Apartments R Us

HOLD DEPOSIT: Starts the application process and reserves your apartment. Typically $300 [includes Application fee & Security deposit or Administrative fee] APPLICATION FEE $25 to $80 SECURITY DEPOSIT $99 & up ADMINISTRATIVE FEE $150 to $250 PET FEE $300 to $600 ea. PRORATED RENT $ days remaining in month FIRST MONTH'S RENT $ first full month upfront RENTER'S INSURANCE $10 to $15 per mo. Once you've seen the apartment you want, the first thing to do is reserve it in your name, so no one else can rent it by leaving a HOLD DEPOSIT. If you think about it too long , you may lose the apartment. This is a FACT not a scare tactic; I've seen it happen a hundred times before. Apartments are rented on a first come, first serve basis. This means whoever leaves their money first, gets the apartment. "THE APARTMENT YOU WILL COME BACK TOMORROW AND RENT WILL BE RENTED TODAY BY SOMEONE WHO SAW IT YESTERDAY." Yoda When in doubt, leave your HOLD DEPOSIT and think about it overnight. Application fees are NOT refundable, once processed. However, if you do not leave your application with your HOLD DEPOSIT, then you can get ALL your money back within 24-48 hrs. if you change your mind.... right? Always clarify this point before leaving ANY money (usually money orders only. Very few apartments accept cash but some will accept a personal check to be replace the following day with a money order or bank/cashier's check) and some will even allow a COURTESY HOLD for 24 hrs. anticipating your return. Do not blemish your good word and take an apartment off the market for someone else who may need the apartment. Always stay in close communication and contact regarding your intent. Your leasing agent is doing you a favor by extending you a PROFESSIONAL COURTESY. So it's better to say you'll think about it or that you're really not interested in the COURTESY HOLD, rather than accept it and not follow through. When there are no apartments available now or for your time frame, you need to keep in close communication contact and express your enthusiasm - leasing agents will try to get back to you if an apartment becomes available but usually get rented to those who visit the property first before the agent has a chance to call you. Apartments go off and come back on the market daily, even hourly, so if you return to the apartment next week, the same apartment may still be available or it may have already be rented, or another one in a better location may have available now. Someone who cancels an application or whose application was denied, puts that apartment back on the market. Most apartments have a 60 day notice policy for renewal and leases are signed on any given day of the month, so anticipating your move in date can be coordinated with move out dates and turn around times. Apartments need a turn around time window for preparing your new apartment, such as, painting , maintenance and repair and replacement of fixtures and appliances if necessary, usually 5 to 10 days. Planning ahead makes moving less stressful. Getting the lights turned on, water bill set up, and renter's insurance are things that need to be done BEFORE you physically move in and do your walk through inspection check list (report all missed items that need repair/replacement within 24 hrs. to the leasing office and schedule any other repairs as soon as possible). Your phone and cable can be set up, after you move in. If you're going to paint, obviously it would be easier to complete before your furniture arrives.