OrangeCountyRent.Com

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. To verify licensing call, (916) 227-0931 or visit www.dre.ca.gov. According to California Law, contracts must include the prospective tenants' specifications for the rental property, a clause in bold type letter outlining the small claims court remedy available, and a right to refund in bold capital letters. 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 a complete report on this subject, select the Topics of Interest rental section of our website at www.labbb.org.