FAQs
most frequent questions and answers
Questions Regarding the Application Process
How do I know if the apartment I want is available?
Although we make every attempt to keep availability information updated in near real-time, applications can be submitted at any time, and availability status can change quickly. Applications for apartment homes will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to the availability of the apartment and apartment type requested.
Who should complete the Rental Application?
An Application for Residency must be completed and maintained for each person 18 years of age or older who will be living in the apartment and/or is on the lease agreement. Applicants sharing joint credit may put all information on one application. A separate application will be needed from anyone guaranteeing the lease obligation.
What forms of identification will I need to provide?
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003, also known as The FACT Act or FACTA, was designed to prevent, detect and mitigate identity theft. Each applicant is required to provide a copy of a valid driver’s license, passport, or other acceptable government-issued identification in person prior to taking occupancy of the premises in order to comply with the requirements of The FACT Act. Note that the identification presented at move-in must match the identification presented with the Rental Application.
Does my roommate need to complete an application, too?
Each person must complete an application and will jointly qualify for the apartment. Each roommate is fully responsible for the entire rental payment, and each must execute the Residential Rental Agreement (Lease) and its supporting documents.
How does Cynthia Gardens determine whether or not they accept my application?
Cynthia Gardens Resident Selection Criteria includes: (1) criminal history, (2) previous rental history, (3) current income, (4) credit history, and (5) employment verification. This information is verified by a third-party screening company. See Statement of Rental Policy for more details.
Criminal History
Felony, conviction, any terrorist related conviction, any illegal drug related misdemeanor conviction involving crime against persons or property, any of the prior mentioned charges resulting in “Adjudication Withheld” and/ or “Deferred Adjudication” and active status on probation or parole resulting from any other prior mention reasons will result in a denial of an Application for Residency.
Previous Rental History
Up to 12 months of rental or housing history may be verified on present and previous residences. For applicants who are homeowners, permission must be granted to verify payment history with the bank or lending institution.
Current Income
Generally, applicants must have income of two and half times the gross monthly rental payment as a minimum for approval. (This ratio may be changed without notice.) No maximum income restrictions.
For applicants who have a source of income other than, or in addition to, employment (e.g., alimony, child support, dividends, interest, military housing allowance, retirement income, social security, disability, etc.), satisfactory original documentation/verification of the applicant’s alternate source(s) of income will be required.
Credit History
An unsatisfactory credit report—one that reflects bad debts, late payments or unpaid bills, liens, judgments or bankruptcies—can disqualify an applicant. If rejected for poor credit history, the applicant will be given the contact information for the credit reporting agency (but not the content of the report). Applicants are encouraged to obtain a copy of the credit report from the credit agency, correct any erroneous information that may be on the report, and resubmit the application.
Employment Verification
A stable employment record and/or employment verification will be required. Acceptable employment verification may include: for employed or prospectively employed applicants, a pay stub, offer letter, recent W-2 form; for self-employed applicants, a copy of the most recent tax return or certified verification from his/her company accountant or bank.
Questions Regarding Payment
What forms of payment does Cynthia Gardens accept?
Cynthia Gardens accepts personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, ACH transfers, and wire transfers (additional $15 fee for wire transfers). Please remember to put your name and apartment number in the memo section of the check or money order.
In addition to your monthly rent, you would need to pay for your electric, internet and cable television. Cynthia Gardens does pay for water, trash, sewer and pest control.
What fees or deposits are required to reserve an apartment?
A $75.00 non-refundable Application Fee per “applicant” over 18 years old and/or $75 per guarantor, $200 non-refundable Administration Fee, and $690 Application Deposit (may or may not be refundable).
Fees to Apply: Application Fee and Administrative Fee
$75.00 Non-Refundable Application Fee per “applicant” over 18 years old and/ or $75 per guarantor and $200 Administrative Fee. Application fees are non-refundable and paid by each “applicant” for verification of their information. The Non-Refundable Administration Fee is required to offset expenses incurred by management.
Fees to Reserve an Apartment Until Move-In: Application Deposit
$690 Application Deposit
Upon execution of your lease, your Application Deposit becomes your Security Deposit. If the application is approved, and the applicant fails to occupy the premises on the agreed upon date, except for delays caused by the holding over of a prior resident, management will retain the Application Deposit after a 24-hour time period. If you qualify for a lower $99 Security Deposit the balance of the Application Deposit will be applied to your 1st month’s rent. An additional Security Deposit may be required as a condition of approval of your application. The Security Deposit is refundable and is held as security for the fulfillment of the conditions of the Lease Agreement.
Upon investigation and verification of the information provided, Screening Services will provide a recommendation regarding an approval or denial of residency. In the event that a majority, but not all, of the requirements above are met, an approval conditioned upon one of the following may be made:
-Additional Security Deposit
-Qualified Guarantor
Other One-time Fees
Other One–time fees may include, but are not limited to: Non-Refundable Pet Fee. (Pet policy is 2 cats maximum. $500 1st cat, $300 2nd cat).
Questions Regarding Move-In
You will need to set up the electric for your new apartment home in your name, effective for your move-in date. Proof will be required prior to move-in. FPL 1-800-226-3545.
How do I schedule my move-in date?
Please contact the management office as soon as possible after your lease signing to schedule your move. The move-in date is subject to manager approval and may not be permitted on major holidays or Sundays. On move-in day, please be sure to allow time to perform the move-in inspection so that you can document any pre-existing damages not already noted.
Questions Regarding Cynthia Gardens Resident Policies
Because Cynthia Gardens has entered a lease with you having approved your application, you are not allowed to sublet your apartment.
Can my roommate and I split the cost of rent?
Yes. Please remember to put your name and apartment number in the memo section of the check.
Can I transfer to a different apartment before my lease is up?
You can transfer to another apartment without incurring the full cost of breaking a lease. Transfers are subject to the approval of the property manager, and require a 30-day written notice, payment of a transfer fee of $500, as well as the cost of any fees for the new apartment. Other terms and conditions may apply, so ask your leasing consultant or property manager for details.
I need to break my lease. How can I do that?
The terms for early termination can be found in your lease agreement.
Why does Cynthia Garden limit the number of residents and vehicles allowed in an apartment?
By reasonably limiting the number of occupants in our apartments, our residents have sufficient space to enjoy their homes and to park their vehicles. There is a maximum of 2 vehicles per apartment. All recreational and commercial vehicles are prohibited. This also helps maintain a level of quality our residents expect and deserve.
Number of people who occupy the unit cannot exceed 2 persons per bedroom plus a child who is less than 24 months old. For the purpose of this occupancy policy, a family shall consist of the following: one or more individuals who have not attained the age of 18 years being domiciled with (1) a parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (2) the designee of such parent or other person having written permission of such parent or person. The term “family” shall also apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. Our policy is to conform to local and state requirements to the extent that they require a different standard than stated here.
All occupants 18 years of age or older must complete the application process and, after approval, execute the lease.