Frequently Asked Questions

Symmes Apartments follows occupancy limits that comply with HUD guidelines and local housing code. In general, the policy allows:

– Two persons per bedroom

This helps ensure resident comfort and safety.

Any exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis if required by law or based on verified familial status, in compliance with Fair Housing standards.

To qualify, each applicant must demonstrate a gross monthly income equal to at least three (3) times the monthly rent.

Combined income may only be used if the applicants are married or are legal members of the same household. Otherwise, each applicant must independently meet the income requirement.

To verify income, applicants must submit consecutive paystubs that match their employer’s pay cycle (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). If paystubs are unavailable or incomplete, other documentation may be accepted, including:
– An official offer letter or letter of employment
– A recent tax return
– Three months of bank statements

Screenshots are not accepted as documentation to verify income. All uploaded documents must be legible, complete, and formatted as official PDFs, scans, or clear image files.

Incomplete or unverifiable income will delay processing or result in disqualification.

Yes. A credit screening is required for every adult applicant. We evaluate your credit history using a credit bureau report to assess financial responsibility, including:
– Payment patterns
– Outstanding debts
– Judgments or collections related to rental housing (e.g., unpaid rent, broken leases, or damage fees)

Applications may be declined for open bankruptcies, serious delinquencies, or rental-related debts that remain unresolved.

Credit evaluations are specific to each applicant. While we outline common concerns, not all reasons for denial can be listed in advance.

Rental applications may be denied for a variety of reasons disclosed in credit reports, background checks and rental / employment verifications. Common examples include:
– Incomplete application or missing documentation
– Gross monthly income less than 3x rent
– Negative or unverifiable rental history
– Past evictions, broken leases, or unpaid housing-related debt
– Unsatisfactory credit report
– Falsified or misleading information
– Disqualifying criminal background results

This list includes typical reasons for denial but is not exhaustive. Each application is evaluated individually, and denial decisions are based on the full set of screening criteria. Not all possible factors can be listed in advance.

Co-signers are not accepted as part of the standard application process. Each applicant must submit a complete application and independently meet all income, credit, and screening requirements.

In some cases, a co-signer may be considered at the Owner’s discretion — but only after the application has been fully processed and declined. If permitted, additional documentation will be required. Approval is not guaranteed.

To ask a question about our co-signer policy or your application status, please contact the leasing office. We’re here to help guide you through the process.

The standard security deposit at Symmes Apartments is equal to one month’s rent. The exact deposit amount for each available apartment is listed on Check current rental availability and required deposit.

In some cases, an additional deposit may be required after the application is fully processed. This is infrequent and used to address specific concerns — such as borderline credit or limited rental history — that might otherwise result in denial.

The decision to require an additional deposit is made at the Owner’s sole discretion. An additional deposit equal to one month’s rent is typical, though the amount may vary based on individual circumstances.

It depends on the stage of the rental process:

During the Application Process:
– If your application is approved and you enter into a lease, the deposit becomes your security deposit.
– If you are approved but fail to sign a lease, withdraw your application, or submit false/incomplete information, the deposit will be forfeited in full.
– If your application is not approved and all submitted information is true and complete, the deposit will be refunded.

⚠️ Deposits paid by debit or credit card may result in refund delays of up to 120 days.

After Becoming a Resident:
Once your lease is signed, the deposit becomes your resident security deposit. It is refundable at the end of the lease if:
– All lease terms are fulfilled
– There is no damage beyond normal wear and tear
– No unpaid rent or outstanding charges remain

Refunds are issued in accordance with Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law.

A: All residents at Symmes—both apartment and townhome—pay a monthly Utility Bundle charge. This fee helps cover essential utility services, but what it includes depends on your unit type:

Apartments: The Utility Bundle includes water, sewer, and trash service.

Townhomes: The Utility Bundle includes sewer and trash service only. Water is billed separately through Fairfield Public Utilities, and residents are required to set up that account in their own name before moving in.

The exact Utility Bundle amount is listed in your Lease Summary under Monthly Charges.

Symmes Apartments does not currently offer short-term leases. The standard lease term is 12 months. All new residents are expected to commit to the full term of the lease.

If shorter lease options become available under special circumstances, they will be offered at management’s discretion and discussed during the application or renewal process.