FAQ


Common Things People Miss On Our Website

Yes, we allow well behaved dogs in all of our buildings.

Rent ranges are HERE

ALL of the apartments we have available for rent now are listed here: Available Now

 

Prospective Renters

I am interested in renting an Apartment from you, what should I do?
I found a place on your website that I think I want, what should I do to secure it?
How much do you charge to apply and how much is the Move-In Fee?

New Tenant Information: See our Full Move-In FAQ

When and who should I contact to put Utilities in my name?
When is Rent Due?
Where and how do I pay my Rent?
Are Cats & Dogs allowed in my apartment?
What if I get Locked Out of my apartment?
Can I have a Satellite Dish installed on the building for my apartment?
Is Smoking allowed in my building?

Maintenance Issues

What do I do if I have a Maintenance Request?
Do you replace Burned out Light Bulbs in our apartment for us?
My Garbage Disposal stopped working, what should I do? 
My Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector is chirping, what should I do? 
My Heat/AC stopped working, what should I do? 
What should I do if a common area Door or Gate Lock is Frozen? 
I can’t seem to Close my Windows all the way and lock them, what should I do?
What should I do if I think I have bedbugs?

Common Tenant Questions

What if I get Locked Out of my apartment?
How do I Renew my Lease?
What do I need to do to replace or add a roommate to my Lease?
What if I need to Break my Lease?
Where can I find more information about Trash Pickup Days and Recycling Info?
Why isn't my A/C working well?

Move-Out Questions: See our Full Move-Out FAQ

How do I Return my Keys at the end of my Lease?
How Clean do I need to leave my apartment when I move out?
 


I am interested in renting an Apartment from you, what should I do?

Click here to see what's AVAILABLE NOW.  (Everything we have available to show now is listed here.)  If you are interested in a place greater than 60 days from now, we are not yet sure what we will have available so please register HERE to be notified of of apartments that meet your cirteria as they become available.
 


I found a place on your website that I think I want, what should I do to secure it?

Come to the Showing at the time listed on our website or if there isn't a time listed, click HERE to send us an email to set up a Showing.  
 


How do I qualify and how much do you charge for an Application Fee and Move-In Fee??

Generally, we like to see a credit score of at least 680. We may ask for additional information or a cosigner if you are below that.
We charge a $30 non refundable Application Fee per applicant. Generally, we require proof of income (pay-stub, tax return or letter from your employer). Credit reports are helpful. At Lease signing, we require the 1st Month's Rent to be paid as well as a one-time, non-refundable Move-In Fee which varies but is approximately between 30% to 33% of the monthly rent.


When and who should I contact to put Utilities in my name?

You should call to have utilities put in your name as soon as you sign your Lease to avoid an interruption of services. Give them your lease start date and you will not be charged until then. Utilities can all be contacted on-line or you may prefer to call them at the following numbers:
People's Gas866-556-6001  COMED: 800-Edison-1  Comcast: 800-934-6489  DirecTV- 800-433-4558
Everywhere Wireless Internet Tech Support-  866-923-0982


When is Rent Due?

Rent is due on the first of the month and is considered late after the 5th of the month. A late fee will be assessed in most cases on the 6th of the month.
 


Where and how do I pay my Rent?

All rent payments must be paid online.
We strongly encourage you to pay rent via eCheck since there is no fee.
There is a fee if you use credit or debit cards. This fee can be reduced if one roommate pays the entire amount due as opposed to making separate paytments. The "convenience fee" should be listed in your payment portal.  Click HERE to pay your rent.

 


Are Cats & Dogs allowed in my apartment?

Well-behaved cats and dogs are welcome in your apartment with prior approval from us (no barkers, no scratchers and no pissers please!)
The fee for pets is normally $50/mo for the first and $25/mo for each additonal pet but there are some exceptions. Contact us for details.


What if I get Locked Out of my apartment?

If you are locked out of your apartment, we will do our best to get you back in during business hours. If you are locked-out during off-hours it will be your responsibility to contact a locksmith. Any cost incurred because of lockouts shall be your responsibility. It is best to have locksmiths pick locks rather than drill-out and replace them. Our cylinders are specially coded and we will have to replace them back to the original code if they are changed.  There is a fee for this which is separate from what the locksmith charges you.
If you are locked out during off-hours, we might be able to arrange for somebody to let you in for a $75 fee. Please submit a Maintenance Request and we will contact you within a few minutes if this is a possibility.
 


Can I have a Satellite Dish installed on the building for my apartment?

You are not allowed to have a satellite dish installed on the building. Some of our buildings already have a single dish (DirecTV) installed which all of the tenants use. Service for these buildings must be arranged through USA Wireless Satellite TV. Contact them by calling 800-433-4558.  Most buildings are also capable of receiving Comcast Cable. Contact Comcast at 800-934-6489.


Is Smoking allowed in my building?

While we do not prohibit smoking inside the premises, we strongly discourage it and in the event that you do smoke, it is imperative that you open windows for adequate ventilation in order to prevent your neighbors from complaining about the smell and, or, your apartment retaining the smell of smoke which could potentially cause you to incure a fee for the cost of abatement.
 


What do I do if I have a Maintenance Request?

If you have a maintenance request please click Maintenance Request or select the maintenance request link at the top of our website and be sure to include your address, including unit number, your phone number, and a brief description of what the problem is.

IN MOST CASES it is best not to call or email or text us. All submitted maintenance requests are received immediately by the owners and all maintenance staff and that is the most efficient way to communicate your issues.

We will do our best to respond promptly and fix your issues. In the event of a gas leak or other critical emergency, please call 911.

"By clicking SUBMIT, or NEXT ISSUE on the maintenance request page, you are agreeing to grant Landlord and his agents and employees permission to enter your apartment to make the necessary repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements that you have requested and you agree to waive the advance notice required by law."

If you prefer to be home or if you would like us to contact you in andvance of our arrival, please detail your request, with the relevant info, in the body of your maintenance request before submitting.

Please be aware that we do not normally contact tenants once a maintenance request has been submitted unless we need further information.
Typically, we will address your maintenance issue(s) as soon as possible however emergency requests take priority. We monitor requests after working hours and over the weekend and will prioritize emergency issues whenever possible. If we have not addressed your issue within a day or two, please feel free to re-submit your request and ask for an update.


Do you replace Burned out Light Bulbs in our apartment for us?

We'll replace burned out light bulbs in common areas but not in your apartment. (Please let us know if there are any in common areas and we will replace them right away.) If you have burned out light bulbs in your ceiling and you cannot reach them, you can buy an inexpensive wand at Home Depot to replace them or leave the new bulbs for us and submit a Maintenance Request for us to install them.


My Garbage Disposal stopped working, what should I do? 

First hit the red reset button that is located on the underside of the disposal.  If it still doesn’t work, use the allen wrench that should be in the cabinet or in a pouch taped to the disposal by inserting it into the shaft located in center of the underside of the disposal and rotate the shaft back and forth to free it up.  If there seems to be something rattling inside then you may want to try using a vacuum cleaner hose to suck it out. Do not do this if there is water in the disposal unless you have a wet/dry vac. If this does not work, send us a Maintenance Request


My Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector is chirping, what should I do? 

You are required to maintain a working battery in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to report any malfunctioning detectors to us immediately. Nearly all of our buildings have hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which means that even if the battery is dead it will still work as long as your apartment has power to it.  Nonetheless, it is always required to have a working battery installed in all detectors.  If you have trouble changing the batteries, send us a Maintenance Request and we will help you. 
 


My Heat/AC stopped working, what should I do? 

Dirty filters cause most furnace problems.  It is your obligation to check and replace your filter when it becomes dirty.  We recommend replacing it at least 3 times a year and more frequently if you have pets or if you use HEPA or pollen filters. Basic filters only cost $2 or $3 each and replacing them frequently not only reduces the likelihood that your furnace or AC will require repairs but also ensures that it operates efficiently which will save you money on electricity in the summer and gas in the winter.  (We recommend the use of the cheaper filters and not the more expensive ones because while the more expensive may remove slightly more dust from the air, they also require your furnace/AC unit to work harder to condition your apartment.)

To replace your filter, just look for the vertical slot on the side of your furnace and slide out the old one and slide in the new one carefully to make sure the airflow arrows point towards the furnace and not the duct that returns the air to the furnace.

If your furnace stops working properly, please turn the switch on the side of it off and remove the filter. Then turn the switch back on again and that may be all that it takes to make it work (please don’t forget to replace the filter right away to prevent damage to the unit).

If your AC has stopped working but the fan turns on and just blows warm air, first go to your circuit breaker panel and switch off all of the “double” breakers and turn them back on again.  Also, if the thermostat is blank, replace the batteries in it. If none of these things gets your furnace or AC working again, please send us a Maintenance Request and we will send someone right away to fix the problem.
If you live at 1515 W. Haddon, your furnace filters may be the washable type.  See HERE for instructions on how to clean them.

Extreme Temperatures- Remember, at times of extreme heat or cold, an HVAC system is working at capacity and STILL may NEVER reach the temperature setting and it doesn’t signify a repair in most cases. Many units run all day without shutting off and are not broken.


What should I do if a common area Door or Gate Lock is Frozen? 

Sometimes locks freeze. Just warm your key with your breath or a cigarette lighter and keep trying to insert it into the lock. Then repeat the process as required to thaw the lock. WE ARE SORRY BUT NO ONE MAKES FROST-PROOF GATE LOCKS. If someone did, we would have them everywhere. It's either no security or locks that sometime freeze during freezing rain or wet snow and we prefer the latter.
 


I can’t seem to close my windows all the way and lock them, what should I do? 

Your windows are double hung windows.  In order to close them all the way and lock them, first be sure the locks are open, then push the top sash all the way up and then the bottom sash all the way down and then lock the window making sure that the lock engages properly.  If this does not work and you still have trouble locking your windows, please file a Maintenance Request
 


What should I do if I think I have bedbugs?

If you think you have bedbugs, the first thing you should do is file a Maintenance Request.  Next you should flip over your mattress and use a hair dryer to blow hot air on the underside of it and its seams.  If bedbugs are present you should see the bedbugs scatter because they do not like the heat.  If you do confirm the presence of bedbugs, do not be alarmed but it is imperative that corrective measures are taken immediately to prevent them from spreading throughout your apartment, your belongings, and also into other apartments.  We strongly recommend that you discard your mattress and box frame altogether.  It should be removed and dragged into the alley.  Please let us know if you need help doing this because time is of the essence.  Any bedding, sheets, pillowcases, towels, etc. that you plan to keep, need to washed and dried on the highest temperature setting.  You should also use your hair dryer trick to check to see if they are in the clothes in your closets, any area rugs you may have and any other fabric furniture.  If you do see that they have spread into these items, you should either discard or thoroughly wash and dry them on high heat settings or, alternatively, they can be sprayed with white vinegar from a spray bottle.  In the event you chose to keep things and spray with vinegar, it is imperative you do it at least daily for at least two weeks to eradicate the problem.  As a precaution, vinegar should also be sprayed around the baseboards of your apartment.  We will also send our exterminator who will treat your apartment with professional grade pesticide. We will let you know when he is coming so that you can meet him and confirm the techniques that will eradicate the problem and also the best ways to prevent re-infestations.
 


How do I Renew my Lease?

You will receive an emailed notice or notification in your rent portal asking if you would like to renew approximately 65-90 days prior to your Lease expiration date. You will need to inform us if you plan to renew, no later than 60 days prior to your Lease expiration date. If you do not receive an email asking you whether you plan on renewing, please contact us immediately.
 


What do I need to do to replace or add a roommate to my Lease?

Your new roommate must fill out a rental application and be approved to reside in your apartment. Email us with the new roommate's name, email address and phone number and we will work with you to accommodate your request. Keep in mind that you may be subject to a $200 admin fee for changing a roommate.
 


What if I need to Break my Lease?

In the event Lessee breaks Lease, Lessor reserves the right to charge Lessee a $350 admin fee as well as his actual damages as a result of the breach of the Lease. Landlord may also charge additional funds equal to 1 month’s rent if termination date falls between the dates of 4/1 through 9/1 and 2 months if the termination date occurs after 9/1 or before 4/1.

LEASE BUY OUT- Optionally, this lease may be terminated by Tenant, with Landlord’s written approval, by delivering to Landlord a Buy Out fee equal to (3) three months rent*, whereupon the Lease shall terminate on the last day of the next full month. Written notice of Tenant’s intention to Buy Out the Lease must accompany the Buy Out payment. Rent shall continue to be due up to and through the last day of the last month of occupancy. If not approved, Landlord shall return the Buy Out fee to the Tenant.
*The Buy Out fee paid in September through March is four (4) months

 


How do I Return my Keys at the end of my Lease?

You should drop keys off immedialy upon move out and AT THE LATEST, before Noon on the day of your lease end date. Please drop off all copies of keys to our office at 1517 W. Haddon OR to the Dropbox which is to the right of the main door at 1515 W. Haddon.

Please enclose them in a Ziploc bag with the address and apartment number in it. Also, be sure to remember to include your forwarding address(s) for the return of your security deposit as well as how much goes to which roommate (if applicable).
 


Why isn't my A/C working well when it's very hot outside?

Your A/C is not designed for extremely hot outside temperatures. There is likely nothing wrong with your system. While it seems abnormal for your house to be 77 degrees when it’s set for 71, the sustained high temperature outside is also abnormal. Your A/C is sized for what the temperature is most likely to be in the summer with the high 80’s to low 90’s being the norm for our area. Your A/C is designed to cool a maximum of 20 degrees from the outside temperature. So, if it’s 100 outside and your A/C is getting to 80 or below – it is doing its job.

Although there is nothing you can do to control the outside temperature, there are several things to prevent the hot air from coming inside:

  • Keep your blinds closed during the day
  • Wait until it’s cooler outside to do laundry or run the dishwasher
  • Grill outside instead of turning on the stove or oven if possible
  • Set your thermostat higher so your a/c unit gets a break. (If the inside temp is 77, better to set your A/C for 75 or 76 rather than 65)
  • ​Change you air filter
     

If you do still think there may be a problem, please file a Maintenance Request


How Clean do I need to leave my apartment when I move out?

Prior to move-in your apartment should have been cleaned. When it’s time for you to move-out, please let us know if you will do a thorough cleaning yourself or if you prefer to have us schedule our cleaning people to clean and have us bill you the cost of this cleaning. Any Move-In Fee you paid does NOT cover cleaning and you are responsible for paying for cleaning separately, if you don't wish to do it yourself. While the cost for cleaning can vary, it’s normally $150 for a one bedroom, $175 for a two bedroom and $200 for a three bedroom. Sometimes our tenants say they will clean thoroughly and at the last minute they realize they are too busy moving and or getting settled into their new place so please think about this hard and let us know a few days in advance so we have time to schedule our cleaning people if we need to do so. If you do want to clean yourself, please make sure to review cleaning expectations at Cleaning FAQ