Transitioning from on-campus housing to an apartment is an exciting step for students, and it often leaves parents with questions about what the process looks like. From rent schedules to maintenance and lease expectations, there’s a lot to understand, and our team is here to make that transition easier for everyone. At Jackson Properties, we take pride in offering clear communication and stress-free leasing for our tenants and their families. This leasing guide walks parents through everything included in a Jackson Properties lease agreement. Whether you’re nearby or supporting your student from afar, we are here to make student living simple and stress-free!
Get in Touch With a Leasing Agent
At Jackson Properties, transparency is a top priority for us. We want families to feel confident and informed from the very beginning. Before signing a lease, we encourage families to connect with our team, explore our neighborhoods, and learn more about the options that fit your student’s lifestyle. Whether you’re looking near FSU, TSC, or FAMU, our leasing agents are available to help you compare locations, schedule a tour, and answer any questions along the way. We offer a variety of student-friendly neighborhoods, including:
- Campus Circle
- Campus Villas
- Continental Avenue
- Green Briar
- Stadium Houses
- University Center
You can browse each community on our Neighborhoods page to get a closer look at amenities, layouts, and nearby conveniences. If you need help narrowing down your options, please feel free to stop by our office at 1341 Jackson Bluff Road or call us at (850) 894-7368.
The Lease at a Glance
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect as you and your student get ready to sign a lease. We’ve outlined the essentials you’ll want to know to help keep the process smooth and clear. The full lease is always available on our Leasing Documents page so you and your student can review it at your convenience. Parents will also receive a separate guarantor form as part of the process. Our leasing agents are always happy to review and go over any details or questions you may have!
Application & Administrative Fees
- Application fee – A $100 standard, non-refundable fee ensures each application is properly processed.
- Administrative fee – A $425 one-time, non-refundable fee covers lease setup, document processing, and other behind-the-scenes steps to make sure move-in is smooth and efficient.
Fees are also sometimes waived during promotions, so be sure to keep up with our socials on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date!
First Month’s Rent & Rent Schedule
The first month’s rent is due before move-in, even if your student arrives after their roommates. This keeps the home ready and prevents delays on move-in day. To keep things fair, all tenants must pay their portion before anyone in the unit can receive a key.
The rent schedule is as follows:
- Rent is due on the 15th of each month (unless otherwise noted in the lease).
- Rent not paid by the 15th results in a $95 late fee, followed by $4 per day until it’s paid. This deadline and fee ensure timely payments so billing remains fair across all tenants.
We encourage students to set up automatic payments in the tenant portal to avoid late fees. The app is RMResident, and the company code is “jackson.” Your student can reach out to a leasing agent who would be happy to give them their personal ID number.
Cleaning Fee
At the end of the lease, each tenant pays a $450 non-refundable cleaning fee that covers deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, and paint touch-ups. This fee does not remove the tenant’s responsibility to clean the unit during move-out, but simply covers professional deep cleaning and restoration.
Early Move-In
Early move-ins may be available if the home is vacant, cleaned, and all scheduled maintenance is completed, but they aren’t guaranteed. To avoid scheduling conflicts, all roommates must agree to the early move-in date. To keep the process smooth, students must pay rent and fees before receiving keys, and early arrivals require written approval plus prorated rent for the extra days. We are always happy to walk you through the details and help you find the best option for your student.
Maintenance and Tenant Responsibilities
At Jackson Properties, we believe maintenance should be simple and stress-free for students and parents. We view it as a partnership between students and our team to ensure every home is clean, safe, and comfortable.
What Your Student Is Responsible For:
- Maintain basic upkeep of the home, such as cleaning and organization
- Report issues promptly to prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones
- Take care to avoid accidental damage, like holes in walls or glass in the garbage disposal, since tenants are billed for these repairs
These habits help your student maintain a healthy and functioning living environment.
What Jackson Properties Takes Care of:
- Repairs related to normal wear and tear inside the home
- Routine lawn care maintenance to keep the property exterior well-maintained
- Regular pest control services to help prevent common Florida pests
Our goal is to handle the heavy lifting so your student can focus on school, work, or just enjoying their home to the fullest!
Submitting Maintenance Requests:
Students should submit all maintenance requests through the RMResident app, which we recommend downloading right away. We handle requests on a first-come, first-served basis to keep things fair across all homes. After a request is submitted, our team can access the home until the repair is done, which helps us work quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to make sure your student always gets the help they need and that their home runs smoothly.
Helping Your Student Succeed as a Tenant
At Jackson Properties, we want every student to feel safe and supported in their home. Our community guidelines protect tenant well-being, reduce maintenance issues, and help ensure a worry-free living experience.
Helpful Reminders:
- We rent properties as-is and prepare them to our management standards before your student moves in.
- AC units must always be set to “auto” to keep air flowing properly – especially in Florida’s climate.
- If your student will be away for a while, please remind them to keep the utilities and AC on to help prevent mold or HVAC issues.
Community Guidelines That Keep Everyone Safe & Comfortable:
These guidelines are in place to protect your student, their home, and their roommates. College living can be busy and unpredictable, but these rules help prevent avoidable damage, reduce safety risks, and keep every home secure and well-maintained. In turn, our goal is to create an environment where your student can focus on school and enjoy their space while being confident knowing they’re living in a responsibly managed community. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
- No Animals Allowed – We love animals, but keeping our homes pet-free helps maintain clean, allergy-friendly spaces and prevents unexpected damage for tenants. We have a zero-tolerance policy for animals found in units (including fostering or pet-sitting), and the first violation will result in a fee, with further violations resulting in possible eviction. Fee: $1,000
- No Parking on the Grass (Stadium Houses) – Parking on the grass can damage the lawn and underground irrigation. Our homes offer driveway and street parking, so your student always has a convenient place to park. Fee for parking on the grass: $75 (split among all tenants after one warning)
- Lost Keys & Unauthorized Lock Changes – For your student’s safety, all key replacements and lock changes must be made through our team. This keeps the home secure and ensures we always know who has access. Fee: $125
- No Open Burning – To keep everyone safe and follow local guidelines, built-in or in-ground fire pits are not allowed. Above-ground firepits are okay when used at a safe distance from the home. Fee: $750
- No Roof Access – We want to prevent injuries and protect the home from damage, so students should not climb onto the roof, no matter how tempting. Fee: $1,000
If you need help understanding or explaining our guidelines, we’re always here to support you. We work hard to make your family’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Why You Should Invest in Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance protects your student’s belongings from theft or natural disasters. It isn’t required, but we strongly encourage it so your student stays covered if anything is lost or stolen. Additionally, since Jackson Properties does not cover personal property, we recommend looking into a policy that fits your student’s needs. For extra information, check out our blog about The Benefits of Renter’s Insurance!
Stay Connected With Our Team
Leasing can feel like a big step, especially if you’re helping your student from afar. Jackson Properties is here to support you every step of the way, and for full transparency, we recommend reviewing the Leasing Documents page on our website, which is available at any time at no cost for your convenience. Parents appreciate perks like free parking, a convenient location near major universities, and the peace of mind that their student is living in a private, well-maintained home.
We hope this helps clarify the expectations placed on your student while renting with us. If you need clarity or peace of mind, stop by our office at 1341 Jackson Bluff Rd or call us at (850) 894-7368. We’re here to keep you informed and ensure your student has a safe, comfortable living experience!
