Applicant's FAQ's

How can I view the property?

Each property has a Rently electronic box, (www.rently.com) Click on schedule a showing, then following the link provided to schedule your tour.  Note: a credit card is required, $0.99 hold will be placed on your card.  DO NOT allow other to view with you without going through the same process.  You will be held liability for any and all damages.  Call our office for details at 205-358-3377.

Where can I get a rental application?

You can apply here online or by appointment at Russell Realty Associates located in Alabaster. 

8919 Highway 119, Suite-107 Click on the link on the website...pay application fee.

Is there an application fee?

The application fee is $60.00 ALL adult (19+).  Application fee(s) can be paid with money order, cash or by credit/debit card on our online system on the website.  Application fee(s) are Non-Refundable.

What are the qualifications to rent?

• Income must be three times the monthly rent off of your net, after deductions.
• Employment- A minimum of one (1) year job history.  No temporary jobs.
• Applicant must provide current paycheck stubs for the last 30 days. 
• Self-employed needs one year tax returns and or bank statements.
• Rental History- Good rental history or if you own your own home, a good payment history (has to be verified, monthly payments made on time, lease fulfilled, no damages to the home).  No evictions in the past 5 years.  No open balances with previous or current landlords. 
• Minimum credit of 580.  
• If you have been evicted your application will be denied. If you have filed bankruptcy Chapter 7 or 13 the bankruptcy has to be discharged for at least two years. 
• If you are active in Chapter 7 or 13 your application will be denied.

What if I had a repossession?
If personal property owned by the applicant has been subject to repossession more than 3 years prior to the application and no balance is owed in connection with the repossession, otherwise satisfactory rental applications maybe approved, but only if the applicant provides a guarantor.
No late payments more than 30 days.

Do you take cosigners?

Co-signers are subject to approval.  Co-signer must complete an application and pay a separate application fee of $60.00. In the event the primary applicant is evicted or sued for non-payment for rent, the co-signer will be made party and held responsible for non-payment.
Note: the use of co-signer's varies on the situation.

Who must sign the Lease Agreement?

All adults who applied and 19+ and older and living in the home. 

NO EXCEPTION!

What if I've never rented before and or own a home?

You could still qualify for approval if you have a good credit history (FICO score 600), have verifiable good payment history, verifiable source of income and you make at least 3 times the monthly rent off your net, after deductions.

How long does it take to process my application?

Russell Realty & Associates processes application as quick as possible.  The process takes from 48-72 hours, we request all verifiable numbers, authorization form returned, criminal and credit background check, rent and employment verification.  Family & friends are not an acceptable form of rental history verification.   

Per our policy, properties are continued being shown until applicants approval.

Once my application is approved, What's next?

  There is a 24-hour cancellation period from the date you pay your security deposit and or sign your lease agreement. If you cancel during the 24-hour period, then your security deposit will be refunded to you. 

If you cancel after the 24-hour cancellation period, then your security deposit becomes Non-Refundable.

Applicant must pay their security deposit and take possession of the property within 2 weeks of approval. If you move in after the 15th of the month or thereafter, you are required to pay the next month's rent.  All payments must be paid in certified funds or money orders for your first payment. Thereafter, residents can pay by money order, cashier's check, or via credit card/debit card and ACH payment on your resident portal. Our office DO NOT accept Cash!

If applicant does not move into the home within the timeframe specified of submitting their security deposit the Security Deposit is forfeited and the home is placed back on the rental market. There may be some exceptions with management approval. 

If I cancel my move in after I have paid my security deposit, do I get my security deposit back?

No, the property is then removed off the market (there is a 24-hour cancellation period, read above).  

Is there a Pet Fee?

Yes. Certain properties will accept pets.  However, it is up to each owner.  If the home is pet friendly, a non-refundable pet fee will be required for approved pets. Pet fee is $350 per pet fee, at the Owners request an additional monthly pet fee could be added for an approved pet.  We do not accept pets labeled as a vicious animal (Doberman, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Great Dane, etc.)

Note: Security Deposits will not be accepted until you have personally viewed the property. 

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our office at 205-358-3377.

Russell Realty & Associates, LLC do not discriminate because of race, color religion, handicap, familial status, sex or national origin.