Resident FAQs

Unfortunately, we cannot hold a property without an approved application and a paid holding deposit. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to secure your spot!

No, we typically require the first month’s rent and a security deposit before move-in. A last month’s rent prepayment is not usually required unless specified in your lease agreement.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for one of our rental properties. All adult applicants must complete a separate application and pass our screening process.

Yes! Your security deposit is fully refundable as long as you meet the lease terms, return the home in good condition, and there are no unpaid balances. Any necessary deductions (for damages beyond normal wear and tear) will be detailed in a move-out inspection report.

A cosigner may be required if an applicant does not meet our income, credit, or rental history requirements. The cosigner must also apply, meet our screening criteria, and take full financial responsibility for the lease if needed.

Great! Applying is simple:

• 📌 Visit our website to browse available properties
• 📌 Fill out an online application – it takes just a few minutes!
• 📌 Submit the required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.)
• 📌 Pay the application fee and wait for approval
• 📌 Once approved, sign your lease & move in!

We offer multiple convenient payment options, including:

• 💻 Online payments via our secure resident portal
• 🏦 ACH bank transfers for hassle-free transactions
• 📱 Mobile payment options for on-the-go access
• 📍 In-person payments at our office (if needed). We only accept Money Orders or Certified Cashier Checks. No CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED…

If you plan to move out but your roommate wants to stay, here’s what to do:

1. Notify Us – Let our office know as soon as possible.
2. Roommate Applies for Lease Transfer – Your roommate must qualify to take full financial responsibility for the lease. If they don’t meet the income or credit requirements, they may need a cosigner or replacement roommate.
3. Lease Adjustment – If approved, we’ll update the lease and remove you from financial liability.
4. Security Deposit – The original deposit stays with the lease. It’s up to your roommate(s) to settle any reimbursements between yourselves.

If you plan to move out at the end of your lease, follow these steps:

• ✅ Provide written notice – Most leases require at least 30-60 days' notice before move-out. Check your lease agreement for details.
• ✅ Schedule a move-out inspection – This helps ensure you meet all conditions for security deposit refunds.
• ✅ Set up final utilities & payments – Make sure all bills are settled before moving.
• ✅ Return keys & provide a forwarding address – This ensures we can process your security deposit return smoothly.

📌 Thinking of extending your lease? Let us know in advance so we can discuss renewal options!

🔹 Landlord/Property Management Responsibility:

We cover normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance issues not caused by resident negligence. This includes:

• ✔ HVAC, plumbing, electrical issues
• ✔ Roof leaks & structural repairs
• ✔ Appliance breakdowns (if included in lease)

🔹 Resident Responsibility:

You are responsible for:

• ⚠ Damage caused by negligence or misuse
• ⚠ Clogged drains/toilets due to improper use
• ⚠ Pest control (unless specified in lease)
• ⚠ Replacing light bulbs, batteries, and air filters

📢 Need to submit a maintenance request? Use our resident portal or call us for urgent issues!

🐾 We love pets! If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your household, here’s what to do:

• ✔ Check your lease agreement for pet policies and restrictions
• ✔ Submit a pet application (if required)
• ✔ Pay any applicable pet fees or deposits
• ✔ Ensure your pet meets our community guidelines

Many of our homes are pet friendly and will accept a maximum of 2 pets. If you apply for or reside in one of our homes and wish to have a pet, you will need to complete an online pet profile and pay a non-refundable pet application fee of $20 for the 1st pet and $15 for the 2nd pet. To start this profile please visit https://petscreening.com/.

a non-refundable pet Fee per a pet is due upon approval. A monthly pet Fee may be charged in addition to the non-refundable pet fee (2 Animal Maximum, Additional pets are subject to approval, breed restrictions apply). Blue Horizon Property Management does accept assistant animals monthly lease administration fee of $25 for each pet. Carolina Property Management does accept assistant animals per state and federal guidelines. If you have an assistance animal, you will need to complete an online animal profile. There is no application fee for this process. Please contact our office with any questions. Unfortunately our insurance company will not allow the following dog breeds, even in our pet friendly homes:

Full breed or mixed breeds of:

1. Akita
2. Alaskan Malamute
3. American BullDog
4. Australian Blue
5. Heeler Boxer
6. Chow
7. Dalmatian
8. Doberman Pinscher
9. German Shepherd
10. Great Dane
11. Husky (any type) Malamute
12. Pit Bull
13. Presa Canario
14. Rottweiler
15. Saint Bernard
16. Shar-pei
17. Stafford Terrier
18. Wolf/Dog hybrids

Any dog known to have vicious tendencies or known to have previously bitten someone is not permitted.

Any dog or cat under the age of one year is not allowed...

Dog breeds other than those listed above and cats are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Only Dogs, Cats, Birds and Fish (tanks under 20 gallons) are permitted.

Ferrets are not Allowed.

In the case of questions, the Landlord will make the final determination as to the breed or classification of any animal.

https://bluehorizonrentalsnc.petscreening.com/

Our Pet Profile provides you a secure place online to store all the important information about your pets. Pet Profiles can easily be shared with pet service providers such as veterinarians, animal hospitals, pet sitters and doggie daycares.

Thank you for previewing our home for rent. This quick reference sheet will help you avoid rental scams and dishonest landlords. You may be dealing with a rental scam or a dishonest landlord if:

• The landlord asks for the security deposit before you sign the lease
• You see the same property advertised on different web sites by different Landlords or management companies or for different prices
• The landlord lives out of state and doesn’t have a local management company with whom you can have regular contact
• The landlord will not provide you with their office or home address
• The landlord asks you for money up front to help you find a property
• The landlord doesn’t have an official ‘Rental Application’ form for you to complete
• The landlord does not require that you sign a legally binding lease and give you a fully executed copy

If you suspect you are dealing with a scammer, feel free to contact our office and we will help in researching the property for you.

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has been receiving an increasing number of calls and emails about fraudulent rental ads attempting to scam innocent people out of their security deposits or application fees. These scam artists can be located anywhere in the world, yet claim they are local property owners. Here is information about rental scams and the Red Flags to alert you of a potential scam.

How You Can Avoid a Rental Scam

Many rental scams take place on social media. For example, a fake owner or fake property manager posts on Facebook, Craigslist, Twitter or other social media outlets. The posts look legitimate and may even have actual pictures of the real property they are claiming to be renting. In reality, the scammer has no connection to the property or right to advertise it, but the ad will ask for upfront payments to even view the property, or first month’s rent or a security deposit in advance. They may promise the money will be held in a trust account, and the destination appears to be legitimate, but it really goes to a scammer who is never heard from again. Being aware of this scam and not falling for these tactics can prevent the loss of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Action You Can Take:

1. Never send money to someone online or electronically without verifying it is going to a legitimate place. Do your research and independently contact and verify that the person who will be holding any money is a real attorney, licensed real estate broker, or the true property owner.
2. Be skeptical of anyone asking for money upfront just to view a rental property. Make sure that you are communicating with the actual property owner or a licensed real estate broker. You can look the property owner up in public records for your county (typically through the tax department) and make sure you verify the identity of the person and their contact information. You can verify someone is a licensed real estate broker by searching the licensee look up page. From this page, you can verify that their email and other contact information matches the advertisement.
3. Avoid handling any rental transactions over the phone, email or by the internet, including social media. Make sure that you meet in-person with the owner or their real estate broker, as well as make a physical inspection of the property. Do not send any money until you have verified that the people and place are legitimate. You can ask to see the broker’s “pocket card” that shows they are a broker, and their driver license.
4. Search legitimate websites, like Zillow, realtor.com, or actual property management company’s websites for true rental listings by licensed real estate professionals.
5. Search images on the Internet of the owner and broker, and see if they match the person you are dealing with.
6. Look for the Red Flags below and beware of these tactics.

Red Flags That You May Be Dealing With a Scammer

1. They don’t want to meet you in person.
2. The listing has typos or poor grammar.
3. The price is too good to be true.
4. They want you to move in immediately, without even seeing the property.
5. They ask for rent, a security deposit, or other up-front money before signing a lease.
6. There is no screening process.

What To Do If You Are Already a Victim Of a Rental Fraud Scam

If you have already responded to a fake ad and sent money, only to never hear from the scammer again, you can contact the North Carolina Attorney General’s office to notify them of the scam and provide as much information as you can. You can also contact local law enforcement (sheriff or police) and submit an internet crime complaint to the FBI to report the scam and see if there is any chance of recovery.

Contact the Commission’s Regulatory Affairs Division at (919) 719-9180 and/or contact the Attorney General’s office (877-566-7226) if you have concerns about the actions of an unlicensed property owner, managing their own property, or other unlicensed property management activity.