10 Things to Know Before Signing a Lease

Victoria Earle • May 21, 2018
Sign Lease

1. What are the lease terms?

Before renting you should always find out the lease terms and how to end your lease should your plans change. At Wessex we offer 12 month leases, with the option to sublease if needed.

2. What is the security deposit and is it refundable?

There are countless ways communities handle the security deposit so always be sure to check on this prior to move in! At Wessex the security deposit is equal to your rent amount, and is 100% refundable at the end of your lease providing your unit is left in the same condition you found it.

3. What is the pet policy?

If you have pets you know renting an apartment where they are welcome is a must. Be sure to always check with the landlord or manager before moving in to prevent any problems. Here at Wessex we welcome cats and all service animals.

4. What is the guest policy?

Some communities will require you notify them if you plan to have guests, especially overnight. Wessex makes it easy for you by not requiring a notification, we welcome all guests!

5. What utilities are included in rent?

When comparing rent prices, you must also consider what utilities are included with rent. A more expensive community with all utilities paid could save you money! At Wessex you will only pay for electricity in apartments, or gas and electricity in a townhome. We will take care of the all the water, sewer, and trash costs!

6. Is there assigned parking?

Having assigned parking could be an inconvenience if you have multiple vehicles or want to bring guests over. Luckily, Wessex has open parking and plenty of spaces for everyone!

7. How do you take care of repairs?

Nothing is worse than waiting days on end for things to be repaired. Wessex offers 24 hour maintenance services and responds to most requests same-day! Submit your requests by phone, email, or online!

8. How do I pay rent?

Always ask how you will pay your rent before signing a lease. Most communities do not accept cash, and it can be easy to forget to drop off your rent check. We understand your life is busy so at Wessex we offer the option to pay by check, or online!

9. What are the community amenities?

Amenities can add a lot of value to your apartment and are important to consider when taking the rent price into consideration! At no additional fee, Wessex offers you a garage, 24 hour fitness center, heated pool, tennis and pickleball court, basketball court, community garden plots, and clubhouse room reservations!

10. How secure is the property?

Feeling safe at home is a priority so it is always important to check this before signing a lease! Wessex is a gated community, allowing only residents access to the community after business hours. In addition, the apartment building entry doors are locked at all times to ensure security for all residents.

Maintenance Organization

By Victoria Earle • May 22, 2018
The Wessex Maintenance Team has been working hard all winter to organize the shop. Now, every item has its own spot with a bin, label, and tag. This makes it easy to re-order parts we need often because all we have to do is scan the barcode and the package will be on the way! Every tool has a shadow box sticker behind it to make it easy to identify where they all belong. At the end of every day, each tool and piece is back in its own container or spot and is easy to find for tomorrow. Ultimately, this allows us to locate all the tools and parts needed to quickly complete all maintenance requests! Check out our before and after photos below!

How to Clean for your Move Out Inspection

By Victoria Earle • May 21, 2018
Moving into a new apartment is an exciting process, but remember the obligations you still have to your old landlord. To get your full security deposit back it is expected that not only will your apartment be damage-free, it will also need to be thoroughly cleaned. Ask your property manager for a checklist of cleaning items to ensure you don’t forget anything! Where to Start: After moving out all of your belongings the best place to start your cleaning is up high, like your ceiling fan blades and on top of your cupboards. If you start with the flooring you will have to clean it again after the dust from everything else falls back onto it. What’s on the List: Items you wouldn’t normally think to clean will be inspected upon your move out, so don’t forget to touch up the walls, baseboards, blinds, cabinets, and inside all your appliances on top of your everyday cleaning checklist. What if I don’t clean? Not only will you be losing your security deposit, you may have trouble renting somewhere else! Landlords and property managers often ask for a referral from your previous place of residency. Carpet cleaning: Your lease does not require you to have your carpets professionally cleaned, however it is highly recommended! If you do this it will not be questionable whether or not you have thoroughly cleaned it, and it’ll be in great condition for the next tenant, just like you would want it for yourself. Following these small tips as well as checking off everything on your cleaning list is a great way to get your full deposit back!

Decorate your Balcony

By Victoria Earle • May 21, 2018
Get an outdoor rug, this can add color to your balcony and make it homier, while also making it more comfortable for you. Add lights! Hanging lights outside will bring a nice, warm atmosphere for you and your guests. Plants are the perfect decoration for a balcony. You can have over-the-rail planters, hanging plants, or even large potted ones! Add decorative pillows to your furniture. Weather-proof pillows can be found at many stores now, so add one of those or some cushions to your furniture to add some decoration!

How to Decorate for Spring

By Victoria Earle • May 21, 2018
1. Add a touch of color Adding decorative pillows to your couch and chairs can be a great way to add a bit of color without spending too much. You can also replace your throw blankets and wall art with something more colorful! Set your fruit out on your countertop in a nice bowl to bring Spring into the kitchen. Rugs can also be a great touch throughout your home! 2. Bring in some air-cleansing plants Garden Mum was rated by NASA as the top air-purifying plant! It removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air! Spider Plant came in second, and they are one of the easiest houseplants to grow! They remove formaldehyde and xylene, and love lots of bright, indirect sunlight. Dracaena is the 3rd best plant to clean the air in your apartment, and there are over 40 different kinds of this plant, so you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for your home! They remove pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, but pet lovers beware! These plants are toxic to both cats and dogs when eaten. 3. Rearrange your furniture You get used to the way your furniture is arranged and it can get boring! Rearrange your living room and bedroom for Spring and add new candles or scents to freshen it up! This is also a great way to declutter your home while having fun.

New Gym Equipment

By Appfolio Websites • May 21, 2018
The Wessex gym has new equipment! In addition to the dumbells, treadmills, elliptical, squat rack, and bike already in the gym – we now have a brand new functional trainer, stability balls, medicine balls, a new bench, and TRX bands! Before the gym was packed full of equipment making it very hard to do yoga and other bodyweight exercises. There is now space to do bodyweight and mat exercises, as well as use the stability and medicine balls in front of the windows. We also have space for everyone to spread out while using the bench or the dumbbells behind the treadmills. Adding the functional trainer to the gym allowed us to make extra room, while also providing endless opportunity for new exercises. Functional trainers can be used to work about every muscle group, including: chest, shoulders, back, triceps, biceps, abdominals, legs, and calves. Posted on the functional trainer are some simple pictures of how to do different exercises. You can also do a google search with functional trainer followed by what muscle group you’re interested in for other exercise ideas. The gym and steam room are both accessible to any Wessex resident 24 hours a day by using your key fob to enter the northeast door of the clubhouse.