Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can you hold a place before I apply?

  A: We do not “hold” properties. Upon approval of an application, a security deposit will be requested and a lease will be sent for your signature. Once the lease has been signed, and the security deposit received, the property is officially yours.

  Once you pay a deposit and sign the lease, you have committed to rent the property. If you fail to move in as agreed, you will forfeit the deposit. The forfeited deposit pays the owner for holding the property for you. You should not pay a deposit unless you are sure you are going to move in.

• Q: How old do you have to be to apply?

  A: We require anyone 18 years old, or older, and who will be living at the property, to submit an application and be named on the lease.

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

  A: Click on the “Apply Now” option in the property listing. Relevant information will be collected and an appointment to view the property can be set.

• Q: When is rent due and how do I pay rent?

  A: Rent payments are due on the 1st day of each month and are considered late on the 5th. If a tenant moves into a property during the middle of the month, the tenant will owe a full month of rent for the first month. Rent for the second month will be prorated.

  Once your lease has been signed, you will receive an email invitation to establish your tenant portal and download our app.

  You will have the following options to pay rent:

  • ACH – Paid directly from a checking account. This can be scheduled for automatic payments on the 1st of each month. No third party fees.
  • Credit cards or debit cards - Third party fees will apply.
  • Pay near me – Allows you to bring cash into any 7-Eleven or CVS Pharmacy. Third party fees will apply.

• Q: I want to get a pet. What do I do?

  A: Some owners allow pets, but some do not. Each rental listing clearly states if pets are allowed, and if so, any conditions you will need to consider. This may mean that you will be required to register your pet/animal with the city, and/or provide pedigree and vaccination documents. You can start this process at https://palomarpropertyservices.petscreening.com/.

• Q: How long will it take to get my security deposit back?

  A: Landlord shall, no later than 21 calendar days after the Tenant has vacated the Property, furnish the Tenant with an itemized written statement of the basis for, and the amount of, any Security Deposit received and disposition of the Security Deposit, and shall return any remaining portion of the security Deposit to the Tenant.

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

  A: Click here to review our Move Out process.

• Q: If I need to break my lease for any reason, what is the process?

  A: Click here to review our Move Out process.

• Q: How do I report a maintenance issue?

  A: In the event of a maintenance emergency, please call us at 760-755-1700 ext 5. This line is monitored 24/7 to ensure that you have the response you need.

  All non-emergency maintenance can be reported via your tenant portal.

  After determining that it is an owner responsibility request, we will send a service vendor to make the repair. The vendor will contact the resident and coordinate a date and time to perform the repair. If is determined that a tenant or guest of the tenant caused the damage, the charges will be the responsibility of the tenant.

• Q: Do you require renters insurance?

  A: Yes. All tenants are required to carry a liability policy of $100,000 on the property. Property owners generally carry a standard fire and liability policy, and have additional coverage with “landlord/rental” insurance, but they do not cover the contents or possessions of the resident. Therefore, it is very important for you to have additional and adequate insurance coverage for your contents.

  A renter’s insurance policy can cover your personal property, liability coverage and additional living expenses. This can include hotel bills due to a fire or damaged roof, or replacing your furniture damaged in a flood. Again, your landlord’s insurance will not cover your belongings.

• Q: Can I paint a wall?

  A: As part of the lease agreement, renovations made by a tenant are only permissible with written approval by Palomar Property Services. This applies to all renovations, including painting, changing your carpeting or other flooring, installation of built in appliances, satellite dishes etc.

• Q: How much will I be charged for a Security Deposit?

  A: We require the equivalent of one month of rent for a security deposit. In certain circumstances, when the tenants do not meet the single security deposit criteria, we might charge up to two months of equivalent rent. There may be an increased security deposit when you have pets or animals.