FAQs

Since all of our urban properties are independently owned, the information listed below is for reference only and all dollar amounts are estimated and all information is generalized. Please ask for specific information regarding the particular property you are interested in.

RESIDENTIAL OR LIVE/WORK LEASING »» PROSPECTIVE TENANTS:

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEE?

The Application Fee is Forty Five Dollars ($45.00) or Ninety Dollars ($90.00) for a business.  We will run a Tenant Screening Report on every non-married individual over the age of eighteen (18) applying to live in a property.  Only one application fee is required for a married couple. (Application)

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE LEASE TERM?

Save for a very small handful, all of our properties require a minimum term lease of one (1) year.  If a shorter term lease is allowed, it will be noted as such in the listing description.  If Tenant desires a longer lease term, that is possible, but one year would be the minimum.

WHAT UTILITIES ARE INCLUDED | ARE NOT INCLUDED?

If the property is a condominium, Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas and the Homeowners Association Fee are typically, but not always, included in the rent.  Tenant should expect to pay for Electricity, Telephone, Internet and Television.  If the property is a Townhouse, more than likely, NO utilities are included.

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE SECURITY DEPOSIT?

This is always dependent upon the actual applicant, but most qualified Tenants should expect a security deposit equal to one (1) month rent.

IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?

Yes.  The security deposit is fully refundable.  After final walk thru and a thorough inspection of the Premises, any required deductions will be made and you will receive a statement of deductions (if any) along with a check within fourteen (14) days of the Lease expiration. We consider a successful lease to be one in which the full amount of the deposit is returned to the Tenant.

WHAT ARE THE TOTAL MOVE IN COSTS?

As stated above, these are estimated and each unit will vary.  But for reference, here is a general rule of thumb:

$1,500.00    First Month Example Rent

$1,500.00    Refundable Security Deposit

$500.00       Non-Refundable Cleaning Fee

$27.00         City of Tempe Tax (1.8% on the Monthly Rent)

$3,527.00    Total Move In Costs

DO THE TOTAL MOVE IN COSTS NEED TO BE PAID WITH CERTIFIED FUNDS?

Yes.  All initial move in funds (first month rent, security deposit, etc.) must be paid to the Landlord via Certified Funds.  This is typically in the form of a Cashiers Check issued by your bank.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no.  Each property owner makes the final decision in keeping with their particular Homeowners Association.  If pets are allowed, then Tenants should expect to pay a Refundable Pet Deposit of $500.00 which should be added to the Total Move-In costs described above.

CAN THE SECURITY DEPOSIT BE USED FOR LAST MONTHS RENT?

No.  The Security Deposit is never to be used for monthly rent.  Tenant must pay all monthly rent as required by the Lease Agreement and the Fully Refundable Security Deposit will be distributed within fourteen (14) days after Lease expiration. 

WHAT IS THE NON-REFUNDABLE CLEANING FEE?

We expect all Tenants to leave the Premises in a "clean" condition upon vacating; nevertheless, there is always deep cleaning that is necessary like steam cleaning carpets, cleaning ovens, bathroom tile, etc.  This fee helps to defray some of the costs associated with this deep cleaning for the Landlord.

ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS REGARDING TENANT MAKING CHANGES TO THE PROPERTY LIKE PAINTING, ETC.?

Yes.  There are to be NO changes made to any part of the Premises without prior written approval from the Manager/Landlord to do so.  Even then, upon formal request from a Tenant, some Landlords will simply not allow any changes to be made.  For those Landlords who do agree, it is commonly required that the Tenant return the Premises to it's original condition prior to vacating the property.  This restoration work can be performed by the Tenant, but if that is not acceptable to the Landlord, they might require the Tenant to pay a professional to restore the property. 

HELP!  THERE ARE NO PROPERTIES CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE URBAN REALTY WEB SITE THAT FIT OUR NEEDS.  WILL URBAN REALTY HELP US FIND ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES LISTED BY OTHER REALTORS?

Yes; however, since much time and energy may be spent researching and showing such properties to the Client, we request our clients sign a Ninety (90) day exclusive agency agreement that allows Urban Realty to find the Client their new rental.  This service is still free of charge to the Client as long as the Client is represented by Urban Realty in their new Lease Agreement.  If, after signing an Exclusive Agency Agreement, the Client acquires a Lease without Urban Realty's representation, then the client will be charged a fee.  Details of this agreement will be discussed prior to Client executing any such agreement. 

I AM A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.  WILL THIS DISQUALIFY ME FROM LEASING THROUGH URBAN REALTY?

Since all of our properties are independently owned by private individuals, this fact alone will not necessarily disqualify you.  Some of our owners are very comfortable with leasing to exchange students as long as the documentation proving their status is provided.  We have had very good experiences in that regard.  However, other Landlords will not allow Urban Realty to lease their property to individuals without a Social Security Number and the supporting information.  If you are interested in a particular property, please just ask!

PRIVACY POLICY

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, INVESTORS & MARKET RESEARCH COMPANIES:

CAN URBAN REALTY PROVIDE US WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THE DOWNTOWN TEMPE REAL ESTATE MARKET?  WE ARE A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OR CORPORATE INVESTOR LOOKING TO BUILD, DEVELOP, OR INVEST IN DOWNTOWN TEMPE PROPERTY.

As real estate specialists whose primary focus has been Downtown Tempe for over 20 years, Urban Realty is uniquely qualified to aid in the type of market research that many find invaluable. Throughout the years, we've had the opportunity to provide many out of state as well as in state firms with our unique insight into the Downtown Tempe real estate market. However, since time is always short, we've found we can no longer offer these consulting services gratis.  If you are interested in our real estate consulting, please contact our Designated Broker, Tom Tokoph.

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Whether Tempe, Scottsdale or Phoenix we are Arizona's downtown living specialists.

The city living lifestyle is not only our specialty, but also the way we live, work & play. The Urban Realty office is located in the heart of downtown Tempe at the Brickyard on Mill within the Lofts at Orchidhouse. This Live/Work loft reflects the nature of our business while promoting our devotion to the urban lifestyle. Urban Realty is truly passionate about city living and would love to share that passion with you.

Urban Realty & Development provides full service real estate sales, consulting and developer services to those who, like us, are looking for their very own home in the modern world. Whether that "home" is a minimalist sanctuary in the penthouse suite, an industrial style office space with exposed ductwork and concrete floors, or a hip new retail shop on "Main Street", Urban Realty & Development is ready to show you that life is in the heart of the city.