Frequently Asked Questions
I. Neighborhood/Area
II. Rent/Utilities
III. Services/Amenities
IV. Houses
V. Becoming a Renter
I. Neighborhood/Area
Are houses close to public transportation?
Houses are all located within walking distance of Five Points (Lumpkin St. bus stop). There is a bus stop located on the corner of Lumpkin and Westview, close to 1926 and 1909 South Lumpkin St, as well as a bus stop on the corner of Lumpkin and West Lake, across from 1997 South Lumpkin St. Please look at our Map to get an idea of rental locations.
What should I know about the Five Points Neighborhood?
The city of Athens enforces ordinances related to rental property (zoning, noise, trash, cars parked on lawns, number of people living in a house, etc.). The Five Points Neighborhood Association also strictly enforces the many different ordinances of Clarke County. All of our houses are located in or near single-family neighborhoods. We ask that all of our tenants respect the other homeowners in the neighborhood. No kegs/house parties are permitted.
II. Rent/Utilities
How much will utility bills cost?
It is a good idea to ask current tenants questions concerning average utility bills. We do not keep a record of the different utilities at each house. Remember that different utilities are seasonal and can fluctuate due to lifestyle. Water, power, cable and internet, and gas are the utilities to ask about. Note that some houses are totally electric and will not use gas. All houses have electric hot water heaters.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the first day of the month and is late when received after the third day. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are NOT exempt. For a list of rental rates for each house, please visit our Rates page.
III. Services/Amenities
Do you provide lawn care?
We provide lawn care between April 1 and October 31 (cutting grass, etc.).
Will the houses be re-keyed before I move in?
All houses are re-keyed between tenants, and no workmen or repairmen are ever given keys.
What type of hot water heater do your houses have?
All houses have electric hot water heaters.
If I have gas heating, when do I need to turn it on?
Gas must be turned on no later than October 10th. We like to have all furnaces checked yearly. If service is not established by the 10th, you will be charged a $65.00 fee.
What appliances and services do you provide?
Please look over our Services/Amenities page for a full list.
What appliances and services do you NOT provide?
Please look over our Services/Amenities page for a full list.
IV. Houses
Do your houses have different floor plans?
All houses are very different - not like apartments with identical floor plans. Not all houses have equal bedroom sizes. Some tenants decide among themselves to pay different amounts, as long as the amounts equal the total house rent.
Can I have pets?
Please, no pets.
Can we paint our rooms?
Yes, however, all rooms need to be painted back to the original color (please ask me for details). This is so it will match the paint that we use on all walls at our houses. Rooms must be painted back to their original color by our painter at the expense of the tenant.
Can my group share rooms if we do not violate the zoning laws?
Yes; however, there is a $100.00 increase in the total rent due for doing so.
What is considered “related” according to the zoning laws?
"Related" means sisters, brothers, or first cousins. Second cousins and beyond do not qualify under the Clarke County Zoning Laws.
V. Becoming a Renter
When do leases begin and end?
Leases begin the 3rd week of May and run through mid-May of the following year (after UGA graduation and usually Mother's Day weekend). All leases are for one year.
When can I tour the houses?
Please contact us at (470) 642-8475 for more information.
What do I need to do to rent?
Please visit our Procedures page for a list of renting to-dos.
Can we sublease?
Yes, but we would like at least one person from the original lease to be at the house during the sub-lease term. Also, there is a $100.00 sub-lease fee per person.