Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
How can a prospect sign a lease?
The application and lease signing process is very simple. Simply click on the “Apply” icon on the website to start the application. Once your application is completed then our management team will proceed with sending you a lease. Once the lease is completed and your signing fee is paid, then our community management team will proceed with the background check. Finally, after the background check is completed a resident will have to provide their financial qualifications to our community management team. 
How is the lease contract structured?
All leases are individual leases. That means the resident is responsible for his/her rent and not any of his/her roommate’s rent. Damages in bedrooms are billed individually as well and damages to the common area (i.e. living room, kitchen, and hallways) are split evenly among all roommates unless a roommate(s) come forth and accept responsibility for the damages.
What is a reservation fee?
A reservation fee is a one-time non-refundable fee that is paid by the resident before moving into his/her apartment. The fee covers the light cleaning, light carpet cleaning, and painting and spackling holes no bigger than a dime. Anything needed to return the apartment back to its normal conditions outside of these things will be billed to the residents in the apartment after move-out. 
How does a resident qualify with us?
A resident can qualify in one (1) of three (3) ways. The first way is that they provide financial documentation that they gross (before taxes) in a year one and a half (1.50) times the total rental amount on the lease contract. Financial documentation can include financial aid, loans, recent bank statements, current W-2 tax forms, trust fund accounts, or any other financial documents of funds that can be liquidated quickly or that don’t fluctuate due to financial market activity. The second way is that a resident can provide a guarantor and guarantor paperwork. A guarantor is anyone of the age of eighteen (18) that can provide financial documentation that shows they gross three (3) times the total rental amount on the lease contract. The final method of qualifying is that a resident can pay the entire total rental amount for the lease before he/she moves in. A resident doesn’t need to provide qualification paperwork at the time of lease signing, but instead has fourteen (14) days after signing a lease to provide qualification paperwork. 
What is included in the rent?
The following items are included in the rent cost: the apartment furniture, electricity, internet, water, sewer, trash removal, and parking.
How can a resident pay rent or fill out a maintenance request
This process of paying rent or submitting a maintenance request is very easy. Go to the community’s website and click on the “Resident” icon. Once you have clicked on this you can log into your Resident Portal by creating an account with the information that the property management team has on file. Try and pay all rent via online check because there isn’t a fee. There is a fee included with use of credit and debit card. If you have any problems logging into your account please see your leasing office. You can also download an app for your smart phone called “Resident Portal Mobile”. It is a red app with the letters “rp” in it.
What are the polices on pets, smoking, and guests
Cardinal Villas is not a pet friendly community. The community is smoke-free in all indoor areas. Guests are welcome at all times, subject to the consent of roommates and security considerations. Overnight guests are welcome, with limits on the number of days and guests.
Can a resident choose his/her roommates?
A resident can choose his/her roommates as long as there are available bedrooms in that resident’s apartment. If a resident doesn’t have any roommates, then there will be a roommate matching survey that is part of the application process to help match the resident with potential roommates. Contact information will be given before move-in so that all the roommates can coordinate and get to know one another.
Is there an on-site management team that can assist residents at any time?
We guarantee a 24/7 commitment to our residents. From our professional management staff and friendly student representatives to our maintenance team, we will always have someone available to assist residents. We strive to complete work orders within 24 hours of receiving notification. We will also have on-call Community Assistants, who will be the first respondents to any after-hours maintenance emergencies.
How does move-in day work?
On move-in day the resident will come to the leasing office to collect their keys. Unless arranged differently by the Community Manager, the resident will need to have paid their reservation fee and first rental installment before they receive keys. The resident must also have provided qualification document(s) before receiving keys as well. Once a resident receives keys a member of the property management team will escort the resident to his/her unit and point out some items to keep in mind about the apartment. Resident will then have forty-eight (48) hours to complete the inspection checklist and return it to the leasing office. Resident can call the leasing office and request an early move-in date and the management team will try their best to accommodate, but no guarantees are made that the request will be approved. 
Suggested things to bring on move-in day:
  • Wireless Router for WiFi Internet Access
  • Trash Can(s)
  • Mop/Broom/Swiffer/Vacuum 
  • Television
  • Television Stand 
  • Surge Protector
  • Pots, Pans, Tupperware
  • Kitchen Utensils
  • Bedding (Extra Long Twin Size)
  • Alarm Clock
  • Night Stand
  • Closet Hangers
  • Pillows & Blankets
  • Mattress Protector
  • Shower Curtain
  • Shower Liner
  • Shower Curtain Hooks
  • Towels
  • Cleaning Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Toilet Plunger
  • Toiletries
  • Groceries
  • Laundry Basket
  • Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheet
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Flashlight
  • Door Mirror
  • Umbrella
  • Under Bed Storage
  • Hooks & Command Strips
  • Microwave
  • Small Appliances (Coffeemaker, Toaster, Can Opener, Etc.)
*** Be sure to check with roommates before bringing shareable items to ensure duplicates aren't brought. Ex: You wouldn't want to bring 4 microwaves. ***