Frequently Asked
Questions |
| 1) |
What is an application fee? |
| |
* An application fee is a nonrefundable fee the community
charges for processing your application. Each property charges
a fee to run your credit report. This is due when you put your
application in to be processed. |
| 2) |
What is a lease fee? |
| |
* A lease fee is a nonrefundable fee. Some communities
call this a redecorating fee, a registration fee or an amenity
fee. This is due when you secure the apartment. |
| 3) |
What is a security deposit? |
| |
* A security deposit is a refundable deposit. You will
get this back at the end of your lease if you have not damaged
the apartment. |
| 4) |
What is the difference between and pet deposit and a pet
fee? |
| |
* A pet deposit is refundable, if at the end of your
lease your pet has not damaged the apartment. A pet fee is a
one time nonrefundable fee. Some communities require both while
others only require one or the other. |
| 5) |
What is pet rent? |
| |
* A pet rent is a monthly amount that is added to your
rent for having a pet. This monthly fee ranges from $15 to $25
per month depending on the size of your pet. |
| 6) |
Do any of your communities accept dogs that are considered
an aggressive breed? |
| |
* Yes, we have communities that allow any breed of dog.
Many communities do not allow Dobermans, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls
and Chows. They are considered too aggressive and dangerous.
We do have several communities that will allow these breeds. |
| 7) |
What does washer and dryer connections mean? |
| |
* Some communities advertise washer and dryer connections.
This means you can either bring your own full size washer and
dryer and hook them up or you can rent the set from the community.
The normal charge to rent the set is from $20 to $40 per month. |
| 8) |
Do the apartments come with a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher? |
| |
* Yes, all the communities we represent come fully equipped
with your major appliances. |
| 9) |
Can I bring my own refrigerator? |
| |
* We can normally find a community that will take their
refrigerator out of the apartment, however the majority of properties
do not like to take theirs out due to lack of storage space. |
| 10) |
Do the apartments come with air conditioning? |
| |
* The communities that we represent do come with central
air. However, we do represent a few private owners in the Fan
area that have not renovated the apartment with central air. |
| 11) |
What are vaulted ceilings? |
| |
* Vaulted ceilings are higher ceilings that are found
in the top floor apartments. This gives the appearance of a
larger apartment. |
| 12) |
Is there an additional charge for a top floor or apartment
with a view? |
| |
* Most communities do add from $10 to $40 per month for
extras. If you prefer a pool view, fireplace and top floor you
will be paying a higher rent than someone without the fireplace,
view and vaulted ceiling. |
| 13) |
What is a preferred employer discount? |
| |
* A preferred employer discount is given to some of the
larger employers in the Richmond area. The list of preferred
employers varies from community to community. If you work for
a preferred employer you can typically expect to either have
your move in fees waived or reduced. Some communities will give
you a reduced monthly rent or reimburse you for your major utility
hook-ups. |
| 14) |
Do I need appointments to visit the communities? |
| |
* You do not need appointments to visit the communities,
however if you prefer an appointment we would be happy to set
it for you. The communities do have a leasing agent available
during business hours to show you a model apartment. |
| 15) |
Do the communities provide parking? |
| |
* Yes, the communities do provide parking. They normally
allow two spots per apartment. This is rarely assigned parking.
Some down town communities do charge a fee for parking. |
| 16) |
Do they have parking for visitors? |
| |
* Yes, the communities provide an area of over flow parking
for visitors. |
| 17) |
Can I park my motorcycle or boat at the community? |
| |
* Most communities allow boats and motorcycles to be
parked in the overflow parking area. |
| 18) |
Can I lease by mail? |
| |
* Yes, most communities can fax you their application
and we can walk you through how to fill out the application. |
| 19) |
Will any of your communities work with credit issues? |
| |
* Yes, we do have certain management companies that tend
to work with credit issues. You might be expected to pay an
additional deposit which can be as much as two months rent. |
| 20) |
Will the community take me with a bankruptcy on my credit? |
| |
* All communities have different requirements however
most of the communities that we represent will take a bankruptcy
as long as it has been discharged. Some communities like to
see new credit established since the bankruptcy. We will let
you know which communities will work with you depending on your
individual situation. |
| 21) |
Do the communities allow co-signers? |
| |
* Most communities allow co-signers for someone without
a credit history or a rental history. They normally allow a
cosigner for students. Some communities will allow a co-signer
(Guarantor) for lack of income or credit issues. |
| 22) |
Do I need renter’s insurance? |
| |
* You are not required to have rental insurance however
it is always a good idea to protect your possessions. If you
have a waterbed the communities normally require the insurance
in case you have a leak. |
| 23) |
What if I need to break my lease? |
| |
* Most communities have lease break clauses. You can
normally expect them to require a 30 to 60 day notice and at
least a month’s penalty for breaking the lease. This varies
from community to community. |
| 24) |
Do the communities offer short term leases? |
| |
* We do represent communities that offer three and six
month leases on their vacant apartments. You can expect to pay
a monthly premium on these leases. This also varies from community
to community. |
| 25) |
Can I get my furniture and utilities included? |
| |
* Yes, we have communities that set up fully furnished
apartments on three to twelve month leases. |
| 26) |
Can we find corporate apartments? |
| |
* Yes, we can find you the best deal in town on a fully
furnished apartment on a lease as short as 30 days. |
| 27) |
Can we get you special rates on a hotel while I’m visiting
to find my new apartment home? |
| |
* Yes, we can call and reserve you a room for as many
nights as you need. We have hotels that offer studio style rooms
with a full kitchen starting at only $44 per night. |
