FAQ

First, you want to find the unit you are most interested in on our Availability page and fill out the application. We will then start the approval process, which includes a credit, criminal, income and rental history check. Once approved, payment of the security deposit will secure the apartment for you. Once we receive the security deposit, we will send you the lease to sign. 

Majority of our leases run from August 1st until the end of July, therefore, 12-month leases only. However, other lease terms may apply for Sublease (Transfer of Liability) units.  

Due to our community being professional, non-undergrad, our renewal season typically takes place later than the most of Ames. Our availability is typically known the end of February/early March of every year. 

You can be placed on our waitlist for the August time period and/or before by contacting our office at 515-292-0376.

Residents are allowed up to 2 cats only. There is a non-refundable fee of $300 and an additional $30 pet rent per month for 1 or $40 for 2. All pets must be neutered or spayed and be up to date on their vaccinations, with proof in our office prior to move-in.

There are no visiting pets allowed.

All of our units feature water, sewer, trash removal, lawn care, snow removal and internet included. 

Residents are responsbile for electric only in an apartment style layout and electric and gas in a townhome style layout. 

We are a non-undergrad professional community. We are also the only professional, gated entranced community in the Ames area. 

We also offer an abundance of amenities such as, a fully equipped pond, heated pool (seasonal), tennis/pickleball court, 24 Hour Fitness Center with a Steam Room and a 16-plot community garden. 

Each of our units are unique in their own way and include different features. With a multitude of floorplan options, you're sure to find your perfect fit. 

For more in depth information on our layouts and what is available within them, please visit our Floor Plans page. 

Smoking is not permitted in any apartment or townhome. This includes, but is not limited to: common hallways, decks, patios, laundry rooms and garages. 

Residents and their guests must be a minimum of 20 feet away from any structure and dispose of all smoking material in the appropriate containers. 

Our team works hard to respond to maintenance requests in a timely manner, but emergencies warrant an immediate help. An emergency entails:

• No heat during the Winter (under 68 degrees)
• No A/C during the Summer (Over 70 degrees)
• No hot water
• Drains backing-up and causing water leakage
• No power (excluding power outages)
• Locked out of unit, building or community (there will be a charge to the resident)
• Toilet is not working (if you only have one toilet)

Per the lease, there are no break-lease or buy-out options. However, there are  2 “Subleasing” (Transfer of Liability) Options that we offer. First, you can choose an option to utilize Wessex as your leasing agent. We will market the unit and schedule showings on your behalf, which will be a $250 Subleasing Fee at the time of move-out. The second option is for you to act as your own agent, and that will come with a $100 Admin Fee at the time of move-out.

If you wish to Sublease your unit, contact the office prior to submitting your Sublease Agreement form for further instructions!

The Community Garden is located in the most Southwestern part of the community.

There are 10 trash receptacles located through-out the community. For their locations and to see which one is nearest you, it is best to look at the Community Map located within the Resident Manual provided at the time of move-in. Otherwise, under the Forms section of the website. 

Trash is removed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Residents are responsible for ensuring all disposable trash is placed within the receptacles and not left outside of the enclosures.