Apartment Lane

Companies offering rental lists, either as prepaid rental services or as credit reporting services providing free lists, must be licensed by the State Department of Real Estate and maintain a $10,000 bond for each of its locations. As of our last verification, on June 6, 2004, we could find no evidence that the company has met State licensing requirements. To verify licensing call, (916) 227-0931, or visit the DRE's website at www.dre.ca.gov. According to California Law, rental listing service contracts must include the prospective tenants' specifications for the rental property, a clause in bold type outlining the small claims court remedy available, and also display in bold capital letters, the customers refund rights. A full refund shall be made, if the client is not provided at least three rental properties meeting the tenant's specifications within five days after execution of the contract, unless a rental is obtained utilizing the service. The request for return of fees must be made within ten days following the five-day period by delivery or certified mail and all fees over $50 shall be refunded to the tenant, if a rental is obtained other than through the company's services or the client does not obtain a rental. The client must make demand for a partial refund by supplying reasonable documentation within ten days after the contract expiration. For more information on contract recision and your refund rights, go to our Topics of Interest section on our website at www.bbbsouthland.org. Click on apartment rental/listing services.