Q: What criteria must I meet during the application process?
A: To be considered as a tenant with K-rem you must first fill out a rental application. There is a $20 application fee if it is turned in to the office and a $25 fee if done online. K-rem will perform a credit check, an Iowa criminal background check and will also check rental references. A minimum credit score of 650 is required to be approved. We will also check to make sure that the rent and utilities on the unit you are applying for are not more than 1/3 of your total monthly income.
There is also a gray area in which we will evaluate applications on a case by case basis. For example if your credit is under 650 we could make arrangements to increase your deposit or if you have no rental history we may require a co-signer. Students who receive financial aid or help from family should indicate this on the application and it will be taken into consideration.
Q: How much is security deposit?
A: Typically the security deposit is equal to one month’s rent of the unit you are looking to rent. Iowa law says that you are able to collect up to two month’s rent for security deposit. This would most likely be done if there was an issue with credit or references.
Q: When is rent due?
A: Rent is due in the office by 5 PM on the 1st day of each month or it is considered late. If the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday rent is due by 8 AM the next business day. If rent is paid after the 1st a $10 per day late fee will be assessed for up to 4 days. If rent is not paid by the 5th day of the month a 3 day notice to cure will be issued and the eviction process will start.
Q: How do I pay rent?
A: Rent can be paid in the form of cash, check or money order. You may do this by turning it in inside our office, using the drop box outside the office door after hours, or mail it to us at: PO Box 776 Iowa City, IA 52244.
You may also have your rent automatically deducted every month from your checking or savings account. To do this download our Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement, void a check; then bring the signed agreement and voided check into our office at 755 East 2nd Ave. Coralville, IA 52241 or mail to PO Box 776 Iowa City, IA 52244. Please allow at least two business days for processing.
Q: How can I be sure to get my security deposit back?
A: The biggest thing you can do to make sure to get all or most of your deposit back at the end of your lease is to clean really, really well. Keeping a clean unit throughout your lease term will make it easier for you at the end. We will supply you with the same cleaning check list we would use when checking out the unit. You can also access it on our forms section of the website. We have a very high standard for cleanliness so even if you think it is clean we may still have to go back and clean again. Cleaning is billed on an hourly basis so the longer it takes to clean the less you will get back in your deposit.
Also make sure to report any damages during the course of your lease term so they can be taken care of and not turn into a larger problem.
Q: When do I get my security deposit refund?
A: You will receive your full deposit or the remainder of the deposit (if any) along with a written, itemized list of damages and/or deductions within 30 days of termination of tenancy and receipt of Tenants mailing address or delivery instructions. If no mailing address or instructions for delivery are provided to the Landlord within one year of the termination of tenancy, the rental deposit shall revert to the landlord and the tenant will be deemed to have forfeited all rights to the deposit.
Q: How do I sublease?
A: If you need to move before the end of your lease term you will need to find someone to take over the remainder of your commitment. If you intend to sublet first contact our office to notify us of your intentions. You will be responsible for paying rent and utilities until you have found someone else to take over your lease. After contacting our office you will need to fill out our sublet form which you can pick up at our office or print off from the “Forms” section of our website.
You will be responsible for advertising the unit although K-rem will assist by putting the unit on our website as well as telling people of the availability when they call asking about rentals.
Once a person is found they will need to fill out a rental application and pay the application fee. Once someone is approved they will need to sign a lease. At the time of lease signing, prior to the sublet, there is a $250 sublet fee.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: As a general rule pets are not allowed. Although, there are a few exceptions depending on the property so contact the office if you have questions.
Q: Are satellite dishes allowed?
A: Satellite dishes are allowed on a case by case basis. It depends on the property. Please check with the office if you want to install a satellite dish. If they are allowed on your property they are to be placed on a pole in the yard and not attached to the building.
Q: Who is responsible if there are bugs in my unit?
A: Most of the time pest extermination is the tenant’s responsibility. If you live in a multi unit building and there is an infestation throughout the entire building then the landlord would be responsible. Remember that at certain times of the year in this area it is common to sometimes have insects of some kind make their way into your home and would not be considered and infestation.
Q: What if some of the outlets in a room aren’t working?
A: If an outlet in a room isn’t working the problem is most likely that the outlet is wired to a 3 way switch. One of the light switches in the room should control the power to the outlet so you may plug in a lamp. If the problem is in the kitchen or bathroom it could be that the GFCI outlet has been tripped. There should be a “reset” button in the middle of one of the outlets. This will allow you to reset the system and restore power. Also, you may want to check your breaker to make sure it has not been tripped.
If you’ve tried these solutions and you are still having issues, contact the office or make a maintenance request online.
Q: Who is responsible for changing light bulbs?
A: All of the light bulbs in your unit should be working when you move in. If they are not, contact the office. You are responsible for changing the light bulbs in your unit throughout the term of your lease. You are also required to leave light bulbs in working condition when you move out.
