Help Center
Where To Start
What is a Rental or Lease Application (app)?
Once you've found a property you like, the next step in the process is to complete a Rental Application. Completing and submitting the app does not mean you've signed a contract or agreed to lease from REabodes. It's just a step in the process. You can complete our online app using this link.
Before you complete the application, you'll want to have the following items handy:
-
Details of your current and previous address including landlord's contact info
-
Details of your current and previous place of employment
-
Financial info like monthly income, monthly debt (credit cards & loans)
-
Emergency contact info and personal references.
You'll want to be as accurate and thorough as possible as you complete this step. It will take you approximately 15-20 minutes to complete an application. In addition to the application, you will also be required to provide a copy of a valid form of ID and proof of income.
A $30 fee will be charged to cover the expense of the application process.
What's next after submitting my app?
The new Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) prevents landlords from accessing tenant credit reports without undergoing a pretty intense verification process. Because of this, REabodes has partnered with Houserie.com to handle the heavy lifting for us.
Houserie screens potential tenants using credit, eviction, and criminal history. We use this information to make informed decisions about you, as well as individuals who you may be living near.
Once your rental application is received, a pre-screening is the first step. If approved, a full screening through Houserie.com will be requested. Houserie will send you an email notification asking you to follow some simple instructions. Then they handle the rest!
Within 48 hours, you will be notified by REabodes via email that your app was approved/disapproved through our screening and leasing criteria process.
If your application is approved, our Company will work with you to schedule a time to sign the Rental/Lease Agreement for the residence.
What's the difference between an app and a Rental Agreement?
The Rental Agreement is very important and unlike the application, it is contractually binding so you'll want to make sure you've read it and understand it fully. Do not sign the Rental Agreement until all of your questions have been answered and you understand it in its entirety.
Security Deposit & Paying Rent
Why do I need to provide a security deposit?
A security deposit is an amount of money provided by the tenant to the landlord to cover various scenarios like the following (not an all-inclusive list):
-
To protect a landlord when a tenant terminates the lease prior to its expiration date or violates a provision under the Rental Agreement.
-
To cover damages to the property caused by a tenant, a tenant's guest, or an approved pet, either while living at the residence or after having lived at the residence.
-
To cover fees charged for a late rent payment.
The amount of a security deposit can vary depending on several factors; however, it's typically the same as (or close to) one month's rent. No interest will be paid on this money and it cannot be applied to back or future rent.
The security deposit will be held by the landlord until at least thirty (30) working days after a tenant has vacated the property. At that time, the landlord will inspect the premises and assess any damages and/or needed repairs. The deposit minus any necessary charges for damage or repairs to the property will be returned with a written explanation of deductions, within 60 days after a tenant has vacated the property.
At the signing of the Rental Agreement, 1/2 (half) of the security deposit is due. The other 1/2 (half) of the security deposit will be due with your first month's rent on the day you move-in.
When is my monthly rent due and how do I pay it?
Rent is due on or before the 1st day of each month. If the 1st falls on a Sunday or a holiday, the rent is due the following day. Payments are considered late if they are not received before 5PM on the due date. Tenants can pay their rent in the form of an electronic payment ("bank transfer"), personal or cashier’s check, or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to REabodes, and mailed to P.O. Box , Morton, IL, 61550. Additional information related to electronic funds transfer or "e-checks" can be found here.
If rent is not received on or before the 3rd of the month, a late charge of $25 will be due, plus an additional $5 per day until the rent is paid. This late charge may be deducted from the security deposit at the discretion of the landlord.
Miscellaneous
Do I need to purchase renters insurance?
While renters insurance isn't mandatory, REabodes highly recommends it as it typically covers your belongings and potential liability caused by you that's not covered by the property's insurance policy. Per the Rental Agreement, the landlord isn't liable for the loss of a tenant’s property or to individuals on the premises.
Overall, renters insurance is relatively inexpensive for the amount of coverage provided. Additional information related to renters insurance including common myths can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE: To cover against liability, Renters insurance IS mandatory in situations where Hart Properties has approved a pet to live at the premises.
Does REabodes accept pets?
The short answer is no. Additional information can be found on the topic here.
In what situations should I use the online Maintenance Request?
Property maintenance can generally be categorized in three ways:
1. The first category is the most urgent and IS NOT suitable for an online Maintenance Request. If you have an emergency that is hazardous to the health or life of you or others, call 911 immediately. Examples include a kitchen fire or a toxic/poisonous spill.
2. The second category is referred to as a "property emergency" which means if the situation isn't resolved immediately, the premises could sustain significant damage including structural loss. Similar to category 1, this situation IS NOT suitable for an online Maintenance Request. Please call REabodes immediately at (309) 397-2497 in a property emergency. Examples include a lightning strike to the roof of a home or a broken water pipe.
3. The third category IS for the online Maintenance Request, which mainly consists of routine maintenance items. Examples include an appliance that isn't working properly or a door-lock that won't properly secure your home or apartment.
Additional information related to what an emergency includes can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE: If the maintenance request is a result of a tenant's action or an act of negligence, charges will apply (example - toy or comb dropped in a toilet, damages to walls by resident, etc.)