BirdSong Property Management
“After I’ve paid the costs involved and signed the contract, what happens next?
Birdsong Property Management manages many, but not all, of the properties that we represent for rental. During the application and acceptance process, we will be sure to indicate whether your continuing relationship is going to be with the staff at Birdsong Property Management or whether the property owner will be your primary connection after the contract has been signed. If you will be paying rent to the owner and contacting them for any future concerns, we’ll be certain to provide you with all necessary contact information.
“Are there any restrictions on the breed of animals permissible at our rental properties?
Many properties have limitations on the type, size or number of pets that will be considered. Notwithstanding size limitations, there are certain dog breeds that will not be considered. The list of dog breeds that would prevent an applicant from having their pet accepted is consistent with the breeds that would prevent a pet owner from being able to obtain insurance, including the following breeds: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, chow chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, American pit bull terrier, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Siberian husky, Staffordshire bull terrier and wolfdogs, also known as wolf hybrids. Lists of restricted or “dangerous” dogs also include animals that are mixed with any of the aforementioned breeds.
“Are there any restrictions related to non-resident guarantors (ie co-signers)?
It is the discretion of each particular owner whether they will or will not accept cosigners. In those instances when a cosigner is possible, there are certain limitations. The cosigner must be a homeowner, residing in one of a specific group of counties, either in or in immediate proximity to Sonoma County. Cosigner must be able to document sufficient income stability to assure financial ability to pay tenant’s rent without duress. Even in instances where there are multiple tenants in residence, only one cosigner will be considered – in other words, there cannot be two or more cosigners, each responsible for a limited aspect of tenant performance.
“How can I arrange to see the interior of any available property?
Many of our properties are now equipped with a high-tech “at your convenience” showing system. With a smartphone and a major credit card, you can enroll through Rently, our affiliate provider. You will receive a special code allowing you one-time access to see the specific property. There are certain properties which do not qualify for Rently, please call our office to schedule viewing of those properties or to obtain more information.
“How is the amount of the security deposit calculated?
Like the interest rate you would pay for a car loan or a mortgage, the amount of your security deposit is closely linked to the information obtained from your application. The majority of applicants will qualify for a security deposit amounting to 1 x rent. Example: a $3,000.00/mo rental would typically have a security deposit of $3,000.00. Under no circumstances would the amount of the security deposit exceed one times the quoted monthly rent for an unfurnished residence.
“If I submit an application, how soon will I know if I have been accepted?
Birdsong Property Services makes every effort to have an initial evaluation and response available for you within three to five business days. Our ability to confirm your provided references and other information is crucial to the speed of our ability to qualify your application. If you haven’t yet heard back from us within 96 hours, please feel free to contact us.
“If I’m interested in any properties available through Birdsong Property Services, what do I do first?
This website is one of your best primary resources. It includes detailed entries on properties presently ready to rent. Typically, along with a wealth of other useful information, each listed property has detailed driving directions. We encourage you to drive by the advertised property, to determine whether the residence and surrounding neighborhood appear to meet your needs. If you decide you’d like to view the inside, check the “Open Houses” listed on the main page of this website. There may already be a planned showing of the property that will fit into your schedule. If there is an existing Open House planned, but it is not at a convenient time for you, or if there’s not yet an appointment set, call or visit our office. we’ll do our best to arrange a viewing tour for you as promptly as possible.
“I’ve seen the interior and want to apply. What is required?
Each intended adult resident (18+) needs to complete a separate application, providing all information requested. Underage co-occupants can be listed as such on an adult’s application, and do not require an independent application submission. The processing fee is $45.00 for each individual adult applicant or co-signer. In order to ensure equal treatment and security for each applicant, Birdsong Property Management’s associates do not accept applications at the time of “open house” showings or by fax; applications should be personally delivered to our office during normal business hours. Birdsong Property Management application process is guided by our “Policies and Procedures,” referenced under “Rental Resources” elsewhere on this website.
“Once I’ve been accepted, what happens next?
Once you’ve been notified of acceptance, you will be required to provide a “holding deposit.” This deposit is applied toward the total costs of moving into the property you’ve chosen. You will need to sign a preliminary “Deposit to Hold” agreement, which will clarify the steps and obligations involved in finalizing the rental transaction. We will also need copies of pay statements and/or income verification documents at this time.
“Should I be aware of any concerns or issues associated with the website?
Our website is designed and constructed to be as informative and “user friendly” as possible, including the publication of anticipated open houses scheduled for the near future. However, in trying to provide consistent customer service for so many individual applicants, circumstances interfere with “perfect” execution of showings. Our “Open House” appointments are set with reasonable expectations in mind, regarding our showing specialist’s ability to maintain a sensible travel schedule throughout the day. However, traffic or other delays may interfere with the exact and prompt start time of any specific showing; we ask for your patience if the Birdsong Property Management associate is “running late.” Additionally, there are instances when, even after an appointment has been made, the specific property is reclassified as “no longer available,” either because the property has been rented or removed from the market. In those instances, the actual property may be posted with a notice on the front door, indicating the change in status. In addition, we will remove the showing from our “Open House” listings and attempt to call everyone who may have left us a contact phone number in reference to that showing. Please be aware that property availability status can change rapidly; we encourage you to check our website and listings often, or call a Birdsong Property Management associate for recent availability and showing schedule changes.
“What will my rental contract include as far as terms and conditions? Each contract is custom-created to suit the needs of the resident, owner, and individual property involved. Some contract terms and conditions are found within the details of each advertised listing; for example, you’ll be able to identify whether the rental contract will be month-to-month or on a fixed term by reading information provided elsewhere on this website. Other terms are “standard contract provisions”; for example, one important clause stipulates that tenants are not to alter any property unless granted prior approval by the landlord. Some contract clauses are mandated by federal or state requirements – lead-based paint disclosures, Megan’s Law notifications, and Proposition 65 advisories are included by statute. A sample rental contract is available in our office, if you would like to preview a “typical” agreement. However, mock-up contracts will never be absolutely identical to any genuine contract created on your behalf. Ask a Birdsong Property Management representative if you have any questions.
BirdSong Property Management
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Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00PM
Closed: 12:30PM – 1:00PM for Lunch
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