Tenant FAQs

Answers to your frequently asked questions

• Can you hold a place before I apply?

  No, we are a first come, first served company. This means the first person to submit a fully completed application will be in line first. We will confirm that this prospect can/will be taking the property. If not, we go forward to the second applicant.

• Do I pay first month’s rent and last month’s rent with my security deposit?

  No, we collect a FULL first month of rent and at least a FULL security deposit. The deposit is based upon your credit score and your ability to pay. It could be a month, a month and ½ or even two months which is the most that can be collected in the state of NC. Most tenants are only required to pay one month.

• How old do you have to be to apply?

  18 years of age.

• Is the deposit refundable?

  Yes, if we receive the property back in a similar condition to how you received it, without damages and if you do not owe any back rent or fees.

• Who needs a cosigner?

  If you are unemployed, a student or someone for whom we are requiring additional security deposit, then you could have a co-signer.

• You have a property I want to rent. How do I apply?

  You can apply online from this website OR you may request an application faxed to you OR you may pick up an application from our office.

• How do I pay rent?

  Most tenants pay through their tenant portal. We can also provide a Payslip, which the tenant can use to pay their rent at Wal-Mart or CVS. We do not accept any rent payments in the office.

• I want to get a pet. What do I do?

  1. First, contact the office to let us know you want to get an animal. If you have a specific animal in mind, send us a picture and some information about the breed. The breeds we don’t accept are: Akita, Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Presa Canario, Shar-pei, Wolf Hybrid.
  2. Give us time to contact the owner and confirm they will accept an animal in the home.
  3. Go to our online Pet Screening service at: https://gatesmanagement.petscreening.com and fill out a profile for your pet. 
  4. If Pet Screening issues a positive recommendation for your pet, we will send you a Pet Addendum, adding your pet onto the lease. You will also be charge a non-refundable Pet Fee of $75 and your monthly rent will increase by $30 per pet.

• I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay. What do I do?

  Both of you should talk to us to work out this situation. You may be required to pay the balance of the lease, but you could possibly be released under certain circumstances. This is on a case by case basis.

• My lease expiration is coming and I want to move out. What do I do?

  Provide a WRITTEN notice 30 days prior your lease expiration date. All leases expire at the end of a month so you must provide this by the last day of the previous month. Our leases are usually one year long and renew for another year.

• Who is responsible for paying for repairs & maintenance requests?

  The owner pays for repairs/maintenance unless it is a damage caused by the tenant or their guest OR is a request for an improvement that the owner is unwilling to do, but may be willing to allow at the tenant’s expense.