Tenant FAQs

You can submit an application directly through our website. First, select the property you’re interested in. Then, the application will ask for personal information, income details, rental history, and supporting documents. Every applicant must meet our screening criteria.

We use a fair and consistent screening process that follows Northern Virginia Fair Housing laws to ensure a safe, reliable community for all residents. Our screening process includes verifying identity, checking credit history, confirming income and employment, reviewing rental history, and conducting background checks. We also contact previous landlords to ensure applicants have a positive rental track record.

Most of our properties require applicants to earn at least three times the monthly rent. This helps ensure tenants can comfortably manage rental payments along with other living expenses. We verify income through pay stubs, employment letters, or tax documents.

Tenants pay rent through our secure online tenant portal, where you can make payments using bank transfer or credit/debit card. The portal is available 24/7. You will also have an option to choose automatic payments, which helps to avoid late fees.

If your rent payment is late, a late fee will be applied in accordance with your lease. We understand that unexpected issues can occur. If you anticipate a late payment, please reach out to us. We encourage open and honest communication if you’re experiencing difficulties. Communication can help avoid further consequences.

Maintenance requests can be submitted at any time through your online tenant portal. When submitting a maintenance request, please describe the issue clearly and upload photos, if possible. The more descriptive your request, the easier it will be for us to assign the appropriate vendor to repair the problem.

A maintenance emergency is any issue that threatens your safety or could cause serious property damage. Examples of a maintenance emergency include major leaks, burst pipes, no heat in winter, electrical sparks, gas odors or flooding. These situations require immediate attention. In this sort of event, call us right away at our 24/7 emergency maintenance line. In the case of fire, call 911 first.

We understand that you want to feel at home and may wish to make alterations to the property. That said, KRS Nova must approve any alteration requests in writing. Alterations include painting, installing fixtures, making significant repairs and more. Any unauthorized modifications or alterations may result in charges or loss of your security deposit.

Pet policies vary depending on the specific property. Some homes allow pets with breed or size restrictions, while others may be strictly no-pet properties. If pets are permitted, additional fees may apply.

All adults living in the home must complete an application and be approved before moving in. If a roommate wants to leave, they must notify us so we can update the lease. Remaining tenants are still responsible for paying the full rent. If you want to add a new roommate, they must apply and meet screening criteria before moving in. We’re happy to guide you through any roommate changes. Please contact us.

If you need to break your lease, contact us as soon as possible. Early communication is important. We understand that plans can change and are here to explain your lease obligations clearly. You need to pay an early termination fee and continue to pay rent until you fully vacate the property.

Most leases require a written 120 day notice before moving out. The notice must be submitted through your tenant portal or in writing to our office. Giving proper notice allows us to prepare your move-out instructions and schedule inspections.

Once you give notice, we provide you with a move-out checklist that explains cleaning requirements, key return instructions, and how to avoid unnecessary charges. After you vacate, we perform a detailed inspection to document the property’s condition compared to move-in photos. If there are damages beyond normal wear and tear, we deduct costs from your security deposit. You’ll receive an itemized statement if deductions are made.

Your security deposit is held for the duration of your tenancy to cover unpaid rent, major property damages and other lease violations. After you move out, we conduct a thorough inspection and compare the property’s condition to the move-in report. Normal wear and tear is not charged, but tenant-caused damages may result in deductions.

Normal wear and tear is small and expected deterioration that may occur from everyday living. This includes light wall scuffs or flooring scratches, nail holes, faded paint, slight carpet damage, loose doorknobs and more. Normal wear and tear does not result in security deposit deductions.