Ask an Expert

Renting an apartment is easy when you know what you want and need. Here we've outlined many of the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question we've missed, we invite you to contact the Rental Living Apartment Information Center. There, you can talk with an expert and get your specific questions answered.
Q:
What is the benefit of using a Locator Service?
A:
It is personalized to your specific needs and the fastest, easiest way to narrow down your search.
There are so many decisions that go into your new "home". Do you want a Washer/Dryer inside the apt.? Will you need a garage? Should that be direct-access or is a detached garage an option? Do you have a pet? Do you have a preference for an upper or lower level apt.? Do you prefer a Town Home? Do you need a specific school district or want to be close to work? Are you looking for a 6 or 9 month lease term? The more requirements or preferences you may have the more reason you'll have to use a Locating Service. Meeting with a Housing Specialist before your search will save you days of endless calls & driving from apt. to apt. It's Fast, it's FREE and it's Easy!!!
Q:
I have a pet. How will this impact my ability to find an apartment?
A:
Just because you have a dog or cat does not mean apartment rentals are out of the question. Many apartment communities do not accept pets, so it is even more important
to use a Locating Service. The Irvine Company is very pet-friendly and we have thousands of options for cats and small to large dogs however our communities do limit pets to select locations and have size, weight and breed restrictions. Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, Wolf-hybrids and Perro de Presa Canarios or any dog that has the above breeds in their lineage are not allowed at any IAC Community. We will take your needs into account along with your pet's needs and only refer you to the communities that will perfectly suit your entire household!
Q:
I need something short-term. Do you always have to sign a 6-12 month lease in an apartment?
A:
Month-to-month leases are always an available option for you.
Month-to-month leases are available with an additional monthly premium through IAC Suites. As it is most common to require furniture for a short-term stay they specialize in short-term, fully-furnished rentals. These include everything from linens and housewares to your TV and phone as well as your utilities, they are totally 'turn-key'. Just bring your suitcase, unpack & relax! See IAC Suites (under Corporate Housing above) for any month-to-month or Corporate rentals.
Q:
What do I need to bring with me when I rent an apartment?
A:
Once you have chosen your apartment and are ready to meet with the leasing representative at the community,
the following information will be needed: - Driver's license for U.S. residents, passport for non-residents - Complete rental application(s) for all occupants over 18 years of age - Financial information, such as checking and savings account information, current paystubs and/or tax returns - Personal check, money order or cashier's check for the hold deposit and application fee(s) - Select communities accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit or debit cards for hold deposits and application fee(s)
Q:
I have a Section 8 Voucher. Can you help me find an apartment?
A:
Yes! We have several options that may work with your Section 8 Voucher.
We welcome everyone to apply and as long as you meet our standard qualifications you will be approved. As we are privately owned, we do have some communities that will not accept your Section 8 Voucher as well as some that HUD will not approve the rental rate on. It is always advisable to check with your HUD Housing Representative prior to searching for an apartment to see what the allowable rental rate can be for your voucher as HUD will need to approve your lease agreement. Usually our Low Bond apartments work best within HUD's pricing limitations but these can vary for each individual. Using our service will save you even more time because we will only refer you to the communities that best meet your needs and will work best within the paramaters of your Housing Voucher.
Q:
Why are the Very Low and HUD affordable wait lists closed?
A:
The demand for these programs is very high as these apartments are offered at several hundred dollars below the current market rates for the area.
Once a wait list gets over one year in estimated wait-length time the community can close the wait list. Most of our wait lists have an estimated wait length time of 2 to 10 years. Each community maintains there own wait lists for the Very Low and HUD programs. We encourage you to visit the website for the city of Irvine at www.cityofirvine.org to get information on some of the new communities being built in Irvine that may have more opportunity in their Very Low bond options.