Curious about the steps to rent a home, townhome, apartment or property in the Twin Cities area? When you work with CMS to find a rental property, we try and make the process as seamless as possible. Here is what to expect in the property rental process:
Step 1, Rental Criteria: When you inquire about one of our properties we make sure that the move in date, any pet/smoking policies, lease terms and credit and rental criteria can be met to ensure that if you decide to apply for the property the application would be approved.
Step 2, Scheduling a Showing: We schedule an in-person showing (virtual is possible as well if the situation is needed) between you and the agent representing that property. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and availability, but please keep in mind that there isn’t a “leasing office” at any of these properties and sometimes our agents have to travel a long distance to show you the property. Our agents have their own schedules to work around (showing other properties in other areas as well as having family commitments), so being respectful of people’s time is a two-way street. We just ask for your communication, patience and understanding when scheduling a tour.
Step 3, Confirming the Showing: Unless there is a situation where an appointment is scheduled for the same day and just a few hours in advance (which is rare), the agent representing the property will ALWAYS confirm the appointment the day of the showing (usually 1-2 hours ahead of time). It is imperative that you communicate with that agent (usually via text) that you will be there. If our agent doesn’t hear from you, they will assume you are no longer interested in viewing the property, and will not be there to show it. This policy comes from too many people scheduling an appointment and then not showing up, so be sure to communicate regularly with the property’s agent.
Step 4, Application Process: Once you have toured the property and you are interested in renting it, we start the application process. Important note: Please DO NOT ask for an application unless you are 100% on board with renting the property and have discussed all of the criteria with the agent and are confident that you would be approved. We are only able to process one party’s application at a time and once an application is taken, no other applicants will be considered until that application is approved or denied.
Step 5, Approval and Deposit: You are APPROVED! CMS will then draft the lease agreement for your review and e-signatures, and we will make arrangements for you to pay the security deposit. The deposit will be retained by the owner of the property during the duration of the lease.
Step 6, Move In: MOVE IN DAY! If CMS manages the unit that you will be renting, they will inform you of the other details such as paying rent through the portal, the move in process, etc. If the owner self-manages, you will be put in contact with them directly (email, text, phone, etc.) during the lease signing. At this point the property owner will take over the rest of the process as far as move in, rent payments, maintenance etc.
We hope this outline gives you all of the necessary information you need to work with us in renting one of our properties. Feel free to reach out to any of us with your questions or check the Renter FAQ here.