Move-In Process

(All steps must be followed in order)

1. Before an application will be taken on a property, VIP requires that the applicant must view the inside of the unit. Merely driving by and/or peeking through the windows are not sufficient. To view the inside, the applicant must check out a key from the office before 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. This requires a $50.00 cash deposit, which is returned in full once the key is returned to the office by 5:00 pm the same day. (Keys are also checked out on Sunday, but only from 11:00-12:00, and must be back by 1:00.) Before leaving the office with the key, the applicant needs to sign out on the clipboard and read the screening criteria posted.

2. Once the key is returned, the applicant(s) may then fill out and turn in an application. Applications must be filled out completely; no partially completed applications will be accepted. Each applicant must submit a separate application unless applicants have at least one full year shared rental history. Each applicant must be present at the time of submission in order to present a photo ID for identification verification purposes. No third party will be allowed to turn in an application for another person for any reason. The application-screening fee is $30.00 cash per adult, regardless of marital status or joint application. This fee is non-refundable.

3. The application process takes roughly 2-4 days. This time may be shorter or longer, depending on office workload or response times from applicants’ former/current landlords or employers. All screening criteria must be met – negative reports from any one reference will constitute denial of the application. The first item VIP checks is credit history. Any items in collections that are not medical in nature will result in application denial. We then move on to (in order) rental history, employment history, and then, if required, co-signer verification. VIP will make all reasonable efforts to contact listed references, but shall not be responsible if references do not return calls. It will then be the responsibility of the applicant to make follow-up calls to the reference.

4. Once approved, the tenant is responsible for rent from that point forward. The move-in process takes an additional 1-2 days: The next step is for the approved applicant to bring in the security deposit on the unit, in the form of a cashier’s check or money order. (If a co-signer is required, the applicant will at this time be given a co-signer agreement, which the co-signer must complete in the presence of a notary public and return to VIP; the process will continue once this original document is received.). The applicant will at this time call EWEB to set up any applicable utilities in his/her own name. An appointment will then be set for signing the rental agreement, typically the next business day. This gives VIP time to draw up all necessary paperwork and have the locks changed on the rental unit.

5. Possession of the property will be given to the new tenant at the time of signing the rental agreement. All documents must be signed and dated, and all terms agreed to. No “negotiations” will be granted. The tenant will also at this time pay prorated rent for the month of move-in, a $50 lock change fee, and any pet deposits, if applicable. All money must be paid up front; no payment plans will be allowed. At the time all of these steps are complete, the tenant will receive keys to the rental unit and be allowed to move-in. The move-in process is now complete. Hooray!