Frequently Asked Questions

Can you briefly describe the process?
Step 1 is the Application process. You will submit all necessary documentation to us. After we have approved your application, we move to Step 2, the Consultation. During the Consultation, you will submit to us a listing of apartments that you are interested in. Once we find a match for you, we begin working to establish a relationship (if no existing relationship exists) with that apartment complex. Once the relationship is established, we move to Step 3, the Move-In. During the Move-In, we establish a move-in date and after completing our lease agreement and rent payment documents, you move into your apartment.

About how long does the process take?
The length of the process depends upon how soon we receive your employment and rental history verifications, the application processing at the apartment complex, and the availability of the apartment that you are interested in.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Website payments can be any major credit card, debit card, e-check or bank transfers. Rent payments can be set up through your payroll department to come out of your paycheck, or you can set up a direct payment from your checking account. Money orders or other certified funds are accepted in our office. A receipt will be issued for all transactions.

Do you rent single-family homes or town homes?
No, we currently are not set up for single-family homes or town homes, just managed apartments and managed town home communities.

I have one or two apartments in mind already. What do I need to do?
The first thing you should do is complete our online application process. Keep note of the apartments that you are interested in, and submit them to us after your application is approved.

What happens after I submit my application online?
We get to work! We will verify your employment, income, and rental history. After we receive your verifications, you will be notified if your application is approved. Once your application is approved, we will proceed to the Consultation phase of the process.

Do I need to find out whether or not a particular apartment complex works with your Residential Leasing Program?
No, we will call the various apartments to find out both the availability of apartment units and whether or not our Residential Leasing Program will work at that location.

Do I have to choose from a specific listing of apartments?
No, we can apply to any apartment complex that will accept our Residential Leasing Program.

Do you have a listing of apartments that you already have relationships with?
Yes, although we have a listing of apartments with which we currently have established relationships, you are under no obligation to select from this listing.

Who do I pay the rent to?
You will pay the rent to our company; we will pay the apartment complex.

How much will my security deposit be?
Your security deposit can range from zero to two-months rent depending on the status of your application and applicable state and local landlord/tenant laws. Security deposits, as with other fees, are paid to Second Avenue Residential, LLC.

What happens at the end of my lease?
You have several options: (1) you can apply to the same complex on your own using Second Avenue Residential as your rental history, (2) you can stay with Second Avenue Residential on a month-to-month basis or a 1-year renewal, (3) you can move to a different location on your own. You are not bound beyond the terms of the initial lease with us.

How long has the Residential Leasing Program been in place?
The Residential Leasing Program has been in place since 1999.

What states or metropolitan areas do you serve?
We are currently qualified to lease apartments in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Georgia and Florida.

How long will it take to approve my application?
Generally it takes 3 to 5 business days to process your application. The speed of the process depends upon how soon we receive your employment verification and rental history verification.

I'm currently working but I make less than $30K annually. Can I qualify for the Residential Leasing Program?
Many of the apartments that we work with have minimum income requirements of approximately $30k. This program may not be a good fit for you.

What are the fees involved in the Residential Leasing Program?
The application fee is $45.00 per adult occupying the apartment. The Consultation fee is $100.00 flat (not per adult). A 20% fee is added to your monthly rent for the use of our services. Please note that you will be responsible for any application fees, holding fees or security deposits that the apartment complex requires. On move day, the Enrollment fee of one half-month's rent, along with the First month's rent and security deposit will be due.

Do you work with the Section 8 voucher program?
Unfortunately, we are unable to qualify as a Section 8 tenant due to our corporate structure; therefore, we are unable to participate in the Section 8 voucher program.

Do you work with Income-Guideline Apartment Complexes?
Generally, Income-Guideline Apartment Complexes do not rent apartments to companies. Subsequently, Income-Guideline Apartment Complexes are unavailable for us to lease.