Leasing Process

Thank you for choosing MSC.  MSC believes that renting an apartment should be an easy and enjoyable experience.  The following information is designed to guide you through the leasing process and alleviate the stress of finding the perfect house or apartment.  If you have any additional questions as you start your apartment search, please contact a Leasing Associate at msc@msc-rents.com or (434) 977-8203.

GETTING STARTED/SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
Management Services Corporation has a fresh new website, designed to help you select an apartment that best meets your criteria.  In order to view all of MSC’s different properties, click on the “Live with Us” link at the bottom of the home page. You can search for apartments that meet your needs by using the search box at the top of the screen.  Click on a property name to view amenities, floor plans, pictures and rental rates.  You can even take a virtual tour!     If you are interested in scheduling an apartment tour, please contact the Leasing Office to speak with a Leasing Associate at (434) 977-8203.  Please note, we must provide residents with at least 24 hours notice prior to scheduling a tour. The Leasing Office is located at 780 Madison Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903, in the Madhouse.  The office is open from 8:30AM – 6:00PM Monday through Friday and 10:00AM – 4:00PM Saturday. 

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION/SIGNING A LEASE
You will be asked to complete a rental application prior to signing your lease agreement.  In order to complete your rental application, you will need:   Your social security number; birthday; information regarding your current and previous residences including Landlord contact information; information necessary to verify your employment and income, including the name and contact information for your current supervisor (please note, the income requirement may be waived with applicable student status, as indicated in our criteria); emergency contact other than persons residing in the apartment.     Applications are available at the Leasing Office as well as via our website.  To complete an application electronically, visit the “Live With Us” section of the website.  On the left-hand side of the screen click “Apply Online.”  If you complete an application online, you may either submit it electronically or print it out to bring with you when you sign your lease. Once you have made the decision to sign a lease, a Leasing Associate will help you determine which apartment best meets your needs.  You do not need to make an appointment to sign a lease; however, please allot at least one hour to complete all necessary paperwork.  When you come to sign your lease, you will need to bring: a valid government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.); your application fee of $25; and the restoration fee for the apartment you are signing.  Please note, restoration fees will differ depending on the apartment you plan to lease.  Please contact a Leasing Associate for specific information regarding the restoration fee for your apartment.  If you are a Non-US Citizen, you will need to provide additional documentation showing proof that you may reside in the United States throughout the term of the lease agreement.  A list of acceptable documents can be found in the “Non-US Citizen” section of our criteria. A minimum number of applicants may be required before you can sign your lease.  If you are a student, please follow the guidelines below: 

• Eff:    1 student
• 1BR:  1 student
• 2BR:  2 students or applicable income or a guarantor
• 3BR:  2 students or applicable income or a guarantor
• 4BR:  3 students or applicable income or a guarantor
• 6BR:  4 students or applicable income or a guarantor
• 8BR:  6 students or applicable income or a guarantor 

Please note, we do not hold apartments without a signed lease. 

SIGN A LEASE ELECTRONICALLY
If you would like to complete a lease electronically, please submit your leasing application via our website.  In order to most effectively process your application, please provide all information requested.  Once you submit your electronic application and it is received by the Leasing Office, a Marketing Associate will contact you to determine which apartment best suits your needs.  Please remember, if you are signing a lease with multiple people, Management Services Corporation must receive all applications prior to sending the lease.   Once you have determined which apartment you would like to lease, a Leasing Associate will prepare your lease and the other necessary addenda.  A PDF copy of the Lease Agreement, Policies and Procedures Manual, and any other required addenda will be sent to you at the e-mail address provided on your application.  Along with the lease paperwork, you will find a Microsoft Word document representing your electronic signature page.  This document provides a central location for you to acknowledge via electronic signature that you have read and understand your lease and the required addenda for your apartment.  In order to demonstrate your agreement, you will type your name and the date at the bottom of the electronic signature page, where indicated, and resave the file in a convenient location, accepting your changes.  Once you have completed these steps, please reply to the original e-mail containing all lease documents and attach the updated electronic signature page.  All electronic signature pages must be received before the lease will be considered valid.  A Leasing Associate will notify you of the deadline to return all completed electronic signature pages. 

PAYMENTS
An application fee of $25 is due when you submit your application.  If you are signing a lease, your restoration fee will be due at the time of lease signing.  Restoration fees differ by property and bedroom type.  Please contact a Leasing Associate to discuss the fees for your apartment. MSC accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, cashiers checks and credit cards.  Please make checks payable to “Management Services Corporation.”  If you are paying by credit card, please follow the Rent Payment link on the home page of the website.  There will be a third-party processing fee charged for all credit card payments. 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? 
If you still have additional questions or concerns, please contact a Marketing Associate at msc@msc-rents.com or (434) 977-8203.