Tenant FAQs

Questions about Applications

• What is the rental criteria?

  We are looking for applications that have a good credit score, total income above 3 times the rent, and a positive rental history. We will also need a clear photocopy of an official government ID. (i.e. driver’s license, passport, etc.) and 2 most recent pay stubs if employed (if you are a business owner or self employed, we will need 2 most recent tax returns which is your FORM 1040 showing annual adjusted gross income).

• How long will it take to process my application?

  It usually takes about 3-5 days from the time after ALL DOCUMENTATION IS SUBMITTED FROM EACH ADULT WHO WILL BE LIVING THERE.

  It also depends on how quickly your references reply to our requests. You can help speed things up by contacting your references ahead of time and asking them to provide written referrals.

• How will I know if I am approved or rejected?

  If you have been approved, you will get an email immediately. If you have been rejected, you will get an email notifying you ONLY AFTER a lease contract has been signed. If you are ONLY denied because someone else signed a lease, you may still use your application toward any other property we have listed for the next 60 days without having to pay another application fee. If you do decide to use your application toward another property, you must notify us by email which property you would like to use your application towards. You may only use your application toward one property at a time.

• May I use my application for another property you manage?

  Your application is good for 60 days from the date your application was first submitted. You may use your application toward any property we manage that is vacant without needing to pay another application fee. If you do decide to use your application toward another property, you must notify us by email and state which property you would like to use your application towards. As long as we receive your written (email) notice within 60 days from the date your application was originally first submitted, your application is eligible for use toward another property we manage.

• How do I apply?

  You can apply by clicking on the “Apply Now” button for the specific property that you are interested in found on our Rental Property Search page.

• Will the owner allow pets?

  Usually not if the advertisement states “No Pets”. However, some owners may make an exception if you offer to pay more deposit (i.e. double deposit) and additional rent (i.e. $100 extra monthly). Please submit what you would like to offer by email if you would like to make such an offer.

• Are utilities included in the rent?

  Usually not. Unless the advertisement states “Owner Pays for Utility”, then the tenant will be fully responsible for ALL utilities.

• Do I need to see the property before I apply?

  You can start an application any time, HOWEVER, we will NOT approve an application until AFTER each person who will be living there has seen the property in person.

• What do I need to bring to the open house showing?

  Nothing. All items needed for the application process can be done online.




• What is the best way to ensure a happy beneficial relationship with our landlord?

  Communication, communication, communication. This means that it is always better for us to find out from you first rather than being “caught”. Please do your best to fulfill your tenant responsibilities of paying rent, taking care of the home, and being a good neighbor, etc..

  We know life happens and issues often come up. If there are any issues, please notify us by email as soon as issues come up. The sooner we are notified, usually the easier they are to handle.

• What do I do if I will not be able to pay the rent on time?

  Notify management immediately by email. Provide management with your best proposed “payment plan” (include specific dates with specific payment amounts for each payment for that date).

  We understand that people hit hard times. The most important thing you can do is communicate, communicate, communicate. We will do our best to work with your circumstances and will often be able to find options to avoid an eviction. We HATE to do evictions so please communicate with us. We almost always will try to work something out.

• How long will it take for my maintenance request to be completed?

  You should be contacted immediately if it is an emergency. If it is not an emergency, you should be contacted within 3 days and someone will make arrangements to perform service. If you are not contacted within 5 days, please notify us.

  ** Please note: for property management purposes, an emergency would include items such as actively flooding water, electrical or fire danger, non-working toilet in a single bathroom rental, safety issues, health risk problems, and in general items that 1.) are dangerous, or 2.) will get worse or cause more damage if not addressed immediately). When we think of an emergency, we think “FIRE, FLOOD, or BLOOD”, etc.

  Failure to notify management could result in the tenant being responsible for further damage as a result of not notifying management.

• What do I do if I want to move out?

  If your lease term is up and you (ALL RESIDING RESIDENTS) are month to month, you are required to provide management with a “WRITTEN 30 DAY NOTICE TO VACATE”. You may email us this notice and we will send you a form to complete with a list of next steps.

• When will I receive my deposit?

  We will send you your deposit within 21 days of your move out date.

• What if I am the only person moving out and other roommates will be staying? How do I get removed from the lease contract?

  If you are moving out and your roommates are staying, the only way to be removed from the contract is for ALL persons (including the landlord) on the contract to sign an agreement to make a change to the contract. This means all roommates and the landlord must also agree and sign to make this change in the contract effective. Just giving a 30 day notice will NOT remove you from the lease contract and financial obligations.

  In order for the Contra Costa Property Management as landlord to sign and agree to this change, providing we have permission from the owner, we need remaining tenants to qualify financially with 3x rent. They can do this by providing pay stubs or possibly other forms of documented income. If remaining tenants can not qualify, there may be the option of finding a new additional tenant to replace the leaving tenant. In this case, the new tenant would have to go through the application process and be approved and the new income could be counted toward the combined qualifying income.

• What if tenants only want one name on the Deposit return check when we all move out?

  CCPM must include all names who are on the lease on the deposit return check if we do not hear from you in writing. This may mean that everybody on the lease will have to go to the bank together to cash the return deposit check.

  IF you would like to have the deposit check payable to only one person, we will need a letter, signed by each tenant named on the lease or added to the lease, with instructions authorizing us to remove individuals named per instructions.

  The letter of authorization must include BOTH 1) request for removing specified names from the check 2) statement that each tenant whose name is removed releases any claim to the deposit from CCPM, and 3) everybody’s signature. This is the only way CCPM will be able to make the check out to only one person’s name.

• Do you have any recommended resources?

  RENT HELP – Having trouble paying your rent? These resources may be able to help.

  1. Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund
     www.seasonofsharing.org
     The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund provides temporary assistance to help people throughout the Bay Area.
  2. County Coordinators:
     Alameda County: 510-272-3700
     San Mateo County: 650-738-7470
  3. Catholic Charities
     Assisting with missed rent and back rent.
     Alameda County: 510-768-3100
  4. St. Anthony’s Foundation
     415-241-2600
     https://www.stanthonysf.org/resource-center/
     Offering a variety of services, including housing assistance through its social work arm.

  This list is not exhaustive.

  You may also dial 211 to be connected with United Way for referrals to other organizations in your area that can help.

  FOOD HELP – Resources for those that need it. If you don’t need it, consider not taking it from someone who does.

  Food Stamp Program – https://www.getcalfresh.org/
  Food pantry: Call St. Vincent DePaul at 510-706-5852