For Tenants and Buyers:

1. What is the difference between renting and leasing?
2. Are pets allowed?
3. Is smoking permitted?
4. How do I submit an application?
5. My credit report isn't perfect?
6. How does a "lease / purchase" or "lease / option" work?
7. Is owner financing offered?
8. Exactly where around Atlanta are your properties located?

What is the difference between renting and leasing?
Mostly the words are used interchangeably and basically have the same meaning. Sometimes the word "renting" can infer a shorter term commitment while the word "leasing" is used for longer term contracts or when a purchase or purchase option is part of the contract.

Are pets allowed?

Is smoking permitted?
Yes and no. Pets and smoking are a landlord's two biggest concerns because of the damage they can cause to a home over time. Some landlords will allow smoking and pets, others will not. Some will allow pets with an extra pet deposit. Many of the homes shown on Houselisting.com will specify the landlord's policy, if the ad does not say, then you should contact the landlord.

How do I submit an application?
Contact the individual landlord for the property which you are interested.

What if My credit report isn't perfect?
During the landlord's screening process they may check references, verify employment, and may pull a credit report. Having less than perfect credit, in most cases, is not a problem. However, each landlord has their only independent polices. In many cases you may find that the landlord will try to work with you, especially if you are honest and upfront about your situation.

How does a "lease / purchase" or "lease / option" work?
Our number one, most widely asked question.

Many times potential home buyers need a little time before they get a mortgage and buy a property. Some buyers are new to the area and want a chance to get familiar with the neighborhood before making a purchase. Other buyers may need time to clear-up credit issues.

A "Lease / Purchase" agreement is a Lease Agreement and a Purchase Agreement that are tied together. In this arrangement the tenant commits to leasing the property for a certain period of time and also agrees to buy the property at the end of the lease period. The purchase price is agreed to and set up-front and may also increase depending on the length of the lease and what has been negotiated between you and the landlord. The Landlord typically collects a non-refundable down payment on the property. The amount of the down payment depends on many factors. Each property and each landlord handles this a little different. Additional monthly amounts can be added to the lease to be applied to the down payment. A Lease / Purchase is a lot like a "lay-away" plan at a department store. You can lock in the price of the property and work over time to pay toward the purchase. This arrangement also works good for buyers who need time to clear-up credit problems, get established in a new job, etc. The number of months in the lease, purchase price, down payment, monthly payments, etc. can be set-up differently depending on the exact situation and goals of both parties.

The "Lease / Option" is very similar to the Lease / Purchase with the exception that the tenant has an "option" to buy instead of being contractually obligated to buy. Typically this arrangement allows the tenant to exercise the option during a window of time. For example, the lease might allow the tenant to rent for one year then have the option to buy at any time after the first year but before the end of the third year. The purchase price for the property is set up-front but usually increases in predetermined increments. With a Lease / Option the tenant pays "Option Money" in addition to the security deposit. The option money may be applied to the purchase at closing, but is non-refundable if the tenant chooses not to purchase the property. The about of option money required varies depending on the exact property and the landlord.

The bottom line is: If you have a special requirement that you would like for the landlord to consider, just ask. Most landlords are willing to workout an arrangement that is favorable to all involved.

Is owner financing available?
Some property owners will provide owner financing. To find these properties use the "Power Search" from the Houselisting.com home page and select "Owner Financing" from the Property Features list box.

Exactly where around Atlanta are your properties located?
Click here for a Atlanta County Map

Click here to view rental properties.