Owner Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I required to make my property available to Section 8?

  Yes, per the 2020 Amendment to the Fair Employment and Housing Act “housing providers, such as landlords, cannot refuse to rent to someone, or otherwise discriminate against them, because they have a housing subsidy, such as a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, that helps them to afford their rent.”

• Are you licensed?

  Yes. There are three brokers on our team and as many as four additionally licensed real estate agents.

• Can I reach you after hours?

  Our regular office hours are 9a-5p. We have an after hours, emergency maintenance line to serve residents with true maintenance emergencies. If you are not able to connect during those hours, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We request that you make an appointment with one of our team members.

• Can you put the money directly into my account?

  Yes, we offer direct deposit owner payments.

• Do I get to see the lease or sign it?

  Rental Zebra signs leases as the property management company on behalf of the owner.

• Do you sell real estate too?

  Generally speaking, no. However, we are available to either assist or refer our investors to other local agents with great experience.

• How and when do I get my checks?

  Monthly, on the 15th, or the following business day.

• How is rent collection handled?

  Rent is collected by Rental Zebra.

• How long of a lease do you sign?

  Our standard lease term is 12 months. We have some properties that are mid term rentals and carry shorter lease terms. In unique situations we may offer a 6 or 9 month lease, but will request owner permission to do so. In winter months, we will often suggest a shorter or longer lease in order to have the lease end in a more favorable leasing season so as to expedite the next lease.

• How much security deposit do you charge the tenant?

  We typically request 1.5x the monthly rent as the security deposit. As of January 1, 2024, state of California law will only allow 1x monthly rent as deposit.

• How soon can you start managing my property?

  In order to start managing your property, we will schedule a property inspection. From there, we will write a property management agreement. As soon as it is signed, we can legally begin managing your property. This can happen within 24 hours based on access to the property.

• What type of properties do you manage?

  We manage single family homes, multi family units, apartments, condos, and commercial properties.

• What type of reports do I get and how often?

  You will receive an owner statement monthly, an annual inspection report, a year end statement and a 1099. If you would like additional reports, we are happy to provide them.

• Who holds the tenant security deposit?

  Rental Zebra holds the resident security deposit in a trust account, maintained according to state of California law.

• Do I have to allow pets?

  We encourage owners to accept pets as it widens the potential resident pool. We require residents to show proof of licensing and current vaccinations for their pets, along with a photo of the animal(s). If the owner’s insurance policy has a restricted breeds list, we will not allow any breeds from that list. We charge monthly pet rent, and a pet deposit, per animal, maximum of two. If an applicant has an emotional support animal, and the legally required documentation to prove the animal is a registered ESA, we cannot by law deny the tenant the right to have the animal, nor can we charge any additional rent or deposits.