Las Vegas Apartments - What to Prepare For when Looking For an Apartment

Bad Credit?
Did you know that over 90% of the apartments in Las Vegas require a credit check before they let you move in? Costing between 25 and 50 dollars each the amount of the credit background check is applied to your rent - if you make it. Otherwise the money you paid is gone and you get to move on to the next place hoping that they don't get the same information or have the same standards.

At Apartment Finding Service of Las Vegas we know what you need and how to qualify BEFORE you spend you money.

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The following information should be helpful in preparing for your move to Las Vegas and moving into your new apartment…..

APPLICATION FEES: Most properties in Vegas have an “application fee” of approximately $25-$50. This fee covers the cost of running a credit check and verifying the information on your application, including your rental history if you’ve rented before (or mortgage history). Each occupant in the apartment over the age of 18 is often expected to fill out an application. More information >>

CLEANING FEES: The majority of properties in Las Vegas charge a one-time, non-refundable “cleaning fee” upon move in. This fee is sometimes called an “administrative fee”. This fee is usually $75-$200.

SECURITY DEPOSITS: Most properties charge security deposits of $75-$300. Security deposits are refundable upon move out. Check with the apartment management to find out what you need to do in order to receive a full refund of your security deposit.

PET DEPOSITS: Properties that take pets always charge pet deposits upon move in. These deposits may be fully refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable, so be sure to find this out in advance. Not all properties take more than one pet, but those that do charge higher deposits for additional pets. If you have a dog that weighs more than 25 lbs., you will definitely need help in locating the properties that take larger pets. Landlords have the right to set their own policies on which pets they will accept. Expect to pay higher pet deposits for larger pets.

QUALIFYING: Most landlords are looking for verification of local employment with monthly income amounting to around 2 ½ to 3 times the monthly rental amount. If you are transferring with the same company or starting a new job and your credit and rental history are good, you should qualify and normally will be paying just your first month’s rent plus deposits on move in. If you do not have local employment or if you have some credit issues, you may have to pay 2-3 month’s rent plus deposits in advance. If you have a foreclosure, eviction, or if you owe money on a previous rental, you should expect to have a VERY difficult time renting an apartment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Once an application has been submitted to a property, it usually takes 24-72 hrs. to process the application. You should then receive a phone call notifying you of the acceptance or denial of your application. Once accepted (approved), you should find out: 1) what your new address is, 2) what your total move in amount will be, and 3) what you need to do regarding utilities. Find out if the apartment is all electric or gas and electric and also whether you need to contact the utility company before you move in.

Average Deposits ....

Apartment

Cleaning

$75.00

$150.00+

Security

$ 0.00

$200.00+

Pet

$ 0.00

$200.00+

Utilities

Electric

Nevada Power

702 367-5555

Phone

Sprint

702 244-7400

Cable TV

Cox Cable

702 383-4000

Gas

Southwest Gas

702 365-1555

Water

LV Valley Water District

702 870-4194

What questions should you ask before you move in.
Question	Can tenants install satellite dishes?
Answer	Yes. An FCC ruling from January 1999 states that satellite dishes may be used by tenants irregardless of what a landlord wants. There may be installation guidelines and safety plus historical considerations may be invoked. The landlord may not allow you to drill so you may have to clamp the dish down. However, dishes may not be banned because they are unsightly, or against the 'rules'.

Question	Which deposits are refundable?
Answer	Depends. Read your lease. Security deposits are in theory refundable as long as the apartment is left in the same condition as it was found in. Some apartment communities give the new tenant a check list for them to go over when they inspect their new apartment. It is wise to use these lists and carefully inspect your new premises. Make a copy of everything and point the problems out to the landlord. Cleaning deposits usually are not refundable. Find out ahead of time. Some places like to charge an additional deposit for keys, gate opener, or garage openers, if applicable. These are usually returned when the items in question are returned. Find out WHEN the deposits are to be returned.