Resident Resources

At PMI North Lake Homes, we want renting with us to be clear and stress-free from the first application to the day you move out. Below are answers to the questions our Broward County tenants ask most often. If your question is not covered here, contact our office and we will be glad to help.

Applying for a Rental

• How do I apply for one of your rental homes?

  Once you find a property you like on our listings page, contact our office at 754-799-4887 or info@pminorthlakehomes.com and we will send you the application link. Every adult 18 or older who plans to live in the home must complete a separate application.

• How old do I have to be to apply?

  You must be at least 18 years old to apply. Every adult who will live in the home applies and is screened individually.

• Can you hold a property for me before I apply?

  We are not able to hold a home before an application is submitted and approved. To keep the process fair for everyone, our rentals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and more than one application may be reviewed for the same home. Once you are approved, we place the property on a temporary hold while the lease is prepared. The home is taken off the market after the lease is signed and the move-in funds are received.

• How long does the application process take?

  We review completed applications Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, in the order they are received. Only complete applications are reviewed, so submitting all required documents and fees together keeps your application moving.

• What income do I need to qualify?

  Minimum gross household income should be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. Applicants using housing assistance are welcome to apply, and income review is adjusted based on the portion of rent the household is responsible for paying.

• What documents do I need to apply?

  A complete application includes a separate Residential Lease Application for each applicant 18 or older, the $40 non-refundable application fee per applicant, a valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID, verifiable proof of income, and a completed Pet Screening Profile. The Pet Screening Profile is required for every applicant, even if you do not have a pet. See the pet questions below for how that works.

• What if I am self-employed?

  Self-employed and 1099 applicants verify income through Plaid, a secure third-party service, by linking the bank account where their income is deposited. Plaid uses a read-only, encrypted connection and is used only for income verification. W-2 applicants may submit pay stubs or also choose to verify through Plaid.

• What if my credit is not perfect?

  We review your full application, not only a credit score, and applicants with newly established or limited credit may still be considered. Depending on your overall screening results, approval may come with an additional deposit, advance rent, or a co-signer requirement. Applicants with a credit score below 650 may be asked to provide a qualified co-signer, and scores below 590 may not qualify.

• Do you accept cosigners?

  Yes, in certain cases. Applicants with a credit score below 650 may be required to provide a co-signer who has a credit score of at least 700. Contact our office before applying if you have questions about co-signer requirements.

• What happens if my application is not approved?

  The $40 application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, since it covers the cost of screening. If you are not approved for one home, you are welcome to apply for another available property with us.

• Do I need renters insurance?

  Your Resident Benefits Package includes resident liability insurance, which helps cover certain accidental damage you may cause to the home. It does not cover your personal belongings. We strongly recommend also carrying your own renters insurance, since the owner's insurance does not protect your furniture, electronics, or other personal property if they are damaged or stolen.

Moving In and Security Deposits

• How much money do I need to move in?

  Generally you will need the first month's rent plus a security deposit. Based on your screening results, some applications also require an additional deposit or advance rent, and some homes require a pet deposit. The monthly Resident Benefits Package fee of $49.95 also applies. We always give you the exact move-in total in writing before you sign your lease, so there are no surprises.

• What is the Resident Benefits Package?

  All PMI North Lake Homes residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for $49.95 per month. It includes resident liability insurance, credit building for on-time rent payments, identity theft protection, bi-monthly air filter delivery, move-in utility setup assistance, a resident rewards program, and more. Full details are shared during the application process.

• How much is the security deposit?

  The security deposit is typically equal to one month's rent. The exact amount is confirmed in your lease and can be higher depending on the home and the application.

• Do I have to pay last month's rent up front?

  Not usually. Last month's rent is only collected when it is specifically required in your lease agreement.

• How should I pay my move-in funds?

  Move-in funds are paid in certified funds, such as a cashier's check or money order. After you move in, your monthly rent can be paid through your online tenant portal.

• Is my security deposit refundable?

  Yes. Your deposit is refundable as long as you complete the full lease term, return the home in good condition aside from normal wear and tear, and leave no unpaid balance.

• When do I get my security deposit back?

  Florida law (Florida Statute 83.49) sets the timeline. If we make no claim against your deposit, it is returned within 15 days after you move out. If we do need to make a claim for damages or unpaid amounts, we have 30 days to send you written notice by certified mail explaining the deductions.

• What can I do to get my full deposit back?

  Return the home clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, normal wear and tear excepted, with no outstanding balance. When we receive your move-out notice, we send you a detailed move-out checklist so you know exactly what is expected.

Paying Rent

• How do I pay my rent?

  The fastest and most secure way is through your online tenant portal, which lets you pay anytime from your computer or phone. You can also set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date. Contact our office if you have questions about your payment options.

• When is rent due?

  Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Your specific grace period is stated in your lease agreement.

• What happens if I pay rent late?

  Late fees and the grace period are defined in your lease agreement. To avoid late fees, we recommend setting up automatic payments in your tenant portal.

• Who do I contact about a billing question?

  Reach our office at 754-799-4887 or info@pminorthlakehomes.com and our team will help you sort it out.

Living in Your Rental

• How do I submit a maintenance request?

  Submit all non-emergency requests in writing through your tenant portal. This way every request is tracked and handled in order of priority. Include photos or a short video when you can, since that helps us send the right vendor the first time.

• What counts as a maintenance emergency?

  An emergency is anything unsafe or causing active damage, such as a major water leak, no power, no working air conditioning during extreme heat, or a security problem with doors or windows. For emergencies, call our office line right away rather than only submitting a portal request.

• Who pays for repairs?

  The owner covers repairs related to normal wear and tear and issues that are the landlord's responsibility. You are responsible for damage caused by misuse or neglect, and for routine upkeep such as replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries. Your air conditioning filters are delivered to you through your Resident Benefits Package, and you are responsible for changing them on schedule. Your lease lists the specific details.

• Can I have a pet?

  Every applicant must complete a profile with our third-party pet screening service, whether or not they have a pet. If you do not have a pet, you complete a free “No Pet” profile. If you have a pet, you create a pet profile, and a screening cost may apply, around $25 for the first pet and $15 for each additional pet. Pets are subject to owner approval and, where applicable, condo or homeowners association approval. If pets are allowed, a pet deposit or monthly pet rent may apply.

• Do you allow service animals or emotional support animals?

  Yes. Medically necessary animals, including service animals and emotional support animals, are permitted with valid documentation from a licensed medical or mental health provider. Deposits and pet fees are waived for medically necessary animals. Approval is handled through our pet screening service, so please complete that step as part of your application.

• Can I paint the walls or make changes to the home?

  Not without written approval from our office. We review requests on a case-by-case basis. Any approved change usually must be returned to its original condition before you move out.

• Can I change the locks?

  You may, but you must notify our office in writing first and provide us with a copy of the new keys. We need access for emergencies and required inspections.

• How long can guests stay?

  Most of our leases allow guests for up to 14 days. Anyone staying longer is considered an occupant and must apply and be screened. Condo and homeowners association rules in some Broward communities may be stricter.

• How do I add or remove someone from my lease?

  Any change to the lease requires our written approval. To add a person, they must apply and pass screening. To remove someone, the remaining tenants must still qualify financially on their own. Contact us and we will walk you through the process.

• What do I do if I am locked out of my home?

  During office hours, contact us and we can help. After hours you may need to use a locksmith at your own cost. Your lease explains any fees related to lockouts and replacement keys.

Renewing or Moving Out

• Does my lease renew automatically?

  No. We will reach out to you roughly 60 days before your lease ends to discuss whether you would like to renew and to review any rent adjustment.

• How much notice do I give if I want to move out?

  You must provide written notice at least 60 days before your lease end date. We recommend sending your notice through your tenant portal or by email so there is a clear record of the date.

• Can I break my lease early?

  Talk to us before giving notice. Your lease explains the early termination terms and any fee that applies, and we will help you understand your responsibilities.

• I want to move out but my roommate wants to stay. What do we do?

  Let us know in writing as early as possible. Your roommate must qualify on their own to keep the lease. Until the change is approved in writing, everyone named on the lease remains responsible for it.

Questions Specific to Broward County

• My rental is in a condo or gated community. Do I need separate approval?

  Yes, in many cases. A number of communities in Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, and other Broward cities require renters to be approved by the condo or homeowners association before move-in. This can involve a separate application, fee, background check, or interview, and each association sets its own timeline. Approval by PMI North Lake Homes does not guarantee approval by the association. We help guide you through this step, but association timelines are outside our control, so we recommend starting early.

• What should I do to prepare for hurricane season?

  Hurricane season runs from June through November. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for bringing in or securing loose outdoor items, knowing where shutters or storm panels are stored, and having a basic emergency plan. We will share any property-specific instructions, and you should report storm damage to us as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Is parking included with my rental?

  It depends on the property and the community. Some Broward condo and homeowners association communities issue parking permits or limit guest parking. We confirm the parking details for your specific home before you sign your lease.

• Who do I contact if my question is not answered here?

  Reach out to us anytime. We are here to help.

PMI North Lake Homes