How do I apply for one of the homes you manage?  

All application procedures start from our listings – look for the “APPLY HERE” button and begin the process. You will also find instructions after registering at https://pelican.twa.rentmanager.com/applynow
We recommend that you read the entire application - as it will require you to acknowledge having read it in its entirety prior to paying the application fee and submitting your application. 
If you incur any issues, or have any specific questions – you may call the office Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (excluding holidays)  at 504-872-9612.

 

How long will it take to get an answer on our application being submitted?

Once a fully completed application is submitted, our staff will usually process an application within 1 – 3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). This depends on how long it takes to obtain previous rental and employment verification. Once the application review process is completed, a formal response will be communicated to the applicants – usually via email.

 

Do you accept section 8 or government assistant programs?

Yes, however not all of our owners participate in the program. The properties participating in the program are usually noted in our listings. You can also  call our office to verify at 504-872-9612. 

 

What utilities will I (the resident) be responsible for?

In most of our properties you will be responsible for electricity, gas and water. In some instances water may be paid by the owner due to having only one water meter on the property.  In these cases the water bill is usually split by the number of units. 

 

Can I offer less in rent or negotiate terms prior to applying?

In short, the answer is no.  When we get this request, it leads all parties into a vicious circle. We can’t present an offer for less than the advertised rent price because we require an application to present to the owner for review. We understand that the applicant wants an answer before submitting an application and paying the application fee. This is a no win situation for all and it puts all parties in an awkward position. The questions from an owner will be “Who are these people? …… How many pets? How many kids? Credit score? Income? Length of lease?” Without all of the information provided to us on a completed application a decision cannot be made regarding offers for less rent.

 

Can I offer less in rent other than what is advertised?

Applicants can offer less in rent. However, this will be grounds for delay in processing your application and a cause for your application to be denied. An applicant can have a great income, no pets, an 800 credit score, etc… BUT, if they offer less than the advertised price – they can be denied for that simple reason. 

 

How much security deposit do you charge the resident?

We require a minimum of one month’s rent equivalent for a security deposit. In certain circumstances with marginal/at risk residents, it is common to ask for two or even three times the one month’s rent for the security deposit. This allows the marginal resident to get a chance to rent the home and prove they can be good residents. This is only done with the owner’s approval and after consultation with Pelican Realty of Louisiana.

 

What is your pet policy?

Most owners are a NO Pet Policy in their units - but there are some that will consider pets.  If an owner agrees, the resident will be required to process their pet/animal through www.Petscreening.com (you can reach our page at  https://pelicanrealtyoflouisiana.petscreening.com/). 

 

What ways can I pay rent?

Rent can be paid electronically via ACH (with a valid checking account), via CASH PAY at over 20,000 store locations,  via mail in with Money Order or Cashier check, or in person with Money Order or Cashier Check. We encourage all of our residents to pay electronically as this is the fastest, most accountable, and most reliable means to pay rent. 
Rent is paid once it’s posted in our system not when postmarked in the mail. It must be received by the 5th of each month and prior to close of business. 

 

When is my rent due?

All rents are due to Pelican Realty of Louisiana on the 1st (first) of each month. Late fees begin to accrue starting 5:01pm, close of business, on the 5th (fifth) of each month. Our late fee policy is $100.00 late fee + $5.00 per day which automatically goes to your account the morning of the 6th .  Which is why we must receive and post your rent prior to close of business on the 5th (if the 5th falls on a weekend we recommend paying that Friday). 
In accordance with the lease agreement – all payments made to the property manager will be credited in the following ways:
1) Any payments made go to late fees, maintenance fees, or other administrative fees FIRST.
2) Any balances left after the fees are brought current can be applied to rent SECOND.
Example: $1,500 per month in rent. The resident forgets to pay rent on normal time and pays rent on the 6th of the month. The assessed charge will be $100.00 and one day of additional per day late fee of $5.00. The total in late fees would be $105.00. If the resident comes in to pay rent in certified funds and brings $1,500 – that payment applies FIRST to the late fees ($105.00) and SECOND to rent for $1,395.00. This makes the rent still late and unpaid. Unpaid rent is grounds for eviction. All of this is in compliance with lease and Louisiana codes for hearings in front of the Justice of the Peace for evictions. 
Additional Fees: In the efforts to collect rent, we are obligated to protect the owner and their best interests. If a resident is late paying rent with no response to our collection efforts via email and phone – notice will be posted to their front door. Once this occurs, the resident will be charged for that notice being posted including any and all other fees incurred, including but not limited to eviction filing, constable fees, hearing fees, etc.

 

How do you handle maintenance requests?

We ask that the residents submit all repair requests through the Resident portal for fastest response. Once a repair request is submitted, the office receives notification of this request via email. We have staff members in the office assigned to handle and be the point of contact for all maintenance issues. You do not need to call the office after submitting a request through the portal.

 

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Our phone lines are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on the days our office is open. Our office is BY APPOINTMENT only.  If you show up without an appointment it is very likely that you will NOT be able to meet with anyone in our office.

 

What happens if the resident does not pay their rent?

If payment has not been received by the 5th day of the month, our automated notification sends a delinquency notification that your principal rent + late fees begin. In Louisiana we have “Notice of Waiver” meaning we do not have to give any notice of eviction (unless on a housing program and required to be removed from the lease). While we do try to make contact with the resident, it’s imperative that the RESIDENT communicates with our office if they will be late on rent or need to make a “Promise to Pay” and it should be done prior to the 5th of the month. 
If our Resident FAQ’s didn’t answer your questions please call our office 504-872-9612