Residential FAQs

Each future tenant must complete a separate rental application. There is a separate non-refundable application fee for each application submitted. The only exception is that minors who will live with their parent or legal guardian do not need to complete an application. Instead, minors can be listed on the parent or guardian’s application.

After reviewing your application, we may request that a qualified co-signer or guarantor complete an application and sign the lease. A separate application fee will need to be submitted for each co-signer.

Co-signers will complete the same online application. At the beginning of the application there will be a place to identify that you are applying as a co-signer/guarantor for another applicant. You will then be asked to provide that applicant’s name. As with all other residential applications, there is a $30 non-refundable application fee with each co-signer application that is submitted.

The provided utilities and extras vary with each property. Some properties may have free off-street parking, some may have free high-speed internet, and some may include water or even electricity. You should review the listing details to see what utilities and/or extras are included with each specific property.

Generally, in apartments most utilities are included such as water/sewer, garbage, either gas or electricity, and sometimes internet. In houses, townhouses, and duplexes, typically the tenant is responsible for all utilities.

The majority of our residential properties are “pet friendly,” but prior approval is required. This means you must request and complete a “pet addendum” which provides the standards and regulations you will be expected to follow by having an approved pet in your rental property. Without prior approval, you would be in violation of the terms of the lease, and you could face significant service fees and even potential eviction.

Each listing should state whether cats or dogs (either large or small) are permitted in that particular property. For other animal types you should contact us to check. Currently, we do not have restrictions on animal breeds, but tenants are required to ensure pets are safe, will not destroy property, and will not disturb others.

Current tenants can let us know about new pets by completing an online form.

For approved pets there is a monthly “pet rent” and a “pet deposit.” Currently, the pet rent is a flat rate of $50 per month for one pet and $70 per month for two pets. The pet deposit is a $250 deposit that is added to your security deposit and may be refunded in the same manner.

As explained in more detail below, we do not assess any pet rent, pet deposits, or any other fees for an approved assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability. 

It is RentAmes Property Management’s policy to comply with federal, state, and local law by permitting an assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability. In those circumstances, our ordinary “pet” policies do not apply, and we will not charge any extra deposits or fees. For more information, please see our Assistance Animal Policy. You can make requests for any reasonable accommodation (including for a service animal or assistance animal) at any time by completing an online form. If you need assistance with the form, or you wish to make your request orally, you can call our office.

As explained in our Assistance Animal Policy, if you are requested to provide a statement from a healthcare professional supporting your need for an assistance animal, you can use the form at this link which has been prepared by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for this purpose. If you contact us by phone or email, we will provide a printed copy of the form at no cost. If you have specific questions or concerns about an assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability, please contact us.

Please be warned that it is illegal, under Iowa Code chapter 216C, to intentionally misrepresent an animal as a service animal or a service-animal-in-training.

We do not currently have any properties that participate in Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Each rental application we receive is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We are unable to give opinions on whether an application may be approved or denied until we are able to see the entire application and any supporting information and details.

Our application process includes a routine criminal history, rental history, and credit check. Applicants should be upfront and honest when completing their application. Dishonesty or concealment may be grounds for summary denial of an application.