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FAQs- Rent/Fees
What security deposit and fees are required?
We require security deposit and fees for every property that is leased. The security deposit and fees are usually equal to about one month’s rent, but may be more or less depending upon the property. In no case shall they exceed two month’s rent.
What do you do with my security deposit?
All security deposits are held in strict accordance with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) in an Escrow Account.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of every month. Late fees will be assessed at 5 p.m. on the 5th day of every month, as per your Lease.
What do I have to pay prior to moving in?
You are responsible for paying the Security Deposit, Routine Systems Maintenance Fee, Renter’s Legal Liability Fee, Key Fee, and First Month’s Rent prior to being issued your keys. If you are bringing an animal with you, you will also be responsible for paying animal rent, animal security deposit and the non-refundable animal fee.
In some cases, there may be an Administrative Fee and/or a Common Area Usage Fee. These will be outlined per your lease on pages 1-2.
What is Renter’s Legal Liability (RLL) Insurance?
This is a required monthly fee per your lease. It waives the liability insurance requirement listed in your lease. The property owner is the insured. This waiver is not a replacement for renters insurance.
It will cover, in some cases, accidental acts involving fire, smoke, explosion, water discharge, and sewer back-up.
Do I need Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance is highly recommended. Our residents are solely responsible for insuring their own personal property that is located or stored in the unit listed on their lease. Any loss from, but not limited to, the risks of damage, destruction, or loss resulting from theft, fire, storm and other hazards and casualties are the sole responsibility of the tenant and Matchbox/Ownership has no liability for this loss.
Do you accept animals?
We accept animals on a case by case basis as determined by the owner of the property (many of our communities do NOT accept animals). If animals are allowed, all animals must be listed in the Animal Addendum. Each tenant in the dwelling unit must agree that the animal may be on the premises before Animal Addendum is signed.
All animals must be registered and immunized in accordance with local ordinances. No animals can be tied on the property. Before falling in love with an animal at a shelter, check with your Property Manager—there are weight limits and Matchbox has a limit on the number of animals per home. Remember that having an animal is a privilege and not a right, unless required by law.
What are the deposit/fees/rent if an animal is approved by Matchbox?
If your animal is approved to live in a property managed by Matchbox, you will be expected to pay a one-time, non-refundable animal fee, an additional animal deposit, and monthly animal rent. All of these fees are applicable per animal. Any damage caused by the animal is the responsibility of the resident(s).
Average costs are: the non-refundable fee of at least $200; animal deposit of at least $200; monthly animal rent of $35-$50 (depending on the size of the animal).
How do I turn on utilities?
The resident is responsible for placing all utilities in their name and pay all utility bills due for services to the premises for which resident is responsible (unless otherwise agreed to in the lease). In order to establish what utilities you are responsible for, please review Page 1 of your lease and check the property page on our website. On the website, you will find a Utilities tab under Property Details that lists the contact information for each utility. If you have any questions regarding utilities, please reach out to your Portfolio Manager.
It is a requirement that utilities be on for the entirety of the lease. They must not be turned off, even if you move out early. At the termination of the lease, the resident is responsible for having all utilities services disconnected.
If you are a JMU student connecting utilities between April 1-July 31, we recommend contacting JMU’s Utility Deposit Assistance Program PRIOR to contacting utility companies. This is a non-renewing contract that must renew every year, even if you do not change location.
Most utility providers will only put an account in one person’s name. Please work this out with your roommates.
How can I pay rent to Matchbox Realty after I move in?
Once your account is created you can login to your account and make an electronic payment online or you can mail your checks/money orders to:
MATCHBOX REALTY
PO BOX 222312
CHANTILLY, VA 20153-2312
For more detailed instructions, please see Making Payments.