--- title: "Renting a Home in Southern Maryland: Tenant Resources" description: "Log in, pay rent, request maintenance, find homes to rent and apply with Real Property Management Gold in St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert counties." url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/tenants publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # Renting a home in Southern Maryland: tenant resources Residents of Real Property Management Gold homes use one online account to pay rent, request repairs, give notice and read documents. For urgent repairs, call the 24 hour maintenance hotline at 301-255-6445. To rent a home, search listings on the houses for rent page and apply online. For rentersUpdated October 29, 20269 min read - **One account.** Every resident who signs a lease gets an online account to pay rent, request repairs, give notice and read documents. - **24 hour hotline.** Call 301-255-6445 any time for a maintenance emergency. For a serious water leak, shut off the main water valve first. - **Apply online.** Pick a home on the houses for rent page, click Apply Online, finish the application, then pay the application fee. - **Fees in writing.** Every tenant fee is listed on the tenant fee disclosure with its Maryland rule. [**Search rentals**Browse homes and apply online](https://rentengine.io/c/rpmgold)[**Tenant login**Pay rent and see your account](https://rpmmd009.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in)[**Repair hotline**(301) 255-6445](tel:+13012556445)[**Call the office**(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172) ## How do I log in and manage my account? Every resident who signs a lease with Real Property Management Gold gets an online account. Use it to pay rent, request repairs, apply for another rental, give notice to vacate, read documents and message the team. Your account lives in AppFolio, the property management software the office uses. The buttons at the top of this page open the resident portal and the Property Meld maintenance page. In your account you can: - Pay rent online. - Request repairs and maintenance. - Apply for a new rental property. - Give notice to vacate. - Open documents, forms and checklists, such as your lease and procedures. - Communicate with the Real Property Management Gold team. New residents: click Sign up and follow the prompts. Use the email address you gave during leasing and the address of the rental. Your login details arrive by email. If you get stuck, call the office at (301) 392-2172. ## How do I pay rent? Pay online. It saves a trip to the office, helps you pay on time and gives you a record of every payment. Log in, then make a single payment or set up recurring monthly payments. Rent is due on the 1st of the month. The tenant fee disclosure lists a 5 day grace period and a late fee of 5% of unpaid rent on the 6th day. Maryland caps late fees at 5% of the unpaid rent (see the [late fee](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/late-fee) entry). Payment fees depend on your plan. Residents in the Resident Benefits Package pay no extra fee for ACH or e-check payments. Others pay AppFolio’s processing fee. The [tenant fee disclosure](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/tenant-fee-disclosure) lists each amount. ## How do I request maintenance or repairs? There are two ways. Log in to the tenant page on Property Meld and file a service request, or call the 24 hour maintenance hotline at 301-255-6445. If the problem is an emergency, call right away. If the issue is a serious water leak, find the main water valve in the home and turn it to the off or closed position, then call. Before you call, try the quick checks below. They fix many common problems and speed up the repair when they do not. Problem What to check Smoke detector will not work when tested Test weekly and replace the battery as needed. Tell maintenance at once if it still fails. Smoke detector beeps softly on and off Replace the battery. No power to plugs or switches Check the breaker panel or fuse box, then reset. Garbage disposal will not run Push the reset button on the disposal, or turn it with an allen wrench. No hot water Check the thermostat on the hot water tank. Check that the pilot light is lit. Hot water is too hot Turn down the thermostat on the tank. Faucet or toilet leaks Close the valve under the sink or at the toilet and tell maintenance. Toilet is plugged Try a plunger. If it stays plugged, call maintenance. Sink is plugged Remove hair from the drain. Heater does not work Check the thermostat, the button or pilot light, that furnace covers are on, and whether the breaker tripped. Dishwasher will not drain Clean food out of the bottom and clean the float. Rinse dishes before washing. Refrigerator is too warm or too cold Check the thermostat setting, clean the front and back grills, and clean the drains. Your tenant account also has maintenance tips and advice. Solomons Island. Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## Where can I find homes to rent? Search the [houses for rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/houses-rent) page. It shows current listings from RentEngine with price, bedrooms, bathrooms and a map. Use the Amenities filter to select Pets Allowed or Fenced Yard. The office manages hundreds of rental homes and keeps a low vacancy rate. If nothing fits, call (301) 392-2172 or use the [contact page](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us). Real Property Management Gold does not advertise rentals on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The owner of the home will never contact you directly. If you see one of these homes there, it is likely a scam. Send an application, personal information or money only through the Real Property Management Gold website. ## How do I apply for a rental home? Find the home first, then apply online. The application is on each listing’s page. 1. Review the properties available to rent on the [houses for rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/houses-rent) page. 2. Click the home you want. 3. Click Apply Online. 4. Complete the online rental application. 5. Pay the application fee, which is part 2 of the application. The published turnaround time is 24 to 72 business hours. Each applicant 18 or older applies and pays separately. The [houses for rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/houses-rent) page lists the screening steps the application fee covers. The [tenant fee disclosure](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/tenant-fee-disclosure) breaks the fee into each report. ## What do I need to qualify? The published rules are: gross income of at least 3 times the monthly rent before taxes, and the minimum credit score shown in the listing for every financially responsible applicant. The office runs a criminal background check on every applicant. An individualized assessment applies. It looks at the nature and severity of the offense, the time since the conviction and any rehabilitation. Records that do not pose a direct threat to others’ safety or property are not an automatic basis for denial. The office uses its own application and screening. It does not accept reusable tenant screening reports or RentSpree applications. See [reusable tenant screening report](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/reusable-tenant-screening-report) for the term. Housing vouchers and other rental assistance are welcome. Maryland law treats a voucher as a lawful source of income, and an applicant is not denied only because of a voucher. Include a signed Request for Tenancy Approval (HUD-52517) from your caseworker and the caseworker’s contact details. The authorized voucher amount must equal or exceed the rent to meet HUD rules. Read more at [housing choice voucher](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/housing-choice-voucher). ## How much does it cost to move in? Move-in funds are one full month’s rent at lease signing plus a security deposit or an approved Obligo policy. If the first month is a partial month, the prorated amount is due with the second month’s rent. The lease is not secured until three things happen: you sign it, you pay the first month’s rent, and you pay either a cash security deposit or buy an Obligo policy if you qualify. Once the lease is signed and the funds are paid, failing to move in is a breach of the lease. You may be held financially responsible for the lease terms. ## How much is the security deposit? A security deposit equal to one month’s rent is required, or you can choose Obligo. Maryland caps most security deposits at one month’s rent, and the landlord must return the deposit within 45 days after the tenancy ends, less lawful deductions. See [security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit) and the [security deposit guidelines](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/security-deposit-guidelines-laws). Obligo is a security deposit alternative. It is available only with the optional Resident Benefits Package. After lease approval, you get a link to an Obligo policy. Policies typically range from $30 to $100 per month, depending on your qualifications. If you do not join the package, you pay a traditional deposit. ## Are pets allowed? Some homes allow pets. The owner’s preferences and the insurance policy decide which animals and how many. Search the listings with the Pets Allowed filter. The published pet terms: pets are allowed case by case, $50 per month for each approved pet, and no pet deposit. You are responsible for damage a pet causes. The office asks pet owners to carry their own liability insurance for their pets. Many policies exclude certain dog breeds, and most homes do not allow Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows and Pitbulls for that reason. An assistance animal is not a pet under fair housing law. If you need one, ask for a reasonable accommodation. See [assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal) and [reasonable accommodation](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/reasonable-accommodation), and the [pet screening](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/pet-screening) page. Follow your county’s pet rules too. Most require licensing, a leash off your property, and control of barking. Clean up after your pet. Calvert Cliffs State Park. Photo: Bohemian Baltimore, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## What is in the Resident Benefits Package? It is an optional package for $49 per month. Residents who opt in get renters insurance through AppFolio, an emergency maintenance hotline, access to an Obligo deposit alternative, Pinata rewards, waived e-check fees, portal access, a utility concierge, a vendor network and air filter delivery. Several items come from third parties and can change. Read the full list and the third-party disclaimer on the [Resident Benefits Package](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/resident-benefits-package) page. ## What is the Resident Club and how do I earn rewards? It is a free savings program. Pay rent on time and online, then follow the link to register. You can search savings by ZIP code and download the Purqz app to find deals near you. The page describes up to 50% off. Published merchant counts are 65,000 dining merchants, 35,000 shopping merchants and 16,000 recreation and entertainment merchants nationwide, plus grocery coupons you can print. ## What should I do when I move in? When you sign your lease, you get a manual about caring for your home and your login details. Keep the manual handy. Within 5 days of moving in, walk through the home. Complete the Inventory and Condition Form and email it with photos of the conditions you describe. The form stays with the leasing department and is not a repair request. File any repair through your online account. See [move-in inspection](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/move-in-inspection). ## Who is responsible for what? Your lease lists your full duties. In general, tenants keep the property clean inside and out, set up utilities in their own name before move-in (electricity, water, gas, trash), care for the lawn and light trimming, handle pest control and do minor seasonal tasks such as bulbs, furnace filters, refrigerator water filters and detector batteries. You also follow local, state and HOA rules. Real Property Management Gold or the owner makes sure the home is clean and ready, re-keys all outside doors, follows state and federal rules on required detectors and gives you the applicable HOA rules. For a vendor referral for any of those services, contact the office. ## What fees can I be charged? Every fee a tenant may owe is on the [tenant fee disclosure](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/tenant-fee-disclosure), which is dated as of 2/2/2025. It covers the security deposit, late fees, the Resident Benefits Package, Obligo, payment processing, returned payments, lease break costs, holdover rent, inspections, cleaning, pets, abandonment, court costs, right of entry and the application fee. Read it before you sign. Ask the office about any line you do not understand. ## What happens when I move out? Give proper notice as your lease requires. The office does a move-out inspection only after all your belongings are out and the home is fully cleaned. You are still considered a resident until you return the keys, and the garage door remote if there is one. You cannot re-enter the home after the keys are in the office. Review the security deposit section of your lease. It explains the refund steps and extra charges you might owe. The better the condition of the home, the faster the deposit goes back to the forwarding address you give. If you leave before the end of the lease, you still owe rent for the rest of the term, but the office tries to re-lease the home. Flag Ponds, Lusby. Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## Can I get a reference or payment history? Yes, if you paid rent on time and cared for the property. When you move, buy a home or car, or change jobs, Real Property Management Gold offers a payment history and a letter of recommendation. If you are happy with the service, you can also email the office and offer a review or testimonial. ## Next step Ready to rent? Browse the [houses for rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/houses-rent) page and apply online. Current residents can use the portal buttons above, or call (301) 392-2172. Maintenance emergencies: 301-255-6445. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I pay rent to Real Property Management Gold? Pay online through your resident account. You can make one payment or set up recurring payments so rent arrives by the due date. If you are not in the Resident Benefits Package, AppFolio charges a processing fee for card and e-check payments. See the tenant fee disclosure for the amounts. ### How do I request a repair? Log in to the Property Meld tenant page and file a service request, or call the 24 hour maintenance hotline at 301-255-6445. For a serious water leak, turn the main water valve to the closed position, then call right away. ### How do I apply for a rental home? Find a home on the houses for rent page, click Apply Online, complete the online rental application, then pay the application fee, which is part 2 of the application. Each adult applicant (18 or older) applies and pays separately. ### When should I do my move-in inspection? Within 5 days of moving in, go through the home, complete the Inventory and Condition Form, and email it with photos. The form goes to the leasing department and is not a repair request. File repairs through your online account. ## Terms on this page - [Reusable tenant screening report](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/reusable-tenant-screening-report) - [Reasonable accommodation](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/reasonable-accommodation) - [Housing Choice Voucher](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/housing-choice-voucher) - [Move-in inspection](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/move-in-inspection) - [Assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal) - [Security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit) - [Vacancy rate](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/vacancy-rate) - [Pet deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pet-deposit) - [Late fee](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/late-fee) ## Keep reading - [Houses for rent in Southern Maryland and nearby citiesSearch current homes for rent managed by Real Property Management Gold, then apply online on the listing page. Applications take 24 to 72 business hours. Applicants need gross income of at least 3 times the rent. Leases run 1 to 3 years. Pets are case by case.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/houses-rent) - [The Resident Benefits Package for rentersThe Resident Benefits Package is an optional program for $49 per month. Residents who opt in get renters insurance through AppFolio, an emergency maintenance hotline, an Obligo deposit alternative for qualified residents, Pinata rewards, waived e-check fees, 24/7 portal access, utility help, a vendor network and air filter delivery.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/resident-benefits-package) - [Disclosure of tenant feesThis disclosure lists every fee a Real Property Management Gold tenant may owe under the lease in use as of 2/2/2025. It covers the security deposit, late fee, application fee, Resident Benefits Package, payment processing, pet fee, holdover rent, inspections and more, each with its Maryland rule.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/tenant-fee-disclosure) ## Find your next Southern Maryland home. See every home we have for rent, apply online, or sign in to pay rent and request a repair. [Search rentals](https://rentengine.io/c/rpmgold)[Tenant login](https://rpmmd009.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in)