FAQs About Your Lease Agreement
When you rent an apartment with us, you’ll always sign a lease. In this article, we’ll cover some FAQs about the lease. Of course, we always recommend reading through your lease thoroughly prior to signing it. That said, these FAQs are some of the questions we hear most often about our lease, compiled below.
RENT & PAYMENTS
When is rent due?
Rent is due in full on the 1st of each month and must be paid without reminder.
How can I pay rent?
Rent may be paid online through the resident portal or by approved payment methods, such as check, money order, cashier’s check, or electronic payment. Cash is not accepted.
What happens if my rent is late?
Late fees apply if rent is not received on time (by the first of the month). Nonpayment may result in legal action or eviction.
What if my payment is returned by the bank?
Returned payments will result in additional fees and may require future payments to be made with certified funds only (credit card, money order, or cashier’s check).
SECURITY DEPOSIT & FEES
What is the security deposit for?
Your security deposit helps cover unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs, missing keys, or other charges related to your lease.
Can I use my security deposit to pay rent?
No. Security deposits cannot be applied toward rent or other monthly charges.
When will I receive my transmittal back?
After you move out, return all keys, and provide a forwarding address, your transmittal will be returned in accordance with Pennsylvania law (mailed out within 30 days of your lease end date), minus any lawful deductions. It’s very important to provide a forwarding address; that way, we are able to send you physical mail.
How are transmittals sent?
Transmittals are sent as a single physical check to one forwarding address. All of the tenants’ names will be listed on the check.
UTILITIES
Which utilities am I responsible for?
Utility responsibility varies by unit and is outlined in your specific lease. You must maintain required utilities in your name for the full lease term. At some of our properties, you pay water/sewage, gas, and electric, while at others, these utilities (either all or just some) are included. It depends on the building and unit.
What happens if utilities are shut off?
Turning off utilities may be considered abandonment of the unit and could result in additional charges or lease violations. It’s important to stay in good standing with all of your utility providers.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
How do I request maintenance?
Maintenance requests must be submitted through the resident portal as soon as an issue is noticed. The earlier the request is submitted, the better we can address the issue.
What repairs am I responsible for?
Tenants are responsible for basic upkeep such as light bulbs, batteries, filters, unclogging drains, and damages caused by misuse or neglect. Unsure whether you’re responsible? Give us a call at 412-441-1400.
What if I don’t report a repair issue?
Failure to report issues promptly may make the tenant responsible for resulting damages. For example, if you fail to report a small leak and that leak gets bigger, the damages from the now-large leak could result in financial liability for you.
APARTMENT USE & ALTERATIONS
Can I paint or make changes to my apartment?
No alterations, painting, or installations are allowed without written permission from the landlord.
Can I install air conditioners, washers, or dryers?
Only with written approval from the landlord. Certain appliances and installations are prohibited.
Who is allowed to live in the apartment?
Only individuals listed on the lease may occupy the unit. These individuals can be listed as tenants or occupants. Anyone other than these individuals cannot occupy the unit.
PETS
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted unless written approval is granted. Unauthorized pets may result in fines, cleaning charges, or lease termination. If you are in need of Emotional Support or Service Animal accommodations, please call our office to be given more information on completing that process.
INSURANCE & LIABILITY
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Yes. Tenants are required to carry renter’s insurance or will be automatically enrolled in a landlord-provided insurance program for a monthly fee.
Is the landlord responsible for my belongings?
No. Tenants are responsible for insuring their personal property.
ENTRY, SAFETY, & NOTICE
Can management enter my apartment?
Yes. Management or management’s agents (such as maintenance personnel) can enter your apartment without notice between the hours of 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM to make repairs, improve the property, show the property to prospective tenants or buyers, inspect the unit for damages or lease violations, or for any other reasonable purpose.
What behavior is expected of residents?
Residents must follow community rules, respect neighbors and staff, and avoid disruptive behavior.
LEASE RENEWAL & MOVE OUT
How do lease renewals work?
Tenants must respond to renewal offers and provide written notice if they do not intend to renew.
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
At minimum, you must give 60 days notice prior to your lease end date that you are going to be moving out. To provide a proper Notice to Vacate, you are required to write a handwritten note with your name, unit, and building declaring your intent to not renew your lease. This note must be signed. You can take a photo of it and send it to us via email or text, or you can mail it (just be sure it gets to us in time for it to be a proper notice to vacate).
What do I need to do before moving out?
Leave the apartment clean, remove all belongings, return all keys, and follow the move-out checklist to avoid charges.
EARLY TERMINATION & DEFAULTS
What happens if I break my lease early?
Early termination may result in continued rent responsibility, fees, and other charges, in addition to potential legal action.
What is considered a lease default?
Failure to pay rent, violating lease terms, providing false information to the landlord, or abandoning the unit may result in default and legal action.
NEED MORE HELP?
This FAQ is a helpful summary, but your signed lease always governs. If you have questions about your lease or need clarification, please contact the management office.
We’re here to help and want your residency to be a positive experience!