Common FAQ
Can I self-qualify for a lease?
Yes, applicants can self-qualify by meeting standard monthly income requirements and passing credit/background checks. If you do not meet the income criteria, you can sign with a qualified guarantor or opt for an approved third-party guarantor service.
What types of leases are available?
We offer individual by-the-bed lease agreements, meaning you are only financially responsible for your own bedroom space and shared common areas, not your roommates' rent. Standard lease terms run for the full academic year (12 or 10-month installments).
What is the application process and screening criteria?
Applications can be completed entirely online through our resident portal. The process includes submitting a valid government ID, paying any applicable application fees, undergoing a standard background and credit review, and completing guarantor documentation if applicable.
How does pricing work for 10-month vs. 12-month leases?
All of our standard advertised pricing is based on the total 12-month contract value. If you choose a 10-month lease, the total contract price remains the exact same as the 12-month agreement, but it is divided into 10 monthly payments instead of 12. You are paying the same overall amount, this option simply accommodates residents who prefer to finish payments in May or are graduating and do not need to store belongings or occupy the apartment over the summer.
Please note: On our website, we offer both 10-month and 12-month options. When browsing floor plans and applying online, make sure you are selecting the correct term length to view the accurate monthly installment rate for your chosen schedule.
Are short-term leases available?
Our standard leases run for an entire academic term (10 or 12 months). Depending on current availability and floor plan selections, limited short-term or semester leases may be offered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the leasing office directly to check current short-term openings.
How are roommates matched?
If you don't already have a roommate group lined up, you will fill out a roommate profile questionnaire during the application process detailing study habits, sleep schedules, cleanliness preferences, and lifestyle interests. Our leasing team uses these responses to match you with compatible residents. You will also be signed up for Room-sync. A roommate matching app!
I want to room with my friend(s), how would I make sure we are in the same unit?
There are multiple ways you can do this:
Option 1: One person applies first and in the Roommates tab go to "Would you like to invite roommates to join your group?" > Yes > and put in their information. Once you've completed your application it will send them a link.
Option 2: Under the Roommates tab in the Special Considerations or Preferences box, state that you want to room with them and add their first and last name. Each applicant will have to put each other's names in that box.
Option 3: Simply call us at (877-309-8518) or email [email protected] and we can note it on our end!
Please note that our rooms are first come, first served. If in the case one of your roommate preferences does not submit an application or sign their lease on time, we may not be able to room them with you.
Do I need a security deposit?
We do not require a traditional security deposit if an applicant provides an approved guarantor. If you don't have an approved guarantor, you will owe a deposit in the amount of 1 month's rent.
What is a guarantor, and do I need one?
A guarantor is a third party, typically a parent or legal guardian, who signs an agreement accepting financial responsibility for your lease if you are unable to pay your rent or fulfill your rental obligations. A guarantor is strictly a financial backer and does not have access to the apartment or tenant rights.
Do apartments have air conditioning?
Yes, all apartments are fully equipped with central air conditioning and heating. You and your roommates can easily adjust the digital thermostat inside your unit to stay comfortable year-round.
What utilities are included?
Your monthly installment covers essential high-speed Wi-Fi internet, water, sewer, and community trash disposal. Electricity usage is billed separately or handled through our utility billing portal, keeping accounts simple and transparent.
Do you allow pets?
Yes, we are a pet-friendly community! We welcome cats and dogs with prior management approval. Pets require an initial pet fee and a small monthly pet rent. Certain breed and weight restrictions apply, and service/emotional support animals are processed per standard Fair Housing guidelines.
How do mail and package deliveries work?
Standard letter mail is delivered to your designated apartment mailbox located in the central clubhouse. Larger packages from carriers like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx are secured in our package holding area or automated lockers, and you’ll receive an email notification when an item arrives for pickup.
What furniture pieces are included?
Hillside Commons apartments come fully furnished to make move-in effortless. Common areas include living room seating (sofa/armchair), a coffee table, and an entertainment console. Each private bedroom includes a full-size bed frame and mattress, a desk, a desk chair, and built-in closet storage or a dresser.
Can I bring my own furniture?
You are welcome to bring smaller accent pieces, desk organizers, lighting, and decorative personal touches to customize your room. However, all provided community furniture must remain inside the apartment and cannot be removed or stored off-site.
Is there laundry in the unit?
Yes, every 2 and 3 bedroom apartment at Hillside Commons comes equipped with a full-size, in-unit washer and dryer.
What furniture pieces are included?
Hillside Commons apartments come fully furnished to make move-in effortless. Common areas include living room seating (sofa/armchair), a coffee table, and an entertainment console. Each private bedroom includes a full-size bed frame and mattress, a desk, a desk chair, and built-in closet storage or a dresser.
When is move-in day?
Move-in is always on August 21st. Prior to arrival, we will email you your specific assigned move-in time slot, digital check-in steps, and a map of designated unloading zones.
How and when do I receive keys/access passes?
Electronic building access fobs are distributed on move-in day. All lease documents must be fully executed and your initial balance settled before keys can be issued.
What items should I bring or coordinate with roommates?
You should bring personal items, bedding, towels, cookware, plates, and toiletries. We recommend contacting your roommates before moving in to coordinate shared kitchen items like microwaves, toasters, blenders, and dishware so you avoid bringing duplicates.
When is my first payment due?
Your first installment is due on August 1st, prior to move-in day, with all subsequent installments due on the 1st of each calendar month via the online resident portal.
Unlike traditional apartment complexes, we do not prorate rent. Our lease agreements function similarly to university residence hall/dormitory contracts, where the total contract value is divided into equal monthly installments rather than being calculated from the number of days occupied in a given month. This means rent is not a per-day calculation, but rather a set total amount evenly distributed across 12 or 10 monthly installments.
Our move-in date is scheduled for August 21st so residents can get settled before classes begin. Similarly, our lease end date is before the end of July, allowing our on-site staff and vendors sufficient time to complete turn operations and thoroughly prepare apartments for incoming residents. This structure is standard practice across purpose-built student housing communities and ensures consistency in lease terms and predictable payment expectations for everyone.
Can I move in early?
Early move-ins are strictly considered on a case-by-case basis and are only permitted if there is an extenuating or serious circumstance preventing you from moving in on our official move-in date (the 21st). Because our teams and vendors are working diligently to inspect, clean, and prepare every unit during the turn period, early arrivals require special coordination. If your early move-in request is reviewed and approved by management, an early move-in fee of $150 will apply.
Is parking included?
Parking is $45/month for unreserved and $60 for reserved parking.
How do I use the outdoor grills, pizza oven, and fire pit?
For safety, our outdoor amenities operate on automatic 60-minute shutoff timers:
• Grills & Pizza Oven: You must turn the mechanical safety timer knob first before attempting to ignite or turn on the burners. Once the timer is running, you can ignite and adjust the burners as normal.
• Fire Pit: Simply turn and adjust the timer dial to start the gas flow and light the fire pit.
Both features have a maximum limit of 60 minutes per turn. If you need more time, simply turn the timer dial again. Please make sure all burners are shut off and the area is cleaned after you finish.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Routine maintenance requests can be submitted 24/7 directly through the resident portal or mobile app. For after-hours maintenance emergencies (such as major leaks, loss of heat, or security concerns), our on-call emergency line is available around the clock.
How do mail and package deliveries work?
Standard letter mail is delivered to your designated apartment mailbox located in the central clubhouse. Larger packages from carriers like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx are secured in our package holding area or automated lockers, and you’ll receive an email notification when an item arrives for pickup.
How can I renew my lease?
Current residents receive early-bird renewal notifications each fall via email and their resident portal. You can secure your current space with a couple of clicks in your resident portal before spaces open up to the general public.
When is the deadline to lock in current renewal rates?
Renewal promotions and rate locks are typically offered with tiered deadlines throughout the late fall and early spring semesters. We encourage residents to renew early to lock in the lowest installment rate and guarantee their preferred bedroom.
What if I need to get out of my lease?
We do not allow unapproved subleasing, but we do offer an official lease takeover/re-let process. If your plans change, you may find a qualified replacement resident who applies, qualifies, and signs a replacement agreement with the leasing office to take over your contractual responsibilities.