FAQ - RentMSU

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LIVE HERE. LIVE CONNECTED.

RentMSU strives to make it as easy as possible for our valued student residents to get information and easily communicate with us. After all, you have lots of stuff going on! Get the support and answers you need right here through our FAQs and online portal where you can request maintenance service, pay your monthly installment, find out what’s happening in the community, and more. This is student living simplified.

How do I qualify for a lease?

To qualify for residency, a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent is required within 30 days
of lease execution. This deposit serves to secure the premises for the upcoming term. While the
deposit is refundable following the conclusion of the lease, the final disbursement is contingent
upon the results of a move-out inspection and the recorded condition of the unit.

What do I do if I have a maintenance problem?

If there is an emergency maintenance issue such as a fire, water leak, or other safety related matter, please call our office right away at 507-388-4722. If the issue is not an emergency, you may submit a maintenance request through the Resident Portal.

What do I do if I have an after-hours maintenance emergency?

If you have a safety-related emergency requiring immediate assistance, call 911. For all other after-hours maintenance emergencies, please call us at 507-388-4722 and dial option 9. When prompted, please leave your name, telephone number, unit number, and a detailed description of the emergency and our on-call team member will return your call in a timely manner.

Is insurance required to live at RentMSU?

While renter’s insurance is not a mandatory requirement at our properties, we strongly recommend it for all residents. In the event of unforeseen damage or loss, a comprehensive policy provides essential protection for your personal belongings and can mitigate potential out-of-pocket liability. Investing in coverage ensures you are financially prepared for the unexpected.

What do you mean by joint lease?

At RentMSU, we utilize a Joint and Several Liability lease structure for all of our rental agreements. Regardless of the number of occupants or bedrooms, all tenants on the lease are collectively and individually responsible for the full terms of the contract.

We have a lease contract that begins on a specific date and ends on a specific date. The lease contract is divided into 12 equal installments for your convenience.

When do the contracts start and end?

The standard term is August 1 – July 14 with payments made in 12 equal installments.

How do I pay my monthly installment and when is it due?

Your monthly installment is paid online through your Resident Portal. You may set up re-occurring payments or make a one time payment with an e-check, credit, or debit card. Additionally, residents may set up automatic withdrawals from a checking or savings account through the Resident Portal. Please speak to your site manager if you have any questions. Your monthly installment is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late if not received by close of business on the 4th. If the installment is not paid by the 4th a late fee will be added to your account.

Are pets permitted?

Pets may be allowed upon approval. If approved, two dogs/cats are allowed per apartment. Pets must be registered before they may reside in the apartment. The owner must pay a non-refundable pet fee of $350 per pet. There is a monthly pet installment of $35 per pet. Please inquire with the office if you would like to bring your furry friend with you.

Do I have to pay a pet deposit/register my pet if I have fish/gerbil/hamster/rat/snake/tarantula/bunny?

Registration is not required for small caged animals, including—but not limited to—fish, small rodents, reptiles, or arachnids. While these pets are exempt from formal registration, residents remain fully liable for any property damage caused by their presence. Any necessary repairs or cleaning costs resulting from these pets will be deducted from the security deposit upon move-out.

What if I need to break my lease or I do not return for spring/summer classes?

We do not provide any lease break or buy-out options. However, residents might be able to relet the bedroom to a new resident, provided they meet the criteria and execute a lease agreement. Please contact your site manager with any questions.

How do I receive mail and packages?

Each apartment will receive a mailbox key. The mail will be sorted and delivered via USPS to the designated mailbox. Packages will be delivered to the leasing office. When you have a package, you will get a text message and will just need to bring an ID to the leasing office to sign for your package.

What utilities should I expect to pay?

Utility obligations vary by property and are specifically outlined in your individual lease agreement. Depending on the unit, residents may be responsible for services including Electricity, Natural Gas, Water/Sewer, Refuse Removal (Trash), and Internet. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure all required accounts are established in their name prior to the move-in date. If you have questions regarding the specific utilities for your unit, please contact the RentMSU leasing office for clarification.

Do you offer roommate matching?

RentMSU does not offer roommate matching services. As all residential contracts are executed as joint leases, the existing leaseholders are collectively responsible for the full monthly rent amount. In the event of a vacancy within the unit, it is the responsibility of the remaining tenants to secure a qualified replacement. Failure to fill a vacancy does not reduce the total rent due; all signatories remain liable for the full contractual balance.

What is the move-in process and what do I need to do?

Prior to your move-in day:

Make sure all of your lease documents are signed.
Make sure installment and other monies due are paid in advance, we do accept payments in the office.
Make sure your pet-screening forms are filled out. You will need to fill this out whether you have a pet or not.

Move-in day:

Please bring your photo ID.
We will check your account and assign your keys.
Upon arrival, your household will be provided with a comprehensive Move-In Inspection Packet. It is the responsibility of the tenants to document any pre-existing conditions or damages within the unit. This record ensures that your household is not held liable for prior wear or damage during the move-out assessment and security deposit reconciliation process.

What is the move-out process and what do I need to do?

Please monitor your email on file as our staff will provide periodic updates during the days and months leading up to move-out day. Prior to surrendering your keys, please ensure the premises are completely vacated of all personal belongings and trash. Per your lease agreement, any items or trash remaining in the unit after the keys have been returned will be removed at the tenant’s expense. The cost of professional cleaning and disposal services will be deducted from the security deposit based on the extent of the labor required.

Is parking available at RentMSU? How much does parking cost?

Parking is dependent on the unit you have signed for. There will be parking spots for each bedroom available at each house.

Do you have to be a student to live at RentMSU?

You do not have to be a student to live at our property, but all qualifications remain the same.

How do I connect to the internet at RentMSU?

Our internet services are not included at RentMSU, you must provide and set up your own internet.

What is my mailing address for RentMSU?

Your mailing address is the address for your specific house or unit. If you are unsure of your address, please refer to your lease agreement, or reach out to our management team.

Can I paint or hang things on the walls at RentMSU?

You may paint and hang things on the wall at RentMSU. Upon move-out inspection, anything changed from the original move-in condition may be deducted from your security deposit.

Is a security deposit required at RentMSU?

Yes, we require a security deposit at RentMSU.
The information required to process the Rental Application is as followed:

Personal & Contact Information
- Full Legal Name: As it appears on your government ID.
- Date of Birth: To verify you are of legal age to sign a contract.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Required for the background and credit check.
- Photo Identification: A scan or clear photo of your Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
- Contact Details: Your current mobile phone number and a professional email address.
Residential History
- Current Address: Your full current mailing address.
- Past Addresses: Usually, the last 2–3 years of residency history.
- Landlord Contact Info: Names and phone numbers/emails for previous property managers (this is crucial for RentMSU to verify your rental track record).
- Reason for Moving: A brief explanation for leaving your current or previous residences.
Financial & Employment Information
- Current Employer: Company name, your job title, and your supervisor’s contact information.
- Proof of Income: Typically your two most recent pay stubs. If you are a student or starting a new
  job, an official Offer Letter or Financial Aid Award Letter may be accepted.
- Income Verification: Many landlords look for a “3x Rent” rule (your gross monthly income should be
  roughly triple the monthly rent).
Occupant & Pet Details
- Co-applicants: Names and contact info for all roommates (since RentMSU uses Joint Leases, every
  person living there must fill out an application).
- Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, and license plate number if you plan to use on-site parking.
- Pet Information: While small caged pets (fish, hamsters, etc.) may not need registration, you
  should have details ready if you have a dog or cat, including breed and weight.
Application Fees & Deposits
- Application Fee: Be prepared to pay a non-refundable fee (typically $35–$100) via credit or debit card at the end of the online form.
- Security Deposit: Remember that for RentMSU, once approved, a security deposit equal to one
  month’s rent is generally required within 30 days of signing.

What other fees are there at RentMSU?

In the event of major property damage during your lease contract dates, you may be responsible for the damages. This is why we recommend Renters Insurance. There is also a charge for a lost key, which is listed at $25 per key. In the event you request a re-let, the re-let fee is equal to one-months rent, or we can use your security deposit. For any other fee related questions, please reach out to our management or refer to your lease agreement.

How do I know what is happening at RentMSU?

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