Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions - General

What does PacRim Properties do?

When it comes to real estate, the answer is a lot.  If it has to do with rentals, commercial, investments, purchasing, selling, homeowners associations, or affordable housing/LIHTC, real estate training, etc. we can help you.  In fact, there isn't much our team can't help you with.

What areas does PacRim serve?

We historically have worked with properties in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Palmer, Chugiak, Girdwood, McGrath, Willow, and Whittier areas but we are happy to consider assisting with any Alaska property.

Is PacRim a franchise?

No, PacRim is locally owned and operated and based in Anchorage.  We have been part of the community since 1947 and are proud to be an independent Alaskan company.

FAQ for Rental Applicants

Where can I find information on your available rental properties?

Our website is updated every few hours with our available rentals.  You can navigate to our "Available for Rent" from the top menu or click here to jump to our residential rentals now.

How do I schedule a time to look at a rental property?

The easiest way is to select schedule a viewing right from our Available For Rent page 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  You can also call 907-302-6144 (option 2) to have a link texted, e-mail to have a link, or call us at 907-563-3345.  We are here to help.

Where do I find an application?

We offer convenient online applications, click here to jump to an application now.  If you prefer to complete a paper application, please stop by our office at 405 W 27th Avenue during business hours.  Our business hours are kept up to date on Google.

How much does it cost to apply?

Application fees are $75.00 per applicant

Who needs to complete an application?

All adult household members will need to complete an application.

How long will it take to process my application?

Typically, we can process an application within 2 business days once we have all documents required to complete the application.  We have found that the most common delays are caused by:

  • incomplete, missing, or inaccurate information provided
  • waiting for co-applicants to finish their applications
  • delays in getting rental references

What factors do you use to process my application?

We will investigate each applicants rental / ownership history, credit history, criminal history, income / employment verification, and any occupancy restrictions on the rental property being applied for.  All of our screening criteria is with strict compliance with all Fair Housing guidelines.

Will I be automatically denied if I have a criminal history, bankruptcy, or previous evictions?

No, you will not be automatically denied for any of these reasons.  We will take into account the nature of any offenses, circumstances, or time that has elapsed since any of these events.  Each of these items will be reviewed against our current policies and Fair Housing guidelines before making any decision.  The only way an application will be automatically denied is by providing false or misleading information.

Is my application fee refunded if I am denied or decide not to rent a property?

Our application fees are not refundable.  However, your application can be used for any property that we have available, not just the one you originally applied for.  You will not be asked to complete a new application or pay additional fees if you application is still current.

How long is the lease?

Our standard lease is typically for one year, however, our owners will often accept shorter or longer terms.  We would be happy to discuss those options with you.

Do you accept pets?

We accept pets on a case-by-case basis as determined by the owner of the property.  Our listings will note if the property allows pets.  All pets must be listed in the lease, registered, and immunized in accordance with local ordinances.

Do you accept housing vouchers?

Not all of the properties that we manage accept housing vouchers, but many do.  Our listings will note if the property participates in the voucher program.  We also manage several apartment communities in the Anchorage area that work specifically with these program.

How do I reserve a rental property?

Properties cannot be reserved without a signed lease with an agreed upon move in date and full payment of the security deposit.

FAQ for Tenants

Do I need renters insurance?

Renters insurance is not required, but highly recommended.  This can be purchased for about $15.00* per month, with many providers offering discounts if you have other products like auto insurance.  This is a great way to protect your liability on some types of damage to the property and your personal property.

*For a specific quote, please contact a licensed insurance provider.

How do I turn on the utilities?

With a signed copy of your lease you can contact utility providers directly to start service on any utilities you may be responsible for.

What am I responsible for as a resident?

Typically, all residents are responsible for:

  • Changing furnace filters,
  • Replacing light bulbs,
  • Keeping smoke and CO2 detectors in good working order, including changing batteries,
  • Keeping drains clean and in good working order,
  • Notifying the property manager of any needed repairs,
  • Keeping the property in clean condition,
  • Pest control,
  • Timely payment of rent,
  • Complying with all lease provisions.

How can I pay rent?

  • Online - Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Payments can be made from your checking or savings free of charge, or by credit card with a processing fee. 
  • Auto Pay - Payments are processed on any day of the month that you select and are posted instantly to your account.  No need to worry about weekends, holiday's, business hours, or mail times.
  • CashPay - Refer to CashPay vendor hours for availability
  • Mail - Mailed payments are posted on the date that they are received, not postmarked.  Plan accordingly for mail transit times, holidays, and weekends.
  • Bill Pay - These payments are mailed by your third-party vendor.  Mailed payments are posted the date that they are received, not postmarked.  Plan accordingly for mail transit times, holidays, and weekends. (See Auto Pay options as an alternative)
  • Drop Box - All payments put in the drop box are posted the NEXT business day.
  • In Person - Please take note of our office hours when choosing this option.

How do I log into my Customer Web Access account?

This is the best question.  If you applied online you already have an account.  You can log in or recover your password by clicking here.  You can sign up for a new account with you account number and verify code.  This was provided to you in your welcome letter.  If you need us to resend that information, you may request that by clicking here.

Each leaseholder can create their own account with their unique email address.

What can I do with my Customer Web Access account?

We are always expanding this, but currently you can review your account, request maintenance, enroll in credit reporting, e-mail your manager, make payments, set up auto payments, review important documents, and more!

Can others see my information online?

Each leaseholder has access through their unique e-mail address to see common items such as the account ledger and important documents, but they can NOT see, change, or use any saved payment information from your account.

PacRim cannot see or change your online payment information.  It can only be managed with your unique email and password.

Do you report my account to credit bureaus?

While you are a tenant we only report on-time, online payments while you have opted into credit reporting though Customer Web Access.  We do not report any late, in person, or historical payment history.  This is a great option if you are planning on applying for a loan, are shopping for insurance, or just want to establish or improve your credit.

Accounts with an unpaid balance after moving out are sent to a collection agency who may report the account to the credit bureaus.

How do I request non-emergency maintenance?

For the best customer service request any non-emergency maintenance through your Customer Web Access account.  This system will notify your manager and allow you to send photos or video. You may also email us, or call us at (907) 563-3345.

What is emergency maintenance?

IF YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL 911.  Emergency calls are typically extreme and any delay in response would cause further danger or damage.  Examples are no heat in subzero temperatures, fires (after you call 911), flooding, etc.  Our emergency line is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week (907) 563-3345

What happens when my lease expires?

Your lease expiration is NOT an automatic notice to vacate.  You will always need to provide a 30 day notice in writing to end your tenancy on or before the rental due date.  Additionally, the owner of the property may decide to end the tenancy and will provide you with a 30 day notice to vacate in writing.

More often, you may be asked to renew your lease for a new term, or you may make the request yourself.  If you do not sign a new lease and you have not been given notice to vacate, your current lease will automatically convert to a month to month agreement and all provisions will still be in effect until a change is made in writing. 

What if one leaseholder wants to move?

Each leaseholder is equally and severally liable for the property and at a minimum the remaining household members would need to qualify independently.  You will want to contact your property manager to help you get this approved since the liability and documentation can vary widely.

What if I want someone to move in?

Great!  If the new household member is an adult they will need to apply and qualify like any other adult.  It is important to not allow anyone to move into the property before they have been approved since that is a lease violation and can result in eviction.

If the new household member is a minor you will still need to let us know so we can update our records and verify that it will not result in any issues with the occupancy limits on the property.  Failure to let us know if the change is a lease violation.

What happens if I want to get a new pet?

We love pets!  Please let us know so that we can update your records.  Your potential pet will be subject to the same standards of approval as when you first applied (registration, licenses, immunizations, pets allowed, breed restrictions, etc).  Failure to report a pet is a lease violation, so it is best to give us time to review the request before you bring your new bundle home.

Many adoption agencies and breeders will require a letter from your landlord before you will be able to take a pet home.

What if I want to move?

Oh no!  We would be happy to help you find a new home whether you plan to rent or buy.  However, to let us know officially you will need to file a signed intent to vacate 30 days in advance of your move date, on or before the rental due date.  Since this is a legal notice and must be signed, we cannot accept this via email. 

What happens if I don't give proper notice?

Notice to vacate is due on or before the rental due date (1st).  For example if you put in notice on July 5th requested a move out date of July 31st, you are liable for the rent until August 31 since that notice was not given on or before the 1st and also happens to be less than 30 days.

What happens if I want to leave before my lease ends?

Often called "breaking a lease,'" you would be responsible for the rent until the end of the lease or until it is re-rented, whichever is sooner.  The best strategy is work with your property manager and they can help.

Can I help re-rent my property?

Absolutely.  We will provide the advertising, screen prospects, and qualify applicants.  You can assist by sharing those ads and making the property available for showings.  We have some great tools to make this as seamless as possible.  You may not post ads, qualify applicants, or create a new lease yourself. 

FAQ for Home Buyers

How much does it cost to hire a real estate professional to buy a home?

Nothing.  Nada.  Zero.  Our fees are typically paid by the seller who you are purchasing a property from.  Having a professional to help you with this major purchase is not only smart, but affordable.

What if PacRim does not have any properties listed I want to buy?

We can help you buy just about any property for sale.  We are not limited to homes that are listed for sale through our offices.  We will help find you the perfect home from everything on the market.

What is the first thing I should do when I am ready to buy a house?

Get yourself prequalified for your mortgage.  This will help us to narrow our search and when we find that perfect home, everything will be in order to make an offer to the seller.  We don't want you to have to find your second favorite home!

How much do I need for a down payment?

Many buyers are able to purchase a home with as little as 3% down, but there is no way to know until you are prequalified since many mortgages vary on the type of loan and how you intend to use the property.

I already own a home, can I start looking to buy before I sell?

If you plan on selling your home to purchase a new one we can help you list your current property and navigate the timing and contract details to make the transition as smooth as possible.

If you are planning on keeping your current home as an investment property as a full service brokerage we can also assist in setting up a free consultation with our property management team to help get you started in the investment property world.

I want to buy an investment property, can you help?

Absolutely, as part of a full service brokerage we work with investment properties every day.  If you would like, we will arrange a free professional consultation with a property manager and can even help you manage the property after you buy.

If I rent from a property managed by PacRim, can they also help be buy a home?

Your property manager will put you in touch with a licensee who specializes in helping buyers like yourself.  We would be honored to continue our relationship with you as you take a step towards ownership.