Resident Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your common questions

• Q: Can you hold a place before I apply?

  A: Unfortunately, we can’t hold a property before you apply. All properties are rented on a first come, first service basis. Once your application is approved you have 24-hours to bring in the first month’s rent, which secures the property for you until the move-in date, normally no longer than 30 days.

• Q: Do I pay first month’s rent and last month’s rent with my security deposit?

  A: Once you are approved you have 24 hours to bring in your security deposit and any Pet Deposit. The security Deposit is usually the same as 1 months rent. On move-in day you will bring in the first months rent.

• Q: How old do you have to be to apply?

  A: You must be 18 years of age or older to apply. All adults must apply and be listed on the lease.

• Q: Is the deposit refundable?

  A: If you return the home in the same condition as it was when you moved in, then yes, you would receive your deposit back.

• Q: Who needs a cosigner?

  A: Usually, people will need a cosigner if they don’t have any credit or not enough rental history under their belt to qualify. To find out if you need a cosigner, call our office at 515.664.8252 to speak with a leasing agent.

• Q: You have a property I want to rent. How do I apply?

  A: Click here to apply.

• Q: How do I pay rent?

  A: Click here

• Q: I want to get a pet. What do I do?

  A: Contact the office at 515.664.8252 and speak with a leasing agent. Not all properties allow pets, so it is important to confirm that a pet is allowed before bringing home your new pet. If Pets are allowed there is a Deposit of $150 and a $50/month rent for pets(max 2). We don’t allow any vicious dogs including but not limited to Pitbulls and German Shepards.

• Q: I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay. What do I do?

  A: Contact the office at 515.664.8252 to speak with a leasing agent. The roommate will need to qualify on their own, or bring in another roommate. If they bring in another roommate, they will need to apply to be added to the lease. The security deposit will be handled between you and your roommate. You will need to fill out a form to be removed from the lease. There is an administration fee of $100 for processing the change in addition to the application fee.

• Q: My lease expiration is coming soon and I want to move out. What do I do?

  A: You will turn in a 30-day notice to Top Shelf Property Management. You can download one here or you can drop off a letter to the office. All adults listed on the lease must sign the notice to vacate.

• Q: Who is responsible for paying for repairs & maintenance requests?

  A: You are responsible to notify Top Shelf Property Management if a repair is needed. You can do so by clicking here. You can also do minor repairs yourself and be reimbursed up to $50 a month. For a full list of items that are included click here. The owner is responsible to pay for any repairs that are needed for the home as long as they fall in the following categories:
  Securable
  Habitable
  Safety
  If the repair doesn’t fall into one or all of these categories the owner has the right to not have an item repaired. If you caused damage to the home or anything in the home, then you would be responsible to have it repaired.

• Q: Do I need to have renter’s insurance?

  A. Yes, renter’s insurance is required to rent any property with Top Shelf Property Management. You will need to show proof of insurance prior to receiving keys to the property. We require a $300,000 liability policy with Top Shelf Property Management named as an additional insured.