).
• The income of unmarried singles will not be combined and each single must qualify individually to meet the income requirement (i.e., three (3) to four (4) times the monthly rental rate).

• Each adult applicant must have a valid Social Security Number.
• Applicants must have verifiable monthly income from a local employer equal to or greater than three and one-half (3.5) times the monthly rental rate.
• Any non-employment or passive income must be guaranteed.
• Applicants must have two or more acceptable credit ratings or references, within the last 3 years.
• Applicants must have a history of satisfactory rent payments and occupants with all previous landlords.
• Applicants must have given sufficient notice-to-vacate at their last address.
• Judgments and evictions from any previous landlord are considered bad credit.

• Yes, via our website, www.trlawing.com.  There is a convenience fee.
• We also offer several electronic payment options at no extra charge.

Within 48 hours of an application being accepted;

• The lease must be signed
• The binder amount will be applied to the first month's rent
• The remainder of the first full month's rent must be paid.
• Once the lease is signed and the remainder of the first full month's rent is paid, we will 'hold' a vacancy for up to 30 days.
• In the event the applicant fails to take possession after the rental application is accepted, the binder and/or first month's rent will be forfeited as liquidated damages.

• Applicants must personally inspect the property and, as part of the application process, request any repairs they desire.
• Repair requests approved by T. R. Lawing Realty become mutually Agreed To Contingencies of the Rental Lease, provided there are at least ten (10) working days between agreement and occupancy.
• The owner reserves the right to seek an increased rental rate if the repairs are estimated to cost more than $200.
• Any repair request added after submission of the Rental Application may not be completed prior to occupancy and can be accomplished at the convenience of the maintenance personnel.

• Generally, 12 months.
• Leases revert to month-to-month tenancy at the end of the initial term unless the owner and the resident will agree to a longer term.

• The owner of each property reserves the right to prohibit or limit the number, size and type of pet allowed at the property.
• Typically, more than 1 pet or pets that weigh more than 30 pounds are not allowed, even in single-family houses.
• If the owner and agent agree to a pet, an additional pet fee and signed Pet Addenda will be required.
• Our typical pet fee is $300 Per Pet, nonrefundable.
• ALL applicants will need to complete a Pet/Assistance Animal profile at https://trlawing.petscreening.com

• Electronic signatures have been legal in all 50 states since the federal ESIGN act was passed in 2000.
• E-signatures speed up the contract signing process; provide a high-level of encrypted security; and clean, fully executed originals for all parties.
• For more information about e-signatures please visit www.docusign.com, our preferred provider.

Yes, this is the best way to protect your furniture, clothing, appliances and personal belongings. Tenant's Form Homeowners Insurance also provides liability protection to you for a very nominal rate.  If you don’t have Renter’s Insurance, you will automatically be enrolled in our Tenant Landlord Liability Insurance at a cost of $12.50/month.

Complete information about electricity, natural gas, water & sewer, telephone, cable tv, garbage collection and even how to change your driver's license and license tag are found in the Utilities section of our site.

• Per your lease, each month's rental payment is due by 11:59 pm on the 5th calendar day of the month. No exceptions are made for weekends, holidays or inclement weather.
• Personal checks are only accepted between the 1st and 5th of each month. Only certified funds are accepted on and after the 6th of the month. NO CASH IS ACCEPTED.
• A Returned Check Fee of $25.00 is charged for each check returned by a financial institution.

Other Fees which may apply:

Late Payment Fee:

5% or $15, whichever is greater

6th of the month

Court Costs

$126.00

21st of the month

Appearance Fee

Up to 10%

Day of Trial

Writ Fee

$110.00

Day of Writ Filing

Padlock Fee

$75.00

Day of Eviction

According to General Statute 42-51, the 8 permitted uses or deductions by a landlord or agent of the landlord are:

1. Nonpayment of rent (unpaid rent is due);
2. Cost of water and sewer services provided by the lessor per G.S. 62-110(g);
3. Nonfulfillment of rental period (future rent due under lease when the landlord is unable to re-rent the unit for a similar amount after diligent efforts to do so);
4. Unpaid bills from the tenant's occupancy which become a lien against the property;
5. The cost of re-renting the property after a breach of the lease by the tenant;
6. Costs of removal and storage of tenant's property; or
7. Court costs in connection with terminating a tenancy.