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Frequently Asked Questions
Have any questions? Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions you can click on to find direct answers!
How do I apply for a property?
Go to the listing page of the property you are interested in and click the "Apply" button. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.
What are the fees?
There are no up-front fees to share information or to show a property. Once you decide you would like to lease one of our properties, there is a $50 application fee.
Do I need a guarantor?
A verified guarantor is required.
What if I don’t have a guarantor?
If you don’t have a guarantor, we offer Leap as an option. Leap fills in for a guarantor or parent co-signer. The application process is quick, easy, and free. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and a conditional decision will be granted within 30 minutes during regular business hours.
Are you pet-friendly?
Most of our homes are pet-friendly. If you have pets, an additional non-refundable deposit of $350 and a $50 monthly fee is required.
We may not allow certain types of dogs that may have violent tendencies if mixed with other dogs. We reserve the right to deny any dog, so speak with your leasing agent prior to applying. There may be a limit to the number of pets allowed.
How many people can be on a lease?
Property dependant - please refer to the listing, which outlines number of available bedrooms, of the property you are interested in. Homes range from 1 to 5 bedrooms.
Do you match people with roommates?
Yes, however, it is a situation-dependent on availability.
Where are properties located?
Within 1 block from Lehigh University.
What is the price range of your properties?
Prices start at $750 per month per person.
Are utilities included in the rental amount?
Please refer to your lease, however, typically utilities are not included in the rental amount.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes, there is a security deposit in the amount of one month’s rent for the property. This amount is held in escrow during the duration of your lease and returned within 30 days of lease termination pending satisfactory review of property condition, less any damage charges and/or outstanding balances incurred at that point.
How long is the lease term?
The majority of our leases are for 12 months or longer. If you are looking for something shorter than a year, please reach out to us to discuss your options.
Can I view/sign my lease online?
Once you have applied and your application is approved, your lease will be emailed for your review and available for eSignature.
Am I required to pay renter’s insurance?
Yes, renter’s insurance is required and all residents must provide proof of insurance to our office. There are very affordable renter’s insurance policies out there with reasonable annual fees. In some cases, your parent’s homeowner’s insurance may potentially provide coverage for you at your rental property. The minimum liability coverage requirement is $100,000.
Do you perform background and credit checks as part of the application process?
Background and soft credit checks are performed on prospective residents and guarantors as part of the application process.
How long will it take to process my application?
There are two steps in the application process. The first step is the online application that allows us to verify background, rental history, and credit. This usually takes no more than one business day to see results. The second step is the signing of the lease offer. To expedite this process, we use an online eSignature solution.
What can I do to expedite the application process?
Make sure you (and your group if applicable) have completed the online application.
Contact your Southlight point of contact to discuss the details for your lease offer, including move-in date, length of lease, whether you have pets, and more.
Is parking available?
For most of the properties, off-street parking is available. Garage parking is $125/month and non-garaged is $75/month. Every property offers additional zoned parking that is available through the City of Bethlehem (this covers 2 spots per property).
You will need a current:
Driver’s License, Car Registration, Copy of signed lease, Student ID, Copy of vehicle insurance, and a $50 initial annual cost may be required. Student parking permits must be purchased through the Customer Portal here, BPA Customer Portal.
Are properties furnished?
Furnished units are available as an option for an additional rental fee. Please discuss with your Southlight point of contact.
Furnished unit packages include:
Bedroom - ($50 per bedroom/month) - Adjustable Bed Frame (Up to Queen), Night Stand, Desk, Desk Chair, and Dresser
Living Room - ($100 total/month) - Couch, Side Chair, Side Table, Coffee Table, TV Console Table
Dining Room - ($100 total/month) - Dining Table, Dining Chair Set
What do I need to pay before I move in?
Your security deposit and last month's rent is required within 5 days after signing your lease. A resident portal link will be emailed to you to set-up your account.
What do I need to do prior to the move-in date?
Activate your resident portal (link will be emailed) and make sure your security deposit, last months rent, and any additional fees (if applicable) are paid. 10 days prior to your lease start date, you will receive an introductory email titled “Welcome to Southlight!”.
What time is move-in and move-out?
Typically, move-in is at 4pm on the designated lease start date and move-out is by 10am on the designated lease end date. Please refer to your lease terms.
Can I move in before the day stated on my lease?
No. We can not accommodate moving residents in before the designated lease start date.
Where do I pick up my keys?
Each front door has a padlock, the code will be provided at 12pm on move-in day. Each resident will then be given an extra set of keys located in their respective bedrooms.
Do I have to set up the utilities?
No, the utilities are set up by our management team. Utility payments will be added to your monthly rent payment, accessible through your resident online portal.
How do I see my utility bills?
Upon request, we can forward the utility bills through your resident online portal.
What furniture do I need to bring?
All unfurnished units come with no furniture. Furnished unit packages include:
Bedroom - Adjustable Bed Frame (Up to Queen), Night Stand, Desk, Desk Chair, and Dresser
Living Room - Couch, Side Chair, Side Table, Coffee Table, TV Console Table
Dining Room - Dining Table, Dining Chair Set
What is the size of the bed frame provided?
Bed frames are adjustable between full and queen size.
How/when do I pay rent?
The easiest way to pay rent is online through your resident online portal. We also accept payment via check and money order. Please refer to your lease. Typically rent is due on the 1st of the month, however, we provide a grace period to the 4th.
What happens if I’m late on rent?
Residents have until the 4th of the month to pay their rent. If rent is not received by the 4th, a 10% late fee will be charged for up to 10 days. If the resident fails to pay the balance by the 10th day, an eviction process will begin.
When is the trash/recycling picked up?
Trash pick-up is every Wednesday. Recycle pick-up is every Thursday.
Can I get a pet after moving in? Can I watch a friend's pet for a few days?
Pets are not allowed unless previously approved in writing by management. This includes keeping a friend's pet at the property temporarily. If we discover a pet is at your property you will be given a 14 day "notice to cure". If the pet is not permanently removed within the 14 days, we may elect to begin eviction proceedings.
What if I need to move-out before my lease ends?
Please refer to your lease in the section titled “TENANT ENDING LEASE EARLY”.
What grocery stores are nearby? Are any within walking distance?
The nearest grocery store is Ideal Food Basket on Montclair Avenue and CTown Supermarket on 3rd Street (within walking distance). There is also a Wegman’s and a Whole Foods Market located in Allentown. Every Thursday there's a farmer's market at Farrington Square across from Saxbys.
What restaurants and coffee shops are nearby?
Saxby’s, Starbucks, and Deja Brew are a few of the local coffee shops within walking distance. There are also some excellent local restaurants in the area. Some of our favorites include: Zest, Tapas on Main, Roasted, and NYC Village Pizza.
Who is responsible for the smoke detectors in my home?
Smoke detectors are generally located on the ceiling or high on the walls, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms. If a smoke detector is not operating properly, contact management immediately.
If the smoke detector begins to make a chirping noise, it means the battery is low. Replace the battery at once. Your lease specifies the resident must replace the batteries.
If the smoke detector goes off when there is no fire (ie. from cooking) do not remove the battery. Smoke detectors must have working batteries in them at all times! This is for your own safety.
If you cannot locate the smoke detectors in your home please contact management immediately for further instructions.
What maintenance is my responsibility?
Please refer to your lease for a specific list of maintenance responsibilities. Some examples of maintenance you are expected to do at your own expense:
- Replacing light bulbs
- Replacing batteries in alarms and security systems
- Keeping dirt and debris away from heating and cooling units
- Disposing of trash and garbage
- Keeping the property clean and in a good appearance
How do I submit maintenance requests (Work Orders)?
Residents can submit maintenance requests online through their resident online portal. Please include pictures in your submission.
When Can I expect to get my deposit back?
Within 30 days of the lease end date.
Can I use my deposit as my last month’s rent?
Per your lease agreement and landlord-tenant laws, you may not apply your security deposit to your last month of rent.
What do I need to do prior to the move-out date?
Make sure all of your payments on your resident portal are paid. 30 days prior to your lease end date, you will receive a farewell email titled “Move-Out Checklist”.
