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Renter FAQs


Prospective Renter FAQ’s

  • How Do I Apply for a Home?

    When you have found a home that you would like to apply for, make sure you take note of the street address and then click here to apply online.
  • What are the fees?

    There are no up front fees to give you information or to show homes to you. Once you decide you would like to lease one of our properties there is an application fee, and a pet screening application fee (if you have a pet).
  • Where are homes available?

    We have homes throughout the greater Kansas City metro with a focus on rental homes in Johnson County. This gives you plenty of options. Whether you are looking for a home in the suburbs or a place in the city, Home Rental Services has you covered. Our connections with many of the large corporations in the Kansas City area provide a constant supply of executive level homes throughout the area.

    The Kansas City area can be confusing. The Greater Kansas City area includes 2 states (Kansas and Missouri) and about 7 counties. We have properties in Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Olathe, Shawnee, Shawnee Mission, Fairway, Mission Hills, Lee's Summit, Brookside, Kansas City and more. We specialize in Johnson County rental homes.

  • What is the price range of your homes?

    Our homes and townhomes range from $900 - $5,000 per month.
  • What is the typical length of lease?

    The majority of our leases are for one year or longer. If you are looking for something shorter than a year, please call us to discuss your options.
  • Are your houses pet friendly?

    Most of our houses are pet friendly. Dogs and cats will be charged a monthly pet fee based upon the paw score (based on the pet screening) Caged animals such as hamsters, gerbils Guinea pigs, reptiles and ferrets the monthly pet fee is $15. Birds are $10 per month for small breeds and $25 per month for large breeds. Fish tanks are $10 per month per 10 gallons of tanks with a maximum gallon capacity of 50. Farm/exotic pets & fish tanks over 50 gallons will be determined on a case-by-case basis. There is a one-time non-refundable pet fee at time of lease of $150 per pet or per cage. We reserve the right to limit the number of pets that can reside in property. Dogs must be under 100 pounds as a full grown weight. Dogs and cats must be a minimum of 12 months old. 

    Owners reserve the right to deny any dog, so speak with your leasing agent prior to applying. There may be a limit to the number of pets allowed.

  • How long will it take to process my application?

    There are two steps in the application process. The first step is the online application that allows us to verify background, rental history and credit. This usually takes no more than one business day to see results. The second step is the signing of the lease offer. To expedite this process, we use an online eSignature solution!
  • What can I do to expedite the application process?

    Make sure you have completed the online application.

    Ensure you have provided all of the required documentation and information upfront to your leasing agent.

  • Who is responsible for the utilities?

    Generally, you are responsible for the utilities in the home you lease. Please see the details in the individual home listing for any utilities or additional amenities that may be provided.
  • How much is the security deposit?

    The security deposit is equal to one months rent.
  • What do I need to pay before I move in?

    One month of rent, the security deposit, pet fee and pet admin fee (if applicable) and any short-term lease fees (if applicable), a lease admin fee and a rekey fee.
  • What are your credit, background and criminal screening requirements?

    Click here for a full list of screening criteria.

  • What if my credit score is low?

    Please refer to our screening criteria. If you still have questions, please contact your leasing agent.
  • How many roommates can I have?

    No more than two (2) roommates are allowed for any of our homes.
  • Application Information

    • You will need your credit card when applying online. The application fee is collected when you apply.
    • Application fees are non-refundable.
  • Should I have Renter's Insurance?

    Yes, all of our leases require you to have renter’s insurance. As part of our Resident Benefit Package, you will automatically be covered! Should you wish to use your own renter’s insurance speak to your leasing agent and they will walk you through the process.

Current Renter FAQ’s

  • When is my rent due and how is payment accepted?

    All rents are due on the first day of the month.

    You may pay your rent online for free through your renter portal!

  • Pay Your Rent Online

    Click here to pay your rent online.

    Rent is considered paid only when actually received or credited. We do not accept post dated checks. We must be fair and strict with the late fees so please remember to make your payment in a timely manner. Thank you.

  • When do late fees apply?

    In the event rent is not credited by the rent due date, Renter shall pay a late charge of 10% of the monthly rental amount as additional rent.
  • Can I get a pet after moving in? Can I watch a friends pet for a few days?

    Pets are not allowed unless previously approved by Home Rental Services. This includes keeping a friend's pet at the property temporarily. If we discover a pet at your property you will be given a 14 day "notice to cure". If the pet is not permanently gone from the property within the 14 days, the owner may elect to begin eviction proceedings.
  • What if I need to move out before my lease ends?

    Renter must provide written notice of intent to terminate early a minimum of 30 days prior to move-out. The move-out date must be provided at this time as well.

    Notice to do an early termination of lease must be submitted with payment of the re-letting fee equal to one month’s rent IF there is one year or less remaining on your lease. If there is more than one year remaining on your lease the re-letting fee is equal to 1/12th of your monthly rent for every month remaining in your lease.

    • You must return all keys, garage and gate remotes once a new renter is found.
    • You must continue paying rent each month as agreed, until an approved renter's lease has started and they have paid all fees required prior to the start of their lease, including the first month of rent and the security deposit.
    • You must continue paying the utility services after vacating, until the new renter’s lease term begins.
    • You must arrange for lawn service, snow removal etc. after you vacate until a new renter moves in.
    • All other terms and conditions of your lease agreement must continue to be met.

Maintenance FAQ’s

  • Who is responsible for the smoke detectors in my home?

    Smoke detectors are generally located on the ceiling or high on the walls, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms. If a smoke detector is not operating properly, contact our office immediately.

    If the smoke detector begins to make a chirping noise, it means the battery is low. Replace the battery at once. Your lease specifies that you must replace the batteries.

    If the smoke detector goes off when there is no fire (ie. from cooking) do not remove the battery. Smoke detectors must have working batteries in them at all times! This is for your own safety.

    If you cannot locate the smoke detectors in your home please call our office immediately for further instructions.

  • What maintenance is my responsibility?

    Please refer to your lease for a specific list of maintenance responsibilities. Some examples of maintenance you are expected to do at your own expense:

    • Replacing light bulbs
    • Replacing HVAC filters (which Renter must do at least every three months)
    • Replacing batteries in alarms and security systems
    • Keeping dirt and debris away from heating and cooling units
    • Mowing and watering the lawn
    • Weeding
    • Maintaining flower beds
    • Mulching flower beds as necessary to maintain appearance of beds
    • Trimming shrubs on a regular basis
    • Removing fallen limbs
    • Clearing paved areas and sidewalk of snow and ice
    • Disposing of trash and garbage
    • Keeping the property clean and in a good appearance
  • How should I submit maintenance requests (work orders)?

    To submit a maintenance request online, please click here.

    • Renter shall inform HRS of maintenance and repair problems at the property.
    • Renter shall immediately notify HRS of any and all emergency problems at the property (913) 469-6633.
    • Renter shall notify HRS of non-emergency maintenance or repair problems at the property in writing.
    • We will not be able to reimburse you for any unauthorized repairs you make.

Moving Out FAQ's

  • When can I expect to get my deposit back?

    In both Kansas and Missouri the landlord is given 30 days to return the deposit to you and/or document the charges to the deposit.

    Quoted from Kansas Law: "b) Upon termination of the tenancy, any security deposit held by the landlord may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with K.S.A. 58-2555, and amendments thereto, and the rental agreement, all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. If the landlord proposes to retain any portion of the security deposit for expenses, damages or other legally allowable charges under the provisions of the rental agreement, other than rent, the landlord shall return the balance of the security deposit to the tenant within fourteen (14) days after the determination of the amount of such expenses, damages or other charges, but in no event to exceed thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant. If the tenant does not make such demand within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy, the landlord shall mail that portion of the security deposit due the tenant to the tenant's last known address."

    Missouri Law: paraphrased as of October 2003 "At the end of the lease, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit with an itemized list of damages for which any portion of the deposit is kept."

  • Can I use my deposit as my last month's rent

    Per your lease agreement and landlord tenant laws, you may not apply your security deposit to your last month of rent.

Troubleshooting Problems FAQ’s

  • My garbage disposal stops working?

    Garbage disposals are not for bones, greasy items, meat or large quantities of vegetable peelings. If the motor buzzes, turn off the switch. Clear the disposal by turning the blade backwards with a wooden spoon handle. You might need to push the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal (this is usually a small red or yellow button). If the unit turns easily but not with the power, call HRS for service.

    Almost all disposal jams are caused by improper use. It is to your advantage to clear it, rather than requesting maintenance service for which you would be billed.

    If you are unable to fix the problem, please submit a maintenance request using the form located here.

  • No power in bathroom or kitchen or garage electrical outlets?

    Most homes are now equipped with GFI switches. These switches are made to interrupt the flow of electricity and are used in areas of the home where electricity and water might come into contact with each other. If you have no power in the outlets in the bath, kitchen or garage, find the reset button that is popped out and push it in. Sometimes several outlets are "hooked" to one switch. It may be that the outlets in the bathroom have no power but the reset button that is popped out is in the basement.

    Please check all the reset buttons before calling HRS. If we call out an electrician and all they have to do is push a reset button, you will be billed for the electrician's time.

    If you are unable to fix the problem, please submit a maintenance request using the form located here.

  • My plumbing is backed up or won't drain?

    You are responsible for keeping all sinks and toilets open and free-flowing. After 5 days of occupancy, the renter is responsible for any damage or stoppage unless it was caused by mechanical failure of the plumbing system or roots in the sewer lines.

    If you are unable to fix the problem, please submit a maintenance request using the form located here.

  • If I have an insect (bugs) or rodent problem?

    Minor insect problems should be treated with sprays (such as Raid). This would include ants, spiders, and roaches.

    If the pest problem persists, please submit a maintenance request using the form located here.

  • What do I do in case of emergency maintenance?

    A maintenance emergency is any of the following:

    • No heat
    • Free flowing water
    • No useable toilet in the house
    • Unable to secure house
    • No hot water
    • No air conditioning when outside nighttime temperature will stay over 80 degrees
    • Sewer back up

    If one of these occurs call HRS immediately at (913) 469-6633. If the emergency is after hours please follow the directions in our voice mail system for emergency maintenance to speak with one of our maintenance team members.

  • What if the problem is urgent but not an emergency?

    Urgent situations can be turned in during normal office hours. Please do not call the emergency line except for the situations listed in the emergency maintenance FAQ above.

    If you have an urgent, non-emergency situation, please submit a maintenance request form.

    Examples of urgent maintenance situations are:

    • Non-functioning appliance
    • Roof leak
    • No electricity in one room or area
    • Backed up sink (no other plumbing fixtures affected)