The Pros and Cons of Renting
Pets
All the Rental Forms/Application
Cell Phones
Colleges and University
Credit Check
Landlords
Car Rental
Apt. Checklist
Move Out Calendar
How it works
Truck Rental

The Pros and Cons of Renting

Pros

• You are now the "head of the household."
• Freedom! Renting allows you more flexibility...provided your lease is up you can move at a moment's notice.
• When renting a property you generally don't have to worry about maintenance etc. but can rely on the landlord or manager to take care of any problems.
• Renting can give people a real feeling of independence, and is often the only option open to young people who do not yet have the means to purchase a house, townhouse or condo etc.

Cons

• Finding that "perfect place" can be a major task.
• Noisy or unfriendly neighbors.
• Unhelpful or unfriendly landlords or property managers.
• Renting can be costly and is often viewed as money being thrown away each month.
• Locating rentals that will accept pets can also be a challenge.

Rent versus Buy

Why Renters Rent:

"My job may require relocation."
"I am not yet sure where I want to settle down."
"We haven't saved enough for a down payment."
"I'm not ready for that sort of commitment."
"I don't think that I can afford to buy just yet."
"I don't know what is required or what my options are."

Why Buyers Buy:

"To live the American dream."
"I can afford the down payment."
"We're sick of paying rent and dealing with landlords."
"It made good investment sense."
"We needed a place we could call home."
"I wanted a back yard - somewhere my kids could safe."

Pets

Renting an apartment , house, or condo can be difficult enough and certainly stressful enough for the average renter. Attempting to locate a rental property that accepts pets can make your your apartment search even more stressful... and lengthy!
A good idea when applying for a property is to ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE! Be sure to let the landlord or manager if your DOG:

• Has been spayed or neutered?
• Has been to obedience school.
• Is housetrained?
• Is licensed.
• Has an I.D. tag?
  ...or CAT:
• is spayed or neutered?
• is kept indoors?
• uses the litter box.( No, not the letterbox!!)
• has been de-clawed.
• wears a flea collar.
• lives indoors.

By letting the landlord/manager know about your pet in advance they will be able to make a much more educated decision regarding whether or not to accept your pet and at the same time whether or not you would make a good tenant. Research has shown that responsible pet owners tend to be more responsible tenants.

At Rentwave.com we understand what an important role pets can play in a person's life. That's why we go out of our way to obtain an extensive listing of PET FRIENDLY rentals to cater to the large number of renters who own pets.
By actively encouraging landlords and property owners to consider instituting a Pet Policy we feel that we are not only assisting our customers in their efforts to locate properties that will accept pets, but are also helping to ensure that fewer animals will placed in animal shelters as a last resort by a frustrated renter.

Five Tips For Renters with Pets!

1. Let the prospective landlord/property manager know if your pet is spayed/neutered, de-clawed, house-trained etc.
2. Have your previous landlord include a brief note verifying that you are a responsible pet owner in his/her letter of recommendation to you and attach it to your Rental Application.
3. Consider offering your new landlord a pet deposit of $100-$200 to set his/her mind at ease. This will also show that you are committed to renting the apartment! is also gives pet owners a bad name in general and won't help you
4. Be upfront about your pet. If it is found that you have a pet in a NO PETS apartment complex you may be evicted. Thr cause in your future rental searches.
5. Give yourself plenty of time to locate a rental that ALLOWS PETS. Because there are fewer properties that accept pets it will probably take you a little longer to locate what you are looking for.

All the Rental Forms/Application

When you go to look at a place, have a neat application already filled out to present to your potential landlord. A credit report is also a big help.

Click here to download a Rental Application

Cell Phones

Compare us. For short-term cellular rentals, RentWave has the best rates in each city.

• Ideal for out-of-towners who must have a number that landlords can call.
• No missing landlord calls.
• No more stopping at pay phones.
• No more checking answering machines.
• Each digital phone comes with an extra battery, a charger and a cigarette lighter adapter.

RentWave's Wireless Services, the Best Rates In Town! Period!.

Rates
FREE phone rental.*
$0.50/min local and long distance.

• No Contracts!
• No Hidden Monthly Charges!
• No Credit Checks!
• No Activation Fees!
• You Control Your Costs!
  
  * Phone must be used an average of 5 minutes per day during rental period. Deposit: Credit card authorization of $100 is required prior to phone rental (This is returned to you following return of telephone equipment in satisfactory condition).

Colleges and University

Ready to live Off-Campus? Dorm life not your thing? Use our convenient University and College Search to access the 1000's of great apartment, condo, and house listings on our site.

When you click on the University of your choice you will access a comprehensive (that means big), listing of apartments and houses etc. that are currently available in the area surrounding your new school.

Rent Faster! Save time for more important things like parties... uh, sorry Mom I meant studies.

Credit Check

Most landlords will require credit & eviction information when you apply for a rental. With application fees of $20-$30 per property, this can become very expensive, very quickly. Even though some landlords may still insist on doing their own screening, be prepared and save money by signing up with RentWave.

With our 90 day Platinum Package you are entitled to a free credit check. This consists of a Credit report from Experian (TRW) and contains critical background information on consumer credit, bankruptcies and other public records. Just have the landlord or property manager,(of the property for which you are applying), fax us a copy of your signed rental application and we will be happy to forward them a complimentary copy of your credit report.

Why do I need a credit check?

Just as you would have your credit checked if you were attempting to finance a car or purchase a house, the vast majority of landlords and property managers will want to review your credit history before they commit to renting a property to you. 90% of the landlords and property managers that we deal with will happily accept the credit reports that we provide to members from the credit reporting agency Equifax (formerly TRW). Rarely you may be asked to complete an individual management company's own rental process which may include an additional fee. Even so, we are still going to save you money as we will provide a free credit report to any and all landlords and property managers that request that we forward them a copy on your behalf.

It's simple: You apply to 3 properties, 2 accept our FREE credit reports and you have already paid for the cost of the membership.

What options do I have if my credit history isn't great?

• If your credit history is not good (or you haven't established a credit history) you may need to have a credit-worthy individual co-sign for you.
• If you have had problems in the past (even a bankruptcy) but your recent credit history is good, attach a letter of explanation to your application. (E.g. divorce, illness, etc.)
• Offer to pay a larger deposit or pay a few months in advance if this is feasible.
• Make certain to get letters of recommendation from your employer, bank manager, and previous landlords.
• As a last resort you may consider moving in with a roommate as you will probably not have to run a credit check.
• Most importantly: Accentuate the Positive!

Landlords

Moving, like finding a new job, is one of the most stressful things we do. To improve your chances of securing the perfect place...

Be Diligent - Make certain you check the Rentwave.com listings daily - good properties can come and go quickly. Stay on top of it.

When leaving a phone message speak slowly and clearly. Also, leave your phone # twice.

When speaking to prospective landlords for the first time, let them know what type of work you do - It is a great way to let them know that you can afford to pay the rent.

Letters of recommendation from your ex-landlord, employer, or bank manager can be a major addition to your application.

Take a completed rental application/ rental resume to any open houses or property viewings that you attend.

Call landlords immediately. A cellular phone is extremely helpful if you are driving around as you will want to be able to take the return call when it comes. Remember, you are probably not the only applicant. For your convenience you can rent a cell phone from our office for a nominal fee.

To make getting around town a little easier purchase a Thomas Guide, the most comprehensive map book available. Whether you are a local or are brand new in town you will be glad you picked one up.

When searching the listings for properties that allow pets you should also call properties that fit your criteria but do not mention whether or not they will consider pets. By offering a pet deposit or by explaining your situation you may be able to persuade an ambivalent landlord to rent to you and your pet.

Car Rental

Enterprise Locations
Los Angeles
San Diego
Santa Barbara
San Francisco
Orange County
Ventura County

Why do you need a rental car?

· Replacement vehicle while your car is in the repair shop.
· A weekend trip or vacation and you need a sports utility vehicle or minivan.
· A special occasion and you want a luxury car or convertible.
· Out-of-town visitors and you need an extra car.

Los Angeles

2700 LINCOLN BLVD, SANTA MONICA	1100 COLORADO AVE., SANTA MONICA
1695 B SANTA MONICA BLVD., SANTA MONICA	2487 LINCOLN BLVD., VENICE
12101 OLYMPIC BLVD., LOS ANGELES	4940 SOUTH SEPULVEDA BLVD., CULVER CITY
11779 WEST PICO BLVD LOS ANGELES, CA 90064-1308 (310) 445-1034	7100 BEVERLY BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90036-2532 (323) 938-4646
10757-61 VENICE BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90034-6214 (310) 839-5600	4550 W. BEVERLY BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004-2719 (323) 962-5200
1435 S. LA CIENEGA BLVD. #D LOS ANGELES, CA 90035-3733 (310) 652-5155	6101 W. CENTURY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90045-5310 (310) 641-5233
8601 LINCOLN BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90045-3503 (310) 338-1141	9750 AIRPORT BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90045-5404 (310) 649-5166
10799 SANTA MONICA BLVD LOS ANGELES, CA 90025-4718 (310) 475-8738

San Diego

11520 WEST BERNARDO COURT SAN DIEGO, CA 92127-1602 (858) 485-8525	1327 W. PALM STREET SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-1240 (619) 294-7774
950 HOTEL CIRCLE NORTH SAN DIEGO, CA 92108-2905 (619) 296-7493	1822 GARNET AVENUE SAN DIEGO, CA 92109-3352 (858) 483-3800
NEX NAVAL STN FLEETSTORE #3301 SAN DIEGO, CA 92136-8150 (619) 235-9671	MCAS MIRAMAR EXCHANGE BLDG 257 SAN DIEGO, CA 92145-5034 (858) 547-5908
1691 HANCOCK STREET SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-1117 (619) 294-3313	8252 CLAIREMONT MESA BOULEVARD SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-1702 (858) 278-9337
2740 LYTTON STREET SAN DIEGO, CA 92110-4809 (619) 225-0848	7993 BALBOA AVENUE SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-2414 (858) 560-9050

Santa Barbara

420 S. FAIRVIEW AVE. #A GOLETA, CA 93117-3626 (805) 683-0067	624 SANTA BARBARA STREET SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101-1637 (805) 966-3097
351 HITCHCOCK WAY B160 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105-4016 (805) 569-3636

San Francisco

820 MALCOLM ROAD BURLINGAME, CA 94010-1407 (650) 692-1238	819 ELLIS STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109-7807 (415) 441-2100
1133 VAN NESS AVE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109-6919 (415) 441-3369	222 MASON STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-2115 (415) 837-1700
780 MCDONNELL ROAD/SFIA SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128-3114 (650) 697-9200	350 BEACH STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133-1214 (415) 474-9600
727 FOLSOM ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107-1210 (415) 546-6777	WINSTON DRIVE PARKING LOT SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132-1722 (415) 337-9000
312 EIGHTH STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103-4425 (415) 703-9000	171 EL CAMINO REAL SO SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94080-5900 (650) 624-0950

Orange County

18700 MACARTHUR BLVD IRVINE, CA 92715-1478 (949) 250-4294	2222 S.E. BRISTOL NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-1730 (949) 253-9155
7299 UNIVERSAL BLVD. ORLANDO, FL 32819-8353 (407) 354-3303	173 SOUTHGATE SHOPPING CENTER CULPEPER, VA 22701-3843 (540) 829-7800
4410A LAFAYETTE BLVD FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408-4268 (540) 891-2200

Ventura County

16616 VENTURA BLVD ENCINO, CA 91436-1913 (818) 981-6222	14235 VENTURA BLVD. SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91423-2714 (818) 906-7988
1050 E. THOMPSON BLVD - UNIT A VENTURA, CA 93001-3067 (805) 648-2882	2950 JOHNSON DRIVE #116 VENTURA, CA 93003-5649 (805) 650-4355
21118 VENTURA BLVD WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364-2103 (818) 348-3488

Apt. Checklist

We have made a checklist for all of considerations you should make in finding an apartment or home.

Please click the following file in PDF format to view:

Rental Checklist PDF

Move Out Calendar

14 DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Empty out your cupboards, closets etc.
• Create an inventory of the things you plan to take along .
• Decide which plants you want to take with you. Give the others as gifts to your neighbors.
• Have a garage sale or donate unwanted items to charity.
• Notify your post office, publications, and correspondents of change of address and the date that you are moving.
• Plan to transfer your savings and checking accounts.
  Call your insurance carrier to ensure that your new residence is covered.
• Contact telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the date you want to discontinue service at your old residence as well as the service start date at your new abode.
• Check new driver's license and auto registration requirements.
• Transfer medical records and get copies of prescriptions.
• Register your children for school and it is probably a good idea to get a copy of their school records before you leave.
• If you own a pet ask your vet for advice on traveling with/shipping your animal.
• Buy shipping cartons/boxes and begin packing...it always takes longer than you think.

7 DAYS...AND COUNTING:

• Have a barbeque in order to use up your frozen foods, wines and spirits. (This is also a good way reduce some of the stress associated with moving...you remember...RELAXATION!!!)
• Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses for income-tax purposes.
• Keep your telephone connected through your moving day.

1 DAY BEFORE:

• Pack any valuables you intend to take with you.
• Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each carton with the contents and location in the new home.
• Collect keys to the house/apartment and arrange to turn them in to the owner/manager etc.
• Load personal items you are taking with you.

THE BIG DAY! (MOVING-OUT):

• Check the moving company’s inventory. If you don’t agree with their assessment take photographs of the items. Get a copy of the inventory.
• Double-check every room before you leave.
• NEVER TRANSPORT flammables or combustibles.
• DON’T TRANSPORT any valuables with the moving company.

THE NEXT BIG DAY! (MOVING-IN):

• Contact utility companies to verify start dates. (You should have already made arrangements for utilities to be turned on - If not you might want to buy some candles).
• Check the condition of each carton and household item as it is unloaded. List all missing or damaged items on the inventory form.

ONCE YOU HAVE SETTLED IN:

• Inquire about new licenses/permits: driver's, parking, pet...
• Register your car
• Sign up for newspaper, grocery delivery.
• Register to vote!

How it works

Instead of researching countless newspapers and spending hours in the car driving the streets hoping to spot a vacancy you can make your life a little easier by letting us find that perfect rental for you.We have drivers scouting for vacancies along with our Vacancy Management team who are constantly adding and updating properties throughout the day.

We save you time & frustration by providing you with detailed property information on all of the new vacancies that we compile daily. Most of our landlords don't advertise elsewhere, they come straight to RentWave's Free online advertising. We supply you with detailed descriptions including location, owners name & phone number and where possible their e-mail address.

You call the owners directly, or make contact online, it's that simple. Each day we offer you hundreds of new listing per area. Online we offer a FREE PREVIEW, rental tips and advice, local resources, tenant's rights, landlord/tenant checklist, pet-friendly listings, garage sales and many helpful tools to make your move easier.

You can search our listings online or come into our office and take a look at the daily list first. We want you to be happy and it is our goal to provide you with enough properties that meet your criteria.

What's next? ...Sign Up!

Truck Rental

Reserve your truck well ahead of time. If you're thinking of saving some money by moving yourself, here's a list of questions to consider asking a truck rental company.

• How early do I need to book?
• What types of moving supplies are offered?
• What size trucks do they have?
• Do I pay for gas mileage?
• Where do I pick up the truck?
• Where can I drop it off?
• Any additional charges for different pick-up and drop-off locations?
• Will I be able to drive the distance alone?
• Will I be covered on my auto or credit card insurance?
• What will happen if I am not insured?
• Is a deposit required?
• Will I need to refuel?
• When do I pay?

Need a truck? Contact