RESIDENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

How do I know if a property is still available?
For the most part, all of the properties listed on our website are available to rent. However, we do not remove listings from our website until the lease is signed.  So it is possible that we have approved rental applications on a property, but because we have not signed the lease and have not collected all funds owed, we keep them listed.  Also, some properties that are part of a larger complex always remain on our website.  These properties are always in high demand, so we keep them listed to create a waiting list so that you don’t miss out when one comes available.  If you find a property that you are interested in and find out that it is no longer available, our leasing agents will gladly tell you about other properties available or other properties coming on the market soon.

How do I apply for a rental?
The easiest and fastest way is to apply online.  Each listing has an Apply Online link.  Or you can download an application and fax to 510-836-0660 (additional fees apply).  To process an application a fee must be submitted in advance for each tenant over the age of 18.

What are your qualifications to rent?
A full description of our application qualifications can be found on our Resident Policies page.

Why do I need a co-signer?
If you have no or low credit, or have an income ratio lower than our normal standard, you may be able to use an approved co-signer to move into one of our properties.

Do you rent to students?
Yes, and we treat students like anyone else. The student applicant must still qualify under the guidelines for the property applied for. We will consider all forms of income, including student loans and grants. Some properties may take co-signers to qualify for lack of income in addition to lack of credit and rental references. Just like regular co-signers, the co-signer for a student must qualify in place of the applicant.

How long will it take to process my application?
Most applications take 24 to 48 hours as we do hire a professional screening company to verify employment, income, rental history, credit, and check for any criminal history. 

When will I hear from you once I turn my application in to your office?
If you use our online application process, we will be able to communicate with you  quickly and more often.  If you fax or personally submit your application, please be sure to include an email address as most of verifications come via email and it is much easier to email you updates.  We will email or call and acknowledge receipt of your application within a day of receipt. Once your application is in process we will contact you either by phone or email daily. We need ONE CONTACT per household. We cannot call every roommate. 

What if I have special circumstances that I need to tell you?
Put your special circumstances in writing with your application. It does no good to explain your situation to our leasing agent or receptionist since they do not process applications.

Is the owner willing to make modifications to the property to accommodate a handicap?
Under the heading Reasonable Accommodations, Bay Property Group has no problem with Reasonable Modification requests. 

A Reasonable Modification is an alteration to the physical premises allowing a person with a disability to overcome obstacles that interfere with their use of the dwelling.

Because some modifications may require licensing and permits, let us know specifically what changes you would like to make and we will discuss it with the property owner.

Unless the property is federally funded, the tenant is typically responsible for the costs incurred for the changes and bringing the property back to its original condition once the tenant moves away.

What is the best method of communication during the application process?
We prefer that you email us at info@baypropertygroup.com. We will reply within one business day. We normally will only communicate with one applicant in your party or family. You can also call 510-836-0110, or 415-292-5000.

Will you hold the property for me?
Bay Property Group understands that when you find something that you like, you want to hold it.  If that is the case, here is what we require:

1.  You must submit an application with the application fee. 

2.  You must pay the security deposit.

3.  You must review and sign a contingency lease.

The contingency lease is a binding contract that legally obligates you to the property unless your application is denied.  The tenant has 3 business days to provide all documentation, and FRPM has 3 business days to let the tenant know if they are approved or not.

Why can’t I have a 2-year lease?
If you want to sign a 2-year lease, please just make that request and we’ll contact the property owner for approval.  Otherwise, our typical leases are 12 months.

Is the rent negotiable?
No, our rental prices are set at market rents.  However, if you absolutely do not agree, Bay Property Group is willing to request a lower rent from the property owner after: 

1. You provide an advertisement of a comparable rental showing a lower rent. 

2. You submit your application and application fee. 

If your application is approved, we will submit your request to the owner along with your comparable ad.  However, we do ask that anyone considering this process first ask themselves if they are willing to risk losing the property while they try to negotiate the price.