FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our prospective tenants at Homestead Properties

1. How much does it cost to move in? The cost of move in is one-full month's rent plus deposit which is one-half month's rent. Example $500 rent plus $250 deposit equals $750. A good rental history or co-signer may be required depending on your situation.

2. Do you prorate rent? Yes. If you move in prior to the 15th of the month Homestead Properties will prorate your first month's rent (some restrictions apply). If you move in after the 15th then your second month's rent will be pro-rated and reflect the unused days on your bill. We do not prorate the back side of leases.

3. Can I have a pet? ONLY BIRDS (i.e. parrots, or parakeets not chickens etc) OR FISH. Birds require a one-time non refundable deposit that would equal a "pull out" extermination fee when the tenant vacates the apartment. NO CATS, NO DOGS, or other four-legged critters. All birds are subject to a 60-day probation periods. No fish exceeding six inches in length and NO BIRDS OR FISH DEEMED ILLEGAL BY CITY STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS!

4. Can I make a reservation for an apartment by putting down a deposit and move in when school starts? Depending on our occupancy levels Homestead Properties does offer reservations on a limited first-come, first-served basis; however, when a prospective tenant puts down a deposit they need to be aware it is nonrefundable if they fail to move into the property and complete their lease. Once moved into the apartment the deposit becomes a security deposit and is refundable as per the terms of the tenant's lease.

5. I am going to school on financial aid can I make a reservation and will Homestead Properties work with me until my refund check arrives? Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! We have many students who attend college and are on financial aid. We work with all of our students provided that they obtain award letters or other documentation of grants or loans that they will be receiving. If a student elects to prepay the remainder of their lease we will also work with them regarding any occurring late fees and in some cases will waive those. Some restrictions due apply including payment history.

6. What kind of restrictions are there concerning parties or gatherings? Tenants are only allowed 10 people for any gathering due to parking and space restrictions on our properties. No parties beyond midnight and parties that disrupt the privacy of other tenants will NOT BE TOLERATED.

7. How long is the lease? Homestead Properties offers varying lease lengths and strives to meet the needs of each individual. We have 1-year, 9-month, and 6-month leases, but please be aware these are staggered and we may not have space due to routine or heavy maintenance that we use to continue to be able to provide great service. The prices leases can vary and are generally higher per month on a shorter term leases. Don't forget to check out our specials page for summer leases and more.

8.What bills are paid? Homestead Properties pays for sewer, water and garbage for your apartment as well as for security lighting. Tenants are responsible for electric, cable and phone bills or any damages that occur to apartment that are deemed not "normal wear and tear". All tenants receive an inspection form to note any damages that may have occurred (small carpet stain etc) prior to receiving their keys. That form is returned to the office within 48 hours to be placed in tenant's file as a future reference,

9. Do I get my deposit back? Yes, your deposit is a security deposit and if you meet the terms of your lease/s the deposit is refundable. Please be reminded Homestead Properties takes a security deposit with the idea in mind that we have provided a clean well maintained apartment and expect the same to be returned. If a tenant cleans their apartment back to the condition they received it in which includes clean carpet and there is no damage/s we will refund your deposit. We use an inspection form (first used by tenant at move-in) to check the apartment. If an apartment has not been cleaned or well maintained over the life of the lease than charges will be made against the security deposit for those items. Upon written request we will provide any bills or documentation associated with an apartment following a vacancy.