1. Who are prospective residents?

Prospective residents are applicants who are actively seeking for a new home.

2. What properties are currently available for rent?

Our available properties can be searched by visiting our Apartments page. If you would like further information on a property or cannot find the information you are looking for on our website, please feel free to call our office to speak to a Representative at (410) 719-7199 ext 1.

3. What is the procedure for applying to rent a DRS property?

In order to apply for an apartment, you must submit to our office, either electronically, in person, by mail or fax: A) a completed & signed application for lease B) $35.00 non-refundable application fees for each person who will be on the lease C) a valid state photo identification. You may fax the application to (877) 885-4377 Attn: Leasing Department or mail to us along with the $35.00 non-refundable fee to:

DRS Sumner Companies, Inc.
610 Edmondson Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228

You can make a payment in two ways. 1) Mail it to us at the above address or 2) send the fee to us electronically through PayPal. Please note that we cannot take an apartment “off the market” until we receive at least a $300.00 holding deposit, a completed and signed application for lease and the application fee.

4. Will I need a security deposit?

All of our leases require a security deposit from the new resident. The security deposit is usually $50 more or less than the monthly rent for the particular property. In some cases, the security deposit can be higher or lower depending on the credit.

5. What factors are considered in approving my application?

To qualify, we look at the whole picture. This includes income, credit, employment history, and references. Even though we look at many factors, that doesn’t mean we will automatically turn you down. If you are weak in one particular area, but stronger in other areas we will take that into consideration and again look at the whole picture when qualifying.

6. How long does it take to process my application?

Generally, it takes 48-72 hours to process an application. This process is based on the applicant’s completeness of the application. If we should need additional information to process your application, we will call to request this information, which may result in a longer processing time.

7. My application for lease has been approved. Now what?

Once your application has been approved by our office, you may make an appointment to come into our office to sign the necessary paperwork. We can also mail you the lease packet. Please read your entire lease packet carefully. You will need to return to our office all signed paperwork, along with your first month’s rent and any unpaid security deposit before you can move into your new home.

8. How long is the term of the lease?

Most DRS leases are for one year and at the end of the initial lease term the lease will automatically continue on a “month to month” basis, unless instructed otherwise at the initial lease signing.

9. How many people can occupy my home?

DRS restricts a certain number of occupants living in one dwelling unit at a given time. The requirements are:

• 2 persons in any efficiency or one bedroom unit
• 1 person in any bedroom under 100 square feet
• 2 persons in any bedroom under 120 square feet

10. Will I be allowed to have pets? If so, is there a charge?

Most pets are allowed at most of our properties. Due to insurance restrictions we can only allow certain types of dogs in the unit. All dogs must weigh less than 60 lbs. To find this list of dogs not allowed on the premises please look at our Pet Addendum.  Also please fill out the Pet Agreement if you decide to add a pet to your home. DRS requires a $250.00 refundable pet deposit for each pet and a pet rent of $20.00 each month. Any additional pets are $100.00 for the pet deposit and $10.00 each month. The maximum number of pets allowed is 2. All pet deposits are refundable at the end of the lease term, unless there are deductions for damages to the rental property.


11. I am self-employed or a student. Can I still qualify to rent from DRS?

Yes, you may still qualify. If you are self-employed, you must provide your most recent tax return or three (3) month’s business bank statements. If you are a student, you must provide some kind of income whether it is bank statements or funds coming from a third party. NOTE- A third party may also need to qualify in the same manner as prospective tenants. (If you are beginning a new job, please include a copy of your new hire letter from you new employer.)

12. How, when and where do I pay the rent?

All rental payments are due on the 1st of each month and are collected electronically by ClearNow Services. At the lease signing we will need a voided check to sign you up for the ClearNow Service. This service ensures timely rental payments by using a checking or savings account.

13. What utilities will I be responsible for?

Most of our units include hot and cold water. The residents may be responsible for cooking fuel, heating fuel and electricity depending on the unit. All residents are responsible for cable and telephone.

14. How do I get utilities put in my name?

To put utilities in your name, we recommend that you contact the appropriate utility company at least 3 days before you move into your home. The utility companies that you need to contact can be found on our Links page.