FAQs
TENANT FAQs
Answers to your common questions
After my application is approved, what do I do?
We will contact you as soon as possible to let you know that you have been approved. We can then then immediately schedule a time to meet to sign lease and security deposit agreement.
Can I apply my security deposit to my last month's rent?
No. Your security deposit is held in a separate account and can only be used for outstanding charges after you vacate the property – NOT for your last month’s rent.
Can I change the locks on my home?
NO. Most of our properties are keyed on a master key system and any changes can affect the ability of our staff to respond to calls, lock outs, or maintenance requests in a timely manner.
Can I paint my home a different color?
YES, with a written notice from landlord.
Can I withhold my rent for items not being corrected to my satisfaction?
No. It is prohibited for a resident to withhold rent for failure to fix items submitted. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation immediately.
Do I have to be present for a service technician to perform work?
No, you do not have to be present when work is being performed.
Do I need Renters Insurance?
Yes, our residents are solely responsible for insuring their own personal property that is located or stored upon the property leased. Any loss from the risks of damage, destruction or loss resulting from theft, fire, storm and other hazards and casualties are your sole responsibility.
Do you accept pets?
We accept pets on a case by case basis. If pets are allowed, all pets must be listed in the Pet Addendum. There is an additional pet fee that is non-refundable at lease signing. We also require additional pet rent on a monthly basis that is non-refundable. Any damage done by the pet is the responsibility of the resident. All pets must be registered and immunized in accordance with local ordinances. No pets can be tied on the property. Several breeds of dogs will not be accepted under any circumstances (a list is available upon request).
How can I pay rent after I move in?
You can login to your account and make an electronic payment online through an EFT with your checking account or credit/debit card is also accepted. There are additional fees to pay online. You may also make payment by check, or money order at the location designated in your lease.
How do I qualify to lease a property?
Have suitable credit history, rental history, criminal history and income that meets or exceeds 3 times the monthly rent for the property that you are trying to qualify for.
How do I submit routine maintenance requests?
All routine maintenance requests must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1. Online through the maintenance request form in your tenant portal.
2. Over the phone at 585.417.5703.
How do I take a look at an available property?
Please call 585.417.5703 to set up a showing. Same day appointments are rarely available.
How do I turn on utilities?
The resident is responsible for placing all utilities in their name and pay all utility bills due for services to the premises for which resident is responsible (unless otherwise agreed to in the lease).
How does the application process work?
1. Each adult planning to occupy the property must fill out an application allowing Duke Properties LLC to perform a credit check, rental history check, and employment verification. All people over 18 years of age will need to apply individually for a property and will need to pay the application fee of $20.00.
2. Once your completed application is received, your information will be processed and within 1-2 business days you will be notified as to whether or not you have been approved for the property. During this time frame, we will run your credit report, verify current employment, and check your rental references. If you are approved for the property we will contact you and the leasing process will follow after viewing available property.
3. After signing a lease, the security deposit will be due in full immediately. The first month’s rent will be due at the date of move in when you come to pick up your keys.
How is Rent Credited?
Rent is credited to the longest outstanding balance first. If you have an outstanding balance of $100 on the last day of the month and pay your normal rent for the following month the next day, your payment will be credited toward the $100 delinquent rent first before being credited toward the following month’s rent. If you do not ‘catch up’ on this outstanding balance, your account will be subject to Late Fees each month. Late fees that are not paid become overdue rent.
How long are your leases?
All of our leases are for a minimum of one year.
How long does it take to process my application?
Typically, once an application is filled out and dropped off, emailed, or received at our office, we can process your application within 1-2 business days and call you to let you know the outcome.
How much can I qualify for?
Typically, we require monthly household income of applicants to be three times the total of the monthly rent amount. In other terms, your rent payments can be approximately 33% of the gross monthly income of the tenants on the lease.
How much security deposit is required?
We require a security deposit on EVERY property leased. Usually the security deposit is the same as one month's rent but may be more but in no case shall exceed one and a half month’s rent (the security deposit required but will be detailed in your lease).
How quickly can I expect my request to be performed?
Emergency calls will typically be performed within 24 hours. Typically non-emergency calls will be performed within 7 days.
My water bill was high. What do I do?
The number one reason a water bill is very high is due to a toilet running frequently or constantly a toilet can consume 25000 gallons or more a month. If you can identify the problem such as a toilet or leaking sink we will have it repaired for you.
What am I responsible for as a resident?
Typically, all residents are responsible for:
· Securing all utilities for housing, unless otherwise provided
· Lawn care, unless otherwise provided
· Changing the furnace/air conditioning filters monthly
· Minor repairs to your home, including, but not limited to, replacing light bulbs, clogged drains, etc.
· Changing the smoke detector batteries during tenancy (these are new when you move in) Change when the time changes.
· Pest control
· Following all of the terms of your lease
What do I do if I disagree with the refunded amount of my security deposit?
You must submit your dispute to Duke Properties LLC in writing within 30 days from the date of your security deposit return.
What do I do in an emergency?
If your emergency is life threatening or could have serious consequences, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY. For other emergencies, please input through your tenant portal or call our office immediately at 585.417.5703.
What do I have to pay prior to moving in?
You are responsible for paying the security deposit and first month’s rent prior to being issued your keys.
What do I need to do when I move out?
Please refer to your signed lease agreement for a list of the items that you need to accomplish to properly vacate your home.
What do you do with my security deposit after I move out?
Immediately after you vacate the property, one of our agents visits the property and performs a move-out inspection to assess the condition of the property in comparison to your move-in inspection report. We then process your security deposit in strict accordance with the law and your signed lease agreement.
What factors do you use in determining if my application is approved?
We operate in strict compliance with all Fair Housing Guidelines and NYS law. After receiving an application we run a credit report, and verify income and employment history.
What happens if I bring in an application for a property that already has one or more applications submitted?
All applications are accepted and processed on a first come-first served basis. If more than one application is submitted before approval of an application we are required to select the highest rated application.
What happens if I do not pay my last month's rent?
You will be responsible for the late fee associated with the non-payment.
What happens if I do not pay my rent?
If your rent is not received on or before the due date, you will receive a letter notifying you that you are in breach of your lease and payment must be made promptly. If you do not make payment in a timely manner then we will begin the eviction process against you in the local court of jurisdiction in order to collect the debt due.