Tenant FAQs

Unfortunately, we can only hold a unit for a maximum of two weeks after you have applied, been approved, and placed a holding deposit on the property (generally equivalent to one half of a month’s rent).

Generally, if your screening indicates you to be a well-qualified tenant, we are able to forgo last month’s rent, and only collect a security deposit that is roughly equivalent to one month’s rent. If anything in your screening is not entirely positive, we may require last month’s rent or a co-signer.

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. If you don’t have any rental history, we will generally require a co-signer.

At the end of your tenancy, your security deposit will be refunded, less any amount needed to cover damages, additional cleaning, unpaid charges or pet-related fees.

You may need a co-signer if you don’t have a strong rental history, have weak credit, or if your income is less than two and one-half times the monthly rent. Applicants with criminal history and past evictions are generally denied.

The first step is to schedule a viewing of the property. If you are unable to physically visit the property, we can usually provide a virtual tour. After you’ve seen the property, you are encouraged to apply on-line, or you can request an application via email or in person at our office. Alternatively, you can go to www.accusearchscreening.com website and use the code 460195 for “Porchlight”.

We strongly encourage payments to be made online, and will gladly assist you in getting set up in our system, so that you can pay directly from your bank account (or by credit card). You can also pay by check, credit card or money order in person at our office (or mail to): 519 Front Street, Suite A, Lynden, Washington 98264. There is also a mail slot in our door, for after hours delivery.

First contact the office to find out whether pets are permitted at the property you rent, and if there are size or breed restrictions. You will need to apply at www.petscreening.com, and their analysis will determine whether your pet can be approved, and also the amount of pet deposits and fees that will be required.

If one Tenant decides to discontinue his/her tenancy, the other remaining Tenant(s) and the owner or Agent must ALL approve the release of liability of that individual Tenant that seeks discontinuance of their tenancy, and must approve any new Tenant(s) in writing, subject the following requirements specified in your lease agreement.

You will need to provide a written notice of intent to vacate to our office at least twenty (20) days prior to the expiration date of your lease. If you fail to give notice, and we haven’t given you notice or offered you a new lease, then it becomes a month-to-month tenancy. If this Lease is a Month-to-Month, then you must give written notice of intent to vacate at least twenty (20) days prior to the next rent due date.

Attached to your lease you will find a Maintenance addendum that provides instructions for addressing maintenance issues. Some minor issues can be easily remedied by the tenant, but all others should be addressed by creating a task on our website or calling our office for assistance. For emergencies, please 9-1-1.