Frequently Asked Questions

Renting is simple: browse our communities online, schedule a tour by calling 865-346-5799 or filling out our contact form, complete a quick online application, and move in. Most families complete the process in under two weeks. We also offer 3D virtual tours on every community page so you can explore from anywhere before visiting in person.

Your monthly rent covers the home, professional property management, and lawn care and landscaping at all properties. Community amenities vary by location: some communities include walking trails, playgrounds, dog parks, community green spaces, or covered parking. Preston Park features a clubhouse and walking trails. Amber Vista includes a clubhouse, playground, and walking trails. Check the specific community page for a full amenities list. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and renter's insurance are the responsibility of the resident.

Security deposits are typically equal to one month's rent. The deposit is fully refundable upon move-out, less any documented damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Standard lease terms are 12 months across all communities. After the initial term, qualified residents may transition to month-to-month arrangements. Select communities may offer 6-month options at adjusted rates. Contact the leasing office for your preferred community for specific availability.

Residents are responsible for the full lease term. Early termination obligations are clearly outlined in your lease agreement. We encourage all applicants to review the lease terms carefully before signing.

Yes, all residents are required to carry renter's insurance with a minimum coverage amount specified in the lease. Renter's insurance protects your personal belongings and provides liability coverage. Policies typically cost $15-30 per month and can be obtained through most insurance providers.

The standard income requirement is a combined household income of at least 2.5x the monthly rent. For example, a $2,500/month home requires $6,250/month (or $75,000/year) in verifiable income. Joint applications are welcome - multiple earners in the household can combine income.

Right Time Homes operates 7 communities across 3 states: five in the Greater Knoxville, Tennessee area - Snowmass (Halls), Amber Vista (Hardin Valley), Preston Park (Maryville), Poplar Creek (Oak Ridge), and Mockingbird Meadows (Northwest Knoxville) - plus Allston in Rock Hill, South Carolina and Dumphries Dr in Huntersville (Charlotte metro), North Carolina.

We offer premium townhomes and detached single-family homes. Townhome communities include Snowmass (Knoxville), Poplar Creek (Oak Ridge), and Preston Park (Maryville). Detached single-family communities include Amber Vista (Knoxville) and Mockingbird Meadows (Knoxville). Floor plans range from 1,455 to 3,460 square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms across our portfolio.

All our communities are family-friendly, but the best choice depends on your priorities. For top-rated schools, Preston Park in Maryville feeds into Tennessee's best school district. For the most space, Preston Park offers 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhomes with 2,400 sqft. For the best value, Snowmass starts at $1,950/month. For smart home tech, Mockingbird Meadows includes smart locks, thermostats, and EV charging. Browse each community page for detailed neighborhood guides.

Snowmass in the Halls area of North Knoxville is approximately 10 minutes from downtown - the closest of our Knoxville communities. Amber Vista is about 12 minutes. Mockingbird Meadows is roughly 15 minutes. Preston Park in Maryville is 20 minutes, and Poplar Creek in Oak Ridge is about 30 minutes.

Yes! Poplar Creek is located just 15 minutes from ORNL and 12 minutes from the Y-12 National Security Complex. It's the ideal community for scientists, engineers, and contractors working in the Oak Ridge scientific corridor. Brand-new 2026 construction starting at $1,995/month.

Applicants must provide: a valid government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employment letter showing 3x monthly rent), employment verification, and consent to credit and background screening. All adults 18+ who will reside in the home must submit separate applications. A non-refundable application fee applies.

Most applications are processed within 24-48 business hours. Once approved, you can select your move-in date and sign your lease electronically. The entire process from application to approval is designed to be fast and transparent - no weeks of waiting.

Absolutely - we encourage it. Schedule a private in-person tour by calling 865-346-5799 or submitting a request through our website. Tours are available 7 days a week by appointment. Every community also has a 3D Matterport virtual tour available 24/7 on our website so you can explore before visiting.

We evaluate the full picture - not just a single credit score. While there is no hard minimum, a score of 620+ is generally considered favorable. Applicants with lower scores may be approved with a higher security deposit or a qualified co-signer. Income verification and rental history are also key factors.

Yes, co-signers are accepted in certain situations. The co-signer must also complete an application, meet income requirements, and pass a credit/background check. Co-signers must be a U.S. resident. Contact your community's leasing office for specific co-signer policies.

Acceptance of housing vouchers varies by community and availability. Please contact the leasing office for your preferred community directly at 865-346-5799 to discuss your specific situation. We comply with all applicable fair housing laws.

Monthly rent ranges from $1,950 to $3,250 depending on community and floor plan.

We accept online payments through our resident portal (ACH bank transfer, credit/debit card), personal checks, and money orders. Online ACH payment is preferred - it's the fastest method and typically free of processing fees. Credit card payments may incur a small convenience fee.

Move-in specials vary by community and season. We occasionally offer reduced security deposits, waived application fees, or first-month incentives at select communities. Call 865-346-5799 or check individual community pages for current offers.

Right Time Homes offers 15 unique floor plans across our communities, ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms. Every plan features open-concept layouts, modern kitchens, and premium finishes. Visit each community page for detailed floor plan specifications and pricing.

Standard rent covers the home and all community amenities. Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet, cable) are paid separately by the resident. Smart thermostats are pre-installed at most communities to help manage energy costs. Check each community page for specific utility details.

Yes! All of our communities welcome dogs and cats with a maximum of 2 pets per household. Communities with private fenced yards are especially popular with dog owners. Amber Vista, Poplar Creek, and Mockingbird Meadows also feature on-site dog parks.

The pet deposit is $350 for the first pet and $150 for the second pet. Pet deposits are non-refundable. This is the same across all Right Time Homes communities. Contact the specific community leasing office for additional details.

Some breed and weight restrictions may apply and vary by community. Commonly restricted breeds and specifics are available by contacting the leasing office at 865-346-5799. We evaluate each situation individually and encourage you to ask before applying.

All communities allow a maximum of 2 pets per household. All pets must be registered with the leasing office and have current vaccinations.

Yes, service animals and emotional support animals are accommodated in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and ADA guidelines. Pet deposits do not apply to verified service or support animals. Proper documentation is required - please discuss with your leasing specialist during the application process.

Mockingbird Meadows offers the most comprehensive smart home package: smart locks (keyless entry), smart thermostats, and EV charging-ready infrastructure in every home. Other communities include smart thermostats as a standard feature. Right Time Homes is progressively adding smart technology across all communities.

Mockingbird Meadows homes are pre-wired for Level 2 EV charging in the attached garage - no additional electrical work required. This is currently the only Knoxville rental community with EV charging infrastructure built into every home. Residents at other communities can explore charging options with their utility provider.

All Right Time Homes communities are built with energy-efficient construction practices, quality insulation, and smart thermostats for energy management. This helps keep utility costs lower than older rental properties in the area.

Yes, residents are welcome to install personal smart home devices (smart speakers, cameras, lighting, etc.) as long as installation doesn't require permanent modifications to the home. Any drilling, wiring changes, or structural modifications need written approval from the property management team.

Absolutely. Many of our residents lease sight-unseen using our 3D Matterport virtual tours, which are available on every community page. You can complete the entire process remotely: virtual tour, online application, electronic lease signing, and then fly in for your move-in day walkthrough. We'll even provide local recommendations for movers, utilities, and area orientation.

Most approved applicants can move in within 7-14 days of signing their lease. If a home is immediately available and your paperwork is complete, same-week move-ins are possible. Your leasing specialist will coordinate the timeline to match your needs.

Knoxville offers an exceptional quality of life: no state income tax in Tennessee, affordable cost of living compared to other Southeast metros, top-rated healthcare at UT Medical Center, a growing tech and research economy (including Oak Ridge National Lab), access to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a vibrant downtown food and culture scene. Our communities are located in the area's best neighborhoods with easy commutes to major employers.

Maryville, about 20 minutes south of Knoxville, offers one of Tennessee's top-rated school districts (Maryville City Schools), easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains, proximity to McGhee Tyson Airport, and a charming small-town feel. Preston Park is the premium rental option in this area with resort-style amenities.

Oak Ridge is home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the nation's largest science and energy research facility. The city has excellent STEM-focused schools, abundant outdoor recreation (trails, lakes), and a tight-knit scientific community. Poplar Creek is the first modern rental community in Oak Ridge with brand-new construction starting at $1,995/month.

Yes, every move-in includes a guided property walkthrough with a member of our team. We document the condition of the home together, hand over keys and access codes, and provide a welcome packet with utility contacts, community guidelines, maintenance request instructions, and local area recommendations.

Maintenance requests can be submitted online through the resident portal 24/7, by phone during business hours, or via the emergency maintenance line for urgent after-hours issues. Routine requests are typically addressed within 1-2 business days. Emergency maintenance (water leaks, HVAC failures, lockouts) is available 24/7.

Yes, lawn care and landscaping are included in your monthly rent at all Right Time Homes properties. Both community common areas and individual yards are professionally maintained. You never have to worry about mowing, trimming, or seasonal upkeep.

Right Time Homes provides professional property management for all communities. Report any issue through the maintenance portal and our team will schedule a repair. For appliance failures, plumbing issues, HVAC problems, and structural concerns - we handle it at no cost to you (normal wear and tear). You're never on your own like you might be with a private landlord.

Minor modifications (hanging pictures with standard nails, installing temporary shelving) are generally permitted. Painting walls, major fixture changes, or structural modifications require written approval from property management. Any approved modifications must be restored to original condition at move-out unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Yes, all communities provide guest parking in addition to your dedicated resident parking. Every home includes either covered parking or an attached garage (community-dependent). There are no separate parking fees at any Right Time Homes community - it's all included.