Frequently Asked Questions

General Rental Policy Questions

What is your pet policy?

We allow adult, spayed or neutered cats and caged rabbits in most units. We require an additional $200.00 deposit, and an additional $10.00 per month rent. A written agreement is required before any cat is allowed in the unit, even if it is for a short time, or the tenant is simply “cat-sitting”.

We also allow fish at no extra cost. Sorry, we do not allow dogs, ferrets, snakes, iguanas, or any type of rodent in any of our properties.

The resident assumes complete responsibility for any damage or disturbance caused by any pet.

What is the minimum term of a lease? What happens if I move out before it is up?

Generally, the minimum term of a lease is a year. However, we can sometimes negotiate shorter terms, such as nine months, as the circumstances warrant. Sometimes, a six month lease may be available at some locations with a $50.00 per month rent increase. If you are an existing tenant, refer to the top page of your Rental Agreement for your minimum term.

If a tenant is unable to fulfill the minimum term of the lease, there is a non-refundable $125.00 fee due at the time notice to vacate is given to cover additional advertising and office work. The landlord will make every attempt to re-rent the unit once notice is given. But until the unit is re-rented, the tenant remains responsible for full and prompt payment of rent and utilities.

What is your smoking policy?

Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the apartments or near the playground at Mulberrty Pointe at this time. The rest of our properties (other than some Marshalltown complexes**) are 100% nonsmoking, both inside and outside. Smoking is prohibited in the apartments, decks/patios, common areas, or on the grounds & parking lots.

This policy is in place because of a concern for the health and safety of all our tenants.

**There are some complexes in Marshalltown that have not yet been converted to 100% nonsmoking.  That conversion will be coming soon.

What are the application requirements to rent an apartment?

One application, along with a copy of a driver’s license or other government issued photo ID, must be submitted for each adult that will reside in the unit. You will be asked to provide information about where you have worked or gone to school for the past two years, as well as where you have lived for the last three years. We also ask for the name and phone number of your previous landlords, so we can contact them for references. We run a check for credit score, criminal background, and a check for evictions or lawsuits filed by current or previous landlords.

Our general rule is that the total gross household income must meet or exceed three times the monthly rent. For instance, if the apartment you are interested in rents for $500.00 per month, your combined household income must be at least $1500.00 per month. This rule is sometimes waived for full-time students at local universities who are receiving grants, loans, and/or parental support.

Current Resident Questions

When is my rent due? What if I am late?

All rent is due on or before the first day of each month. The best way to pay rent is through your tenant portal.  You can log on with the link at the top right corner of every page on this website.  To avoid all service fees, just use the routing number and account number at the bottom of your check.  If you use a debit or credit card, there will be a fee.  If you have not set up a portal yet, contact us and we’ll help you set it up.  Once set up, you have complete control of it and we do not have access to it.  You can save or not save payment in your portal, set up one time or recurring payments, end recurring payments, and view your tenant ledger.

Rent can also be paid with a money order or personal check through the mail, put in our drop slot in the front door of our Des Moines or Marshalltown office or in the rent box in Bondurant. Cash payments can be made only at the main Des Moines office. Cash payments should be made during normal business hours, and should not be mailed or put in the drop slot.

Rent is considered late after the 4th day of any month. Any rent not received by the time our office opens on the 5th of any month is subject to a $25.00 late fee. There is an additional $35.00 late fee imposed after the 10th, if any portion of your rent has not been received.

If you know your rent will be late, contact our office as soon as possible to make arrangements for payment.

I need maintenance in my apartment. How do I notify you?

The best way to report non-emergency maintenance is to submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal.  You can log on with the link at the top right hand corner of every page of this website.

If you live in Des Moines or Norwalk, please contact our office by telephone (515-255-6677) or e-mail. If you live in Marshalltown, please contact your resident manager. The number for Olive Terrace, East Olive, Brookview, Pharoah’s Valley & Santa Barbara is 641-752-7767. The number for Southern Hills is 641-752-7533.

You may also complete a form online. In any event, make sure you provide your name, phone number, address, and the specific problem you are having.

If it is outside normal business hours you have a maintenanece emergency that cannot wait until the office re-opens, call our 24/7 emergency line: 515-875-5247

I want someone to move in with me. What should I do?

If you decide you want someone to live with you, that person must submit a completed application to our office, along with a copy of a driver’s license or other photo ID. If approved, that person will need to sign the Rental Agreement and Rules & Obligations of Tenancy, like you did. The rent for your unit will increase by $20.00 per month while that person is living with you.

I want to get a pet. What should I do?

We allow adult, spayed or neutered cats and caged rabbits in most units with an additional $200.00 deposit, and an additional $10.00 per month rent. A written agreement is required before any cat is allowed in the unit, even if it is for a short time, or the tenant is simply “cat-sitting”.  Just give us a call and we can have an agreement ready for you to sign.

We also allow fish at no extra cost. Sorry, we do not allow dogs, ferrets, snakes, iguanas, or any type of rodent in any of our properties.

The resident assumes complete responsibility for any damage or disturbance caused by any pet.

I need to move. How do I give notice?

Any notice to vacate must be given in writing, and must contain your name and address, and the date you will be completely moved out. You may come to our office and complete a form, complete a form with your resident manager, if applicable, complete the form online or fax or mail a written statement to our office.

If you are moving and you have already fulfilled your minimum term, follow these guidelines to give proper notice:

Moving between March 1 and October 31 of any year (30 day notice) – submit your written notice to vacate on or before the first day of the month when you plan to move. Your move out date must be the last day of the month. For instance, if you intend to move on June 30, you need to have your notice in our office on or before June 1. There is no grace period, so make sure you have it there on or before the 1st.

Moving between November 1 and February 29 of any year (60 day notice) – submit your written notice to vacate on or before the first day of the month before you plan to move. Your move out date must be the last day of the following month. For instance, if you intend to move on January 31, you need to have your notice in our office on or before December 1. There is no grace period, so make sure you have it there on or before the 1st.

If you are moving before the expiration of your minimum term, you should supply our office with your written notice to vacate as soon as possible, along with your $125.00 early termination fee. Once we have received it, we will attempt to re-rent your apartment and minimize your liability. However, you must continue to make rent payments until your unit has been re-rented.

Please refer to your individual Rental Agreement for it’s specific terms.

Can I paint my apartment a different color?

In most circumstances, the answer is no. We do not generally allow any type of alteration of the premises. While the color you desire may be very appealing to you, it may not be appealing to the next tenant. It often takes two or three times as much labor to re-paint an apartment after the tenant has moved out when the color has been altered.