frequently asked questions
Tenants must run the AC in their unit during warm months, maintaining a maximum temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent mildew. This requirement also applies when the unit is unoccupied or during the tenant’s move-out at the end of the lease. Failure to comply will result in a fine and the tenant being responsible for the cost of any mildew cleanup.
*Found in section 8D of Lease and Mold & Moisture Addendum
If ALL of the drains in your residence are clogged or backing up, call the First Realty office for maintenance service. Do not run the dishwasher, washing machine, or flush any toilets until the problem has been corrected. If only one sink, tub, or toilet is clogged, try plunging the drain. If that doesn’t correct the problem, call First Realty for maintenance service. You may be charged if the drain is clogged with hair, paper towels, or any item that is non-biodegradable.
Landlord requires a minimum limit of $100,000 for Liability Insurance coverage. Tenants must provide proof of coverage prior to move in. You are able to get Liability Insurance through your preferred insurance company. You are also able to purchase Liability Insurance through First Realty for a charge of $15.00 per month.
A non-refundable $155.00 application fee is required for both the tenant and guarantor. This fee covers a credit check for the guarantor and a background check for both parties. At First Realty, our priority is to thoroughly screen all tenants to ensure we provide the highest level of service possible.
If your disposal does not work at all then turn the switch off and push the reset button which is located directly on the bottom of the disposal. If that doesn’t solve the problem or your disposal hums when turned on, then call First Realty for maintenance service. If the disposal is jammed by a utensil, coin, bottle top, or is packed with food you will be charged for the service call
If your air conditioner or heater is blowing air but not heating or cooling then check the filter. The system will not work properly if the filter is clogged. If the filter is clogged, replace it. If the filter is ok then call First Realty for maintenance service.
If your air conditioner is leaking, call First Realty for maintenance service. Turn your air conditioner off until the problem has been corrected.
You may submit your request online or call our office during normal business hours. If after hours, please leave a message on our office non-emergency line. For the fastest response to ensure a maintenance personal reaches you please leave a maintenance request through the tenant portal.
Once you have selected a property, you must submit to us a completed application, a signed lease, an application fee of $155.00, and an amount equal to one month’s rent as a security deposit. This can be done in person in the rental office, via fax, or email.
Tenants may not install bidets themselves. Installation must be completed by our maintenance team at the tenant’s expense. Any damages caused by improperly installed bidets will be the tenant’s responsibility.
If tenant decides to install a fixture not provided by the owner, they are doing so at their own risk and will be liable for any damages or repairs due to improperly installed fixtures.
The tenant is responsible for the replacement of all lightbulbs*, air filters, and battery replacements. If the tenant chooses to contact maintenance for replacement of lightbulbs, air filters, and battery replacements the tenant will be responsible for the charge of the maintenance call in addition to the lightbulb, air filter, and/or battery replacement.
*with exceptions to exterior floodlights, specific stairwell lights, & certain LED lights
First Realty does not provide after-hours lock-out service. If you have misplaced your keys, you will need to contact a locksmith to gain entry before the next business day.
If your key is broken in the lock, or will not turn the lock please call our after-hours number at (334) 887-3425 to report the issue and a technician will reach out to you.
Check the breaker that controls your water heater, and turn the breaker off and then back on again. Wait up to an hour to see if the problem has been corrected. If your water heater is gas, make sure that you have applied for gas service at your residence. If you still have no hot water, call First Realty for maintenance service.
If the power to your entire residence is out it is most likely a local interruption of service. Check to see if your neighbors have power first then call Alabama Power to report the problem, 1-800-245-2244. If only a portion of your residence is without power then check all of your breakers. Turn all the breakers off and then back on to restore service. If that doesn’t correct the problem call First Realty for maintenance service.
Our approval criteria require that you earn at least three times the monthly rent and have established credit in your name. While we do not require a specific credit score, we review your credit history to ensure payments are made on time, there are no accounts in collections, and no outstanding balances owed to another realty company. We also conduct checks on credit, background, and rental history.
Emergencies are urgent situations that threaten safety and/or property if not immediately addressed, such as fire, flooding, main sewer line stoppage, or break-in. In such a case, call our office at 334-887-3425. If an emergency occurs after office hours, call our office and follow the instructions to leave an emergency message and someone will call you back.
PLEASE DO NOT USE THE EMERGENCY SERVICE LINE TO LEAVE A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REQUEST.
You must be at least 19 years of age to sign a residential lease in the state of Alabama. In some instances, a parental guarantor may sign the lease for someone who is underage. All persons applying for a property are subject to a credit check, background check, and verification of income. In most cases, a lease can be approved within a very short time.
The security deposit is equal to half a month’s rent and is potentially fully refundable. Additionally, there is a non-refundable leasing fee, also equal to half a month’s rent, which covers cleaning and move-out expenses.
Some of the properties offered by First Realty do allow pets , others do not. Any property listed with our company will be advertised as either “pets allowed” or “no pets”. If a property does allow pets, each pet will require a $400 pet deposit. This deposit is refundable provided there is no pet damage upon move out. In most instances pets are limited to either one dog or one cat. If your property does not allow pets that means that pets are not to be on the premises at any time for any reason. Even if your residence allows pets, you MUST have permission and pay the pet deposit before you bring a pet onto the property.
Tenants are responsible for clearing drains (excluding issues caused by tree roots or busted pipes) and resetting disposals. Additionally, tenants are liable for repairs to broken or damaged toilet seats, disposals, doors, and windows during occupancy, with costs charged to the tenant.
*Found in section 8A & 8B of lease
Rent is due on the first of every month. There is a grace period until the 5th. If you have not paid after the 5th, you will be charged a $50 late fee. If rent is still not paid by the 10th, an additional $50 late fee will be added to your account. Rent can be paid through your online Tenant Portal by credit card, debit card, or eCheck. Checks or money orders may be dropped in the box by the front door. Payments can also be made by phone or online. The mailing address for payment is:
First Realty
PO Box 349
Auburn, AL 36831
