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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Application & Lease Details

When completing your application, you will need to provide the following information: Personal Information: This includes your full name, current address, contact details, SSN #. Previous Rental History: Details about your past rental addresses and contact information for previous management. Employment and Income Information: Information about your current employment, including your employer’s name and contact details, as well as documentation verifying your income. Emergency Contact Information: The name and contact details of someone we can reach in case of an emergency. Vehicle Information: Details about any vehicles you own or operate, including make, model, and license plate number.

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and documents to verify proof of income.

We review a few key things to make sure you are a great fit: Income: Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of income to support the rent payments. Credit History: We evaluate credit history based on multiple factors, not just the credit score. Rental History: We review your rental history to assess your previous rental behavior and reliability as a resident. Verification: We confirm your identity, credit, and criminal history.

All adults (18 and older) who will be living in the home need to fill out an application.

The process typically takes between 3 to 5 business days. This timeframe may vary based on the completeness of your application and the verification process.

We work with The Guarantors to provide support for applicants. While we do not accept personal guarantors, you can enhance your application by adding additional applicants as co-applicants.

We do not accept co-signers. While we do not accept personal co-signers, you can enhance your application by adding additional applicants as co-applicants.

We offer a range of Flexible lease term options, including but not limited to 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month leases. Pricing varies based on the chosen lease duration and your specific move-in date. Please contact the leasing office for specific options and details.

Rent & Payment Options

Your rent covers the cost of your home. Utility charges such as electricity, water, and gas are billed separately. Additionally, there may be other fees for services like trash removal, pest control, and amenities.

You have several convenient options for paying rent, including bank transfer (ACH), credit card, or debit card. Please see the available methods below for making your payments. Online via the Resident Portal or Resident App: When using either the portal or the app, we encourage you to add a bank account as there are no processing fees associated with this option. If you do not wish to verify your bank account or if it is not supported, you also can add a credit or debit card to pay your rent. Please note there are fees associated with either selection. WIPs (Walk-in Payment System): WIPs allow you to pay with cash at participating stores. You can find locations that may be convenient to you wherever you are at https://home.paynearme.com/merchant-locations. Flex: Flex offers you a way to split rent into two payments on a customizable schedule, giving you more financial flexibility in your day-to-day life. We are dedicated to serving both our residents and the planet. With that in mind, we are focused on reducing the amount of paper used at the communities. By going paperless, we are able to offer even more convenient ways for you to pay your rent! We are happy to work with you to find the payment solution that best fits your needs.

Yes, late fees may apply if rent is not paid by the due date.

Resident Services & Policies

Once your application is approved, you will sign your lease and submit any necessary payments, such as your security deposit and prorated rent. Prior to your move-in, our team will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure your new home is ready. You will also receive a detailed welcome letter with important move-in information. On move-in day, you will be provided with fobs and/or keys, a community tour, and an orientation to help you settle in. During your first week, we will follow up to ensure everything is going smoothly.

All residents are required to maintain renter’s insurance with a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage and $10,000 in personal content coverage. You may either join Elme’s Primary Policy for $17/month or provide proof of insurance from a third-party carrier to GetCovered.

Yes, we love our pets as much as our residents! We welcome cats, dogs, and even birds as part of your family. Each apartment can accommodate up to two pets, and dogs must weigh no more than 85 lbs. The following breeds, including any mixes of these breeds, are restricted: Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Staffordshire Terriers. Please reach out to the leasing team to learn more about associated fees.

You are welcome to add personal touches like painting or hanging artwork, but make sure they align with community guidelines and don’t affect your security deposit. Please contact the leasing office for specific details.

Guests are welcome! Just make sure they follow community rules and let us know if they will be staying for an extended period.

Our communities are smoke-free in common areas and individual homes.

Our resident referral program offers incentives for referring new residents to our community. This is a great way to share your community with friends and earn rewards!

Yes, transfers to another home within our community are possible. To get started, submit a transfer request to our team. You will need to complete a new application, meet the income requirements, and sign a new lease. There are a few fees involved, such as a transfer fee (if your current lease isn’t ending soon), a new deposit, and possibly pet fees. Please note that transfers to the same floor plan aren’t allowed, and transfers are subject to availability and other conditions. If there are any issues with the condition of your home or your resident account, the request to transfer to another home may not be approved.

If you are locked out, please contact the leasing office or maintenance for assistance. There may be a fee for after-hours lockout services.

You can submit noise complaints by contacting the leasing office or through the Resident Portal. Please include details and any evidence to help us address the issue.

To add a leaseholder, all current and new leaseholders will need to sign a Roommate Release/Addition addendum. The new leaseholder will need to pass a credit and background check. Fees include an application fee and a non-refundable lease alteration fee. Please ensure that your renter’s insurance is updated to reflect the change. If there are issues with your resident account or condition of your home, this request may not be approved.

To remove a leaseholder from your lease, all current leaseholders must sign a Leaseholder Removal addendum. If the departing leaseholder is responsible for any payments, those must be settled prior to the removal. Please ensure that your renter’s insurance is updated to reflect the change.

About 75-90 days before your lease ends, you will get a renewal offer letter. Review the offer, sign the new lease, and update any details. We are here to help if you have questions or want to discuss the offer!

We do not allow subleasing.

If you plan to move out before your lease ends, you will need to give us written notice at least 60 days before your lease expires. This helps us prepare for your departure. If you move out early, early termination fees may apply. Please review your lease agreement or contact the leasing office for specific details.

When you are ready to move out, provide us notice and we will schedule a pre-move-out inspection. This helps identify any potential charges and lets you fix any issues. On move-out day, return your fobs and/or keys to complete the process.

Early lease termination is subject to specific conditions and fees. Please review your lease agreement or contact the leasing office for details on the process and potential penalties.

Security deposits are refundable, subject to the condition of the home and any applicable deductions for damages or unpaid rent. A move-out inspection will determine the final refund amount.

Partnerships

Our homes feature the latest smart home technology including smart locks, smart thermostats, smart lights, and airwave. Specific features may vary by home.

Updater simplifies your move by handling all the logistics and heavy lifting. Learn more

The Guarantors provides financial backing to help you secure your lease, making renting more affordable and worry-free. Learn more

Flex offers you a way to split rent into two payments on a customizable schedule, giving you more financial flexibility in your day-to-day life. Learn more

Esusu helps you build your credit score by reporting on-time rent payments. Esusu also offers rent relief options. Learn more

Maintenance

You can submit maintenance requests via the Resident Portal, emailing, calling, or visiting the leasing office.

Response times vary based on the urgency of the request. Emergency requests are addressed within 24 hours, while non-emergency requests may take longer.

Maintenance staff will enter your home during scheduled hours with proper notice. For emergencies, entry will be made with immediate notification.

You can submit emergency maintenance requests via the Resident Portal, emailing, calling, or visiting the leasing office. Provide details about the emergency to get a quick response.

Technology & Communications

You can set up your Resident Portal account by selecting the Resident link on the community website. Once there, simply follow the instructions to register your account and get started.

Log in anytime through the Resident link on the community website or use the RentCafe Resident App. Just use your registered email and password to manage your account, pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and more.

Download the RentCafe Resident App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “RentCafe Resident” to install and manage your account on the go.

• Pay Rent: Make one-time payments or set up automatic payments.
• Submit Maintenance Requests: Report issues and track requests.
• View Lease Information: Access your lease documents and details.
• Update Personal Info: Change contact details, update emergency contacts, and more.
• Access Community Info: Stay up to date on events, announcements, and community news.

• Submit Your Concern: Use the Resident Portal, email, call, or visit the leasing office.
• Provide Details: Share detailed information about your issue to help us address it effectively.
• Review and Resolution: We will review your complaint and work to resolve it quickly, keeping you updated on progress. ???????
• Follow-Up: We will follow up to ensure everything’s resolved to your satisfaction.

Security & Emergency Protocols

Follow the posted exit routes, assemble at the designated meeting points, and wait for instructions from emergency personnel.

Report suspicious activity to the leasing office or local authorities. If you see something unusual, please do not hesitate to contact our team or the police.

Community Engagement

We host a variety of events and activities to help you connect with your neighbors and enjoy community life. Check the Resident Portal or contact the leasing office for details on upcoming events and ways to get involved.

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