Applicant Criteria

These are the most common questions asked. If you have circumstances that are unique or questions not specified below; please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Q. How do I apply for tenancy?

A. Completely fill out our rental application on-line. You can submit a form online here at this website.

You may also contact Taylor Rentals for other arrangements.

Q. How much is the application fee?

A. There is a nonrefundable $35 charge for the application, credit and background checks for each tenant 18 years or older. Your application can not be processed until it is received and application fee paid.

Q. What are the important criteria used to qualify for renting a property? 

A. We consider the following factors:

• Credit history 600 or better is great
• Monthly income about three times the monthly rental amount. We require employment verification and proof of income.
• Outstanding judgments
• Past rental evictions
• Criminal record check
• Present and former landlord references

Tip: We lease our properties on a “best qualified” basis. However, you see one of our properties you would like to lease, don’t wait as they can go quickly. Please keep in mind the incomplete applications will delay the process that could result in you missing the property of your choice.

All properties are offered subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Q. How much does it cost to move into a rental property? 

A. Some Tenants ask if we can work with them regarding the amount of deposit required to move-in.  We offer qualified residents 2 options. Option A: Tenant pays standard move-in amount, which is 1st month’s rent plus the full required deposit. Option B: Tenant agrees to pay 5% higher monthly rent (which may be pro-rated for 1st or 2nd month) but only HALF the required deposit due to move-in, if applicable, pet fees.

Q. We will not be moving for a few months, so how can I learn what homes will be available in the future?

A. Tenants are required to give a 30-day notice of their intentions to move, so we seldom know beyond 30 days which specific homes are going to be available for rent. Since we manage many properties, there are usually several choices available. These homes and apartments are updated on our website on a daily basis, so you may want to bookmark our site and visit often as the time gets closer for you to select a rental home.

Q. I saw a home listed by Taylor Rentals on Craig’s List or another website, but it is not on your home website. Why is this?

A. Our home site is updated on a daily basis while we update the other community databases less frequently. If a property is not listed on our home site, it is because it just rented. Also, we list new properties on our home-site first.

Q. There are some properties that I want to see, how do I arrange to see them?

A. Many homes are occupied and appointments will be needed to see the inside of the property. You may drive by the property; however the current occupant is advised not to allow any prospective tenant access to their home without an appointment being made by our leasing staff.

Q. I am a full time College Student, and this is my first apartment. How can I meet your requirements?                   

A. Generally a parent or guardian will co-sign the lease/application.

Q. Are pets/Animals allowed?

A. Most but not all properties are pet/animal friendly. Please contact Taylor Rentals management for information and consideration regarding your pet request.

Q. What is the minimum term of a lease?

A. Our published rents are based on a one year lease.  Generally, our minimum term of a lease is a year. However, we can negotiate shorter terms however the monthly rent could increase. If you are an existing tenant, refer to the Rental Agreement for your minimum term.

Q. What happens if I move out before it is up?

A. If a tenant is unable to fulfill the minimum term of the lease, there is a non-refundable fee due at the time notice to vacate. The amount of the fee varies, will be in the lease is given to cover additional advertising and office work. The landlord will make every attempt to re-rent the unit once notice is given. But until the unit is re-rented, the tenant remains responsible for full and prompt payment of rent, utilities and any duties assigned in your lease such as snow removal or mowing.

Q. When is my rent due?

A.  You may choose the standard monthly rent payment option, rent is due on or before the first day of each month. Or if you prefer, for your convenience, you also qualify for our special Payday, (also referred to as bi-weekly) Lease Plan. The bi-weekly plan lets you match your rent closer to your payday. Please know that under the bi-weekly plan, you will pay more overall during the course of the year for the convenience and extra handling. However, many people like and prefer the bi-weekly plan because it allows them to budget smaller payments every two weeks with their pay checks, instead of the larger monthly payments and it helps residents to avoid costly late fees, service fees or court costs. Rent can be paid with a money order or personal check through the mail or paid through the "online payment" link on this website.

Q. What are my payment options?

A. Rent payments shall be made to the Landlord by using the following methods:

• online payment
• direct deposit
• ACH
• Credit card, (if credit card is used a connivance fee will be added.)
• Mailing check or money order to 3104 Hwy 92, Ainsworth, IA 52201 (payment accepted only by mail, DO NOT DROP OFF PAYMENT and no cash accepted.)

Q. What if I am late?

A. Rent is considered late after the 1st day of any month. Rents up to and including $700 per month, there is a late fee of $12 per day with a maximum late fee of $60 per month.  Monthly rent over $700, the late fee is $20 per day to a maximum of $100 per month.

If you know your rent will be late, contact our office as soon as possible to make arrangements for payment.

Q. Do you require renters insurance?

A. At this time we don’t, unless required for a pet/animal or required at lease in lease. Our insurance does not protect you or your property from property loss or from your personal liability. We highly recommend renters insurance as it is very affordable and it does help protect you if your property is destroyed in a disaster or stolen or in the event of a liability lawsuit.

Q. What is your smoking policy?

A. At this time all our homes and apartments are nonsmoking. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the homes or apartments. Smoking outside away from the home or buildings is allowed if it does not cause a nuisance and the smoker is responsible for keeping that area clean of smoking debris.