Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How can I schedule a viewing of a property?

  A: Simply give us a call or Contact Us! We will schedule a time convenient with you to show you the property. If you are already working with a real estate agent, please let your agent know which property you would like to see and your agent can arrange to show you the property.

• Q: How do I apply for a property?

  A: Apply directly from the website! Please click on the “Apply Online” button.

• Q: What is your screening criteria?

  A: As part of the rental application process, Top Tier Property Management, LLC uses Resident Research, LLC, a consumer reporting agency and tenant screening service, to obtain information used to evaluate your rental application.
  
  The tenant screening process may include the following:
  
  · Credit Report and Credit Score
  
  · Criminal Records Search
  
  · Eviction Records Search
  
  · Verification of Current Residence / Rental History
  
  · Employment and Income Verification
  
  Important Notice Regarding Criminal History: In accordance with Maryland law, criminal-history information will not be obtained or reviewed as part of the initial screening process. If you satisfy the applicable non-criminal rental qualification criteria, you will first receive a Conditional Offer of Tenancy before criminal-history screening is initiated.
  
  Applicant Screening Policy
  
  We do not accept or consider personal letters, letters of recommendation, written explanations, or other supplemental statements regarding life events or circumstances that may have a direct effect on an applicant's credit score or ability to meet our established screening criteria.

• Q: Once I am approved what funds do I need t to sign the lease?

  A: Along with the signed lease you will need to provide the security deposit, the first month’s rent.

• Q: What is “pro-rata” rent and when does that need to be paid?

  A: If you take possession of a property at anytime other than the first (1st) day of the month you will need to pay the balance of the rent due from the date of possession to the end of the month.

• Q: Will my security deposit be returned?

  A: When you vacate the property, a move-out inspection of the property will be performed. The condition of the property at the time of move-out will be compared to the condition of the property when you took possession.The move-out inspection will determine if any charges will be made against your security deposit.

• Q: Can I use my security deposit to pay my last month’s rent?

  A: No. Your lease obligation requires you to pay monthly rental payments through the entire lease period.

• Q: How do I pay rent?

  A: You can access your Tenant Portal to pay your monthly rent .

• Q: Can I use a Co-signer to help me apply for the property?

  A: No, at Top Tier we do not allow co-signers.

• Q: How do I report maintenance issues to you?

  A: Unless directed otherwise in your lease agreement, all maintenance issues must be reported through our website or your online tenant portal. This will allow us to address your maintenance request in a timely manner and create a record of the request.

• Q: WHEN MY LEASE EXPIRES AND I WANT TO MOVE WHAT IS NEXT?

  A: In writing, please provide Top Tier with your Notice to Vacate per the timeframes of the lease agreement. Upon receiving your Notice To Vacate, Top Tier will provide you with additional instructions on how to proceed forward.

• Q: WHO DO I CALL FOR AN EMERGENCY AT THE PROPERTY?

  A: If a life-threatening emergency is occurring at the property call 911. If an emergency is occurring during regular business hours, please call our office immediately. If the emergency is occurring after business hours and falls within the lease agreements definition of an after-hours emergency, please call 301.788.5800 . You will speak directly with a member of Top Tier Property Management.

• Q: WILL I NEED RENTERS INSURANCE?

  A: Yes! You will need to provide the Declaration Page of an active renter’s insurance policy noting the property address and for the full lease term the day before you take possession of the property. The policy must name Top Tier Property Management, LLC with a general liability of $500,000 as an “additional interest”. For your protection, an active renter’s insurance policy must be in effect for as long as you reside in the property. Any lapse in coverage will be considered a Breach of your Lease agreement.