1. Understanding your rights in the rental
market
Posted: Friday, January 22, 2016 4:00 am
Melanie Russell, Special to Inside Tucson Business
I had the pleasure of speaking with the bright and talented seniors at Sonoran Science Academy on Davis-Monthan
Air Force Base about the ins-and-outs of the home renting process a few weeks ago. After reviewing a lease from
Soaring Heights Communities, the privatized military family housing community on Davis-Monthan that I manage, we
found that the rental process is not as intuitive as many might think. Many students were surprised by the robust
document and wanted to learn more about the commitment involved in renting a home.
As a property management industry veteran, I’ve experienced all aspects of the leasing process: from celebratory
move-ins to disheartening evictions, I’ve learned a lot about the human experience from my time in this complex and
exciting industry. The process of renting from a landlord may seem daunting, but there are simple ways to protect
your family, your credit and your good name.
In a competitive community like Tucson, renters drive the market availability by holding out for the home or
community that offers the best value. Potential residents in the area expect well-maintained properties with quality
amenities, whether they’re looking in a multi-family apartment complex or single family residential community.
Because we’re currently enjoying a renters’ market, renters have the freedom to educate themselves about the best
deals in Tucson and not settle on the first place they find. If you’re new to the renting process and not sure where to
start, don’t be intimidated. By maintaining your composure, asking the right questions and developing a plan, the
rental process can be exciting and fun.
Many renters panic when looking for a home, especially if they have hard timelines like leases coming to an end or
potential lease extension charges on the horizon. Because some tenants rush to find homes, they can be blindsided
with fees and other responsibilities that were overlooked when initially signing a new lease. Ask the important
questions when searching for a home and learning more about a community: Am I responsible for my own
maintenance? Is there a buyout clause? If you’re a service member, is there a military clause that will allow me to
break my lease without a penalty? If a tenant has to break the lease, what is considered proper notice to vacate?
Thirty, sixty or ninety days is usually standard, so know your timeline. Knowing the answers to these questions on the
front end ensures your dream home doesn’t turn into a rental nightmare.
Knowing what amenities are available and included in rent can help potential renters more accurately plan monthly
budgets. Utility costs are a great example: does rent include trash and water? What about electricity? What is the pet
policy, and are there pet fees? Learn more about when rent is due, late fees and returned check policies. Some
property managers report to credit bureaus, so knowing this information is key to keeping your credit score in good
standing.
Another way to avoid a nightmare is researching the area in which you plan to live. Potential tenants often sign leases
in less-than-desirable areas in an effort to quickly find a home. In order to ensure a complex or neighborhood is safe,

2. take the old-fashioned approach: drive the community at night and on weekends to see what the atmosphere is like
when your neighbors are likely to be home.
While the limits can seem excessive, renting a home can be a very positive experience. A little common sense goes a
long way, and living “The Golden Rule” is essential. Maintaining a positive renter/landlord relationship can lead to
excellent references when looking to move again, and the opportunity to take advantage of amenities home owners
just don’t get, like emergency maintenance and little-to-no yardwork, is always a positive to renting. In order to get the
most out of your rental experience, communicate efficiently with your landlord. Pay your rent on time, take pride in
your home, and be a good neighbor.
My time with the students opened my eyes; like many other property managers, I forget that what we see as
everyday protocol is actually a very intricate and involved process for families searching for a home. If you still have
questions, ask.
Melanie Russell is a 23-year veteran of the property management industry, serving in roles including leasing
consultant, marketing director and property manager. She currently serves as property manager for Soaring Heights
Communities, the privatized Lendlease housing community on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.