Residential Tenant Resources
Everything you need as an EquityTeam resident — pay rent, submit maintenance requests, review your application terms, and get answers fast.
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Residential Tenants FAQ
You can apply online through our tenant portal. The application takes about 15–20 minutes and requires basic personal information, employment details, income verification, and rental history. Each adult (18+) who will occupy the property must submit a separate application.
We look for tenants with verifiable income of at least 3x the monthly rent, a credit score generally of 600 or above, no recent evictions, and satisfactory rental history. All applicants undergo a background check. We evaluate applications holistically and follow all Fair Housing guidelines.
Security deposits are typically equal to one month's rent, though this can vary by property. The deposit is held in escrow per Ohio law and returned within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Acceptance of housing vouchers varies by property and owner. Some properties in our portfolio do accept vouchers — please inquire about specific listings when you apply. Where we do accept vouchers, there may be additional inspection steps required by the housing authority.
We typically process applications within 2–3 business days. You'll be notified of the decision by email. If approved, we'll send lease documents for your review and signature, and coordinate a move-in date.
Most of our leases are 12 months. In some cases, shorter or longer terms may be available depending on the property and owner preferences. Month-to-month leases may be available after the initial term, typically at a higher rate.
Yes, but all adults (18+) who will be living in the property must apply and be approved. Adding an unapproved occupant is a lease violation. If you want to add someone after move-in, contact us to go through the proper process.
Pet policies vary by property and owner. Many of our properties do allow pets with a pet deposit and/or pet rent. Details about pet restrictions (species, breed, weight limits) are listed in each property's listing. Service and support animals are handled in accordance with Fair Housing laws.
Once approved, you'll receive a lease agreement to review and sign electronically. You'll need to pay your first month's rent and security deposit to hold the property. We'll then schedule a move-in time, conduct a move-in inspection together, and get you your keys.
You can submit maintenance requests through your tenant portal at any time. For non-emergency issues, log in, describe the problem, and upload photos if helpful. For emergencies (no heat in winter, flooding, gas leak, etc.), call us immediately at (513) 444-4010. Emergency line is available 24/7.
Rent is due on the 1st of each month and can be paid through your tenant portal by ACH bank transfer or credit/debit card (processing fees may apply for card payments). We encourage setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Emergencies include: no heat when temperatures are dangerously cold, active water leaks causing property damage, gas leaks, total loss of electricity, sewage backup, broken exterior door or window (security issue), or anything that makes the property uninhabitable or poses a safety risk. For these, call us immediately rather than submitting a portal request.
We'll reach out to you 60–90 days before your lease expiration to discuss renewal options. You may receive a rent adjustment offer reflecting current market rates. Review the renewal terms carefully — if you decide to renew, sign and return the renewal agreement by the deadline we provide.
Your lease specifies the required notice period, typically 30 or 60 days. Submit your notice in writing through the tenant portal or by email to your property manager. Be sure to include your intended move-out date. Vacating without proper notice can result in charges.
After you vacate, we'll conduct a move-out inspection and document the property's condition. We compare this to the move-in inspection report. Normal wear and tear is expected; damages beyond that may be deducted from your deposit. Ohio law requires us to return your deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 30 days of move-out.
Short-term guests (typically up to 14 days) are generally permitted under most leases. Extended stays of an unauthorized occupant can be a lease violation. If someone needs to move in permanently, contact us — they'll need to apply and be added to the lease.
Tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance (replacing light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, keeping the property clean, lawn care if specified in the lease, and unrestricted drain clogs). The owner/manager is typically responsible for major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances if included). When in doubt, submit a maintenance request and we'll sort it out.
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