The Resident Handbook - User contributions [en]

File:Sample Lease.pdf

2026-09-10T22:28:50Z

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File:Sample Lease.pdf

2026-09-10T22:27:19Z

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File:Sample Lease.pdf

2026-09-10T22:24:22Z

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File:Sample Lease.pdf

2026-09-10T22:23:44Z

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Applying

2026-09-09T22:04:53Z

Mherman: /* Ready to Rent? */

== Ready to Rent? ==

To apply for a Downtownian.com apartment, use the link on the listing or email [mailto:leasing@downtownian.com leasing@downtownian.com] to request an application. You can review a [[Media:Sample_Lease.pdf|sample lease agreement]] before you apply, and if you have a pet, take a look at our [[Pets]] policy first.

== The Application Process ==

We review every application in two stages, so you always know where you stand before anything is charged.

*'''Stage one — initial review.''' We look at your income and your rental history. There's no charge for this step.
*'''Stage two — conditional approval and background check.''' If your income and rental history meet our standard, we'll notify you that you're conditionally approved, pending a background check covering credit, criminal history, and landlord verification. Only once you accept the conditional approval do we run the background check and charge the application fee.

We don't ask about or check credit or criminal history until after a conditional approval has been offered. See [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below for the full criminal history screening process.

Complete, accurate applications are processed much faster than incomplete ones. Background check turnaround typically takes one to three business days, though it can occasionally take longer than two weeks.

== The Application Form ==

Applications are completed through our secure online application form. We do not offer a paper application. All personal information on the application must be completed in full, and the application must be electronically signed.

As part of the application, you'll upload:

* A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport)
* Your most recent pay stub showing your year-to-date income, or the other income documentation described below

Each applicant, and each cosigner, completes and signs a separate application.

== Income Requirements ==

To qualify, your gross monthly income generally needs to be at least three times the monthly rent.

Acceptable proof of income includes:

* A pay stub showing at least six months of year-to-date earnings, '''or'''
* Six months of bank statements showing reliable income
* In limited cases we may accept tax returns as proof of income

If your income comes from a source other than a paycheck - Social Security, disability, or a pension - that documentation is accepted the same way.

All landlords in Maryland are required by law to accept income-based subsidies. If you're applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy, the income requirement works differently for you - see [[#Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy|Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy]] below.

If income is the only part of your application that falls short, ask us about applying with a cosigner instead of being turned down outright. See [[#Using a Cosigner|Using a Cosigner]].

== Rental History Requirements ==

We ask every applicant for at least five years of rental history, along with contact information for at least one landlord from that period. This can be a single landlord if you've lived in the same place for five years, or more than one if you've moved during that time.

We verify this information as part of the background check described below.

== Landlord References ==

As part of your background check, we contact the landlord(s) you list on your application to verify your rental history - your payment record, any lease violations, and whether proper notice was given when you moved out.

To help this go smoothly:

* Give us accurate, current contact information for each landlord you list
* Let your landlord know ahead of time that we'll be reaching out, so they recognize our call or email

''We cannot continue with your application until we obtain a reference from your previous landlord(s).'' Because of this, it's in your interest to make sure the contact information you provide is correct and that your landlord knows to expect us.

== Using a Cosigner ==

If your income or rental history doesn't quite meet our requirement but the rest of your application looks good, you may be able to apply with a cosigner (also called a guarantor) instead of being denied.

To qualify, a cosigner needs to:

* Earn a gross income of least four times the monthly rent, and
* Have excellent credit

A cosigner submits their own application before we run your background check, so we can take a preliminary look before anyone is charged a fee. If the cosigner qualifies, both you and the cosigner move forward to the background check together. A cosigner's credit and income are reviewed as part of this process; their criminal history is not considered. A cosigner also needs to pay an application fee.

If your household has more than one tenant, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own cosigner: a cosigner is responsible for the entire lease, not just one tenant's share, so a cosigner covering for a roommate without one of their own is on the hook for the whole household. See [[Lease Guarantors|Cosigners]] for the full cosigner policy, including cosigner obligations after move-in.

== Applying with Roommates (Co-Applicants) ==

If you're applying together with one or more roommates, also known as co-applicants, a couple of things work differently from applying on your own:

* The application fee applies to each co-applicant individually, not just once for the group.
* Income is evaluated on a combined basis — your household's total gross income is measured against the standard of three times the monthly rent, rather than each roommate needing to individually meet that standard
* Each co-applicant still needs to meet the rental history requirement and go through the same background check described in this handbook

Every person living in the apartment needs to be individually screened, approved, and listed on the lease - see [[Unauthorized Roommates]] for what happens if someone isn't. Once you've moved in, see [[Multiple Payers]] for how rent payments are handled among roommates, and [[Changing Roommates]] if someone needs to be added or replaced later.

== Application Fees ==

To see the current application fee, visit [[Service_Fees|Service Fees]]. This applies to you, to a cosigner if one is applying with you, and to every co-applicant or roommate on the application.

This fee is only charged after you accept a conditional approval. You will never be charged if your application is denied before the background check, or if you decide not to move forward after a conditional approval. Once charged, the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your background check - it covers the actual cost of the screening performed.

We accept U.S. credit cards only. We do not accept cash, personal checks, money orders, or certified funds for the application fee.

== Hold Fee ==

We sometimes accept a hold fee at the beginning of the application process. While your application is under review and until a lease is signed, the apartment stays on the market. A hold fee secures the unit for five business days during that time to allow the application process to finish and for you to sign your lease. The hold fee is conditionally refundable:

* If your application is approved, the hold fee is applied toward your security deposit
* If your application is denied, the hold fee is fully refunded

== What Our Background Check Includes ==

Before we can run your credit check, you'll need to present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, or similar) so your identity can be verified.

Once you accept a conditional approval, we run a background check that includes:

* '''A screening score''' generated by our screening provider, RealPage, combining your credit history and criminal history along with other factors we've set. Our score is not a single number pulled directly from a credit bureau
* '''Landlord verification''', confirming the rental history you provided

If your criminal history contributes to an unfavorable result, you're still entitled to the individualized review, written notice, and response rights described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below. A screening score is never the final word on a criminal history record by itself.

== If You Already Have a Screening Report ==

Some applicants come to us with a tenant screening report they've already purchased from a screening company. To make sure every applicant is evaluated the same way, we ask all applicants - including those who provide their own report - to complete our standard screening process described above. A report you already have does not replace this step.

== Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights ==

We do not ask about or check criminal history before offering a conditional approval.

If a criminal history record comes up after a conditional approval, we don't act on it automatically. We consider the nature and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, your age at the time, evidence of rehabilitation, whether it would realistically affect the safety of the property or other residents, and whether it happened at a property you rented.

If we're considering withdrawing a conditional approval because of a criminal history record, you have the right to:

* Receive written notice of the specific reason
* Respond in writing with corrections, evidence of rehabilitation, or other information relevant to our decision
* Request a copy of the records we relied on, within 30 days of the notice, and we'll provide them within 10 days of your request

== If Your Application Is Initially Declined ==

An initial decline from our screening system isn't the end of the process. Every declined application is automatically reviewed by a manager before it's treated as final.

A few things that review can take into account:

* If criminal history played a role, the manager completes the individualized review described above, and you receive the same notice and response rights
* If credit history played a role, and the negative items are medical debt or student loan debt with a limited, reasonable pattern of late payments - rather than spread out sporadically or over a long stretch of time - the manager will ask for a written explanation and may set that portion of your history aside. Other credit issues unrelated to medical or student debt are still considered as usual.

If your situation fits either of these, let us know when you apply so it can be taken into account during that review.

== Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy ==

This section covers everything specific to applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy. Everything else in this handbook applies to you too - this is just what's different.

As required by Maryland law, we accept applications from Housing Choice Voucher holders and applicants using other income-based subsidies.

* Your income requirement is calculated against your portion of the rent after the subsidy, not the full rent - proof of your subsidy amount (such as your voucher or subsidy award letter) is accepted the same way as other income documentation
* Your voucher or subsidy status is never, by itself, a reason for denial
* Your credit score, a lack of a credit score, or credit history from before your subsidy began is not used against you - this applies to the manager review described in [[#If Your Application Is Initially Declined|If Your Application Is Initially Declined]] as well
* If your criminal history is reviewed, it follows the same process described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] - nothing about that process changes based on your income source

== Our Fair Housing Commitment ==

We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers and other subsidies. In Baltimore City, this also includes status as a survivor of domestic violence.

If you believe you've experienced discrimination during the application process, you can contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs.

[[Category:Applying and Renting]]

Applying

2026-09-09T22:04:10Z

Mherman: /* Ready to Rent? */

== Ready to Rent? ==

To apply for a Downtownian.com apartment, use the link on the listing or email [mailto:leasing@downtownian.com leasing@downtownian.com] to request an application. You can review a [[File:Sample_Lease.pdf|sample lease agreement]] before you apply, and if you have a pet, take a look at our [[Pets]] policy first.

== The Application Process ==

We review every application in two stages, so you always know where you stand before anything is charged.

*'''Stage one — initial review.''' We look at your income and your rental history. There's no charge for this step.
*'''Stage two — conditional approval and background check.''' If your income and rental history meet our standard, we'll notify you that you're conditionally approved, pending a background check covering credit, criminal history, and landlord verification. Only once you accept the conditional approval do we run the background check and charge the application fee.

We don't ask about or check credit or criminal history until after a conditional approval has been offered. See [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below for the full criminal history screening process.

Complete, accurate applications are processed much faster than incomplete ones. Background check turnaround typically takes one to three business days, though it can occasionally take longer than two weeks.

== The Application Form ==

Applications are completed through our secure online application form. We do not offer a paper application. All personal information on the application must be completed in full, and the application must be electronically signed.

As part of the application, you'll upload:

* A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport)
* Your most recent pay stub showing your year-to-date income, or the other income documentation described below

Each applicant, and each cosigner, completes and signs a separate application.

== Income Requirements ==

To qualify, your gross monthly income generally needs to be at least three times the monthly rent.

Acceptable proof of income includes:

* A pay stub showing at least six months of year-to-date earnings, '''or'''
* Six months of bank statements showing reliable income
* In limited cases we may accept tax returns as proof of income

If your income comes from a source other than a paycheck - Social Security, disability, or a pension - that documentation is accepted the same way.

All landlords in Maryland are required by law to accept income-based subsidies. If you're applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy, the income requirement works differently for you - see [[#Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy|Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy]] below.

If income is the only part of your application that falls short, ask us about applying with a cosigner instead of being turned down outright. See [[#Using a Cosigner|Using a Cosigner]].

== Rental History Requirements ==

We ask every applicant for at least five years of rental history, along with contact information for at least one landlord from that period. This can be a single landlord if you've lived in the same place for five years, or more than one if you've moved during that time.

We verify this information as part of the background check described below.

== Landlord References ==

As part of your background check, we contact the landlord(s) you list on your application to verify your rental history - your payment record, any lease violations, and whether proper notice was given when you moved out.

To help this go smoothly:

* Give us accurate, current contact information for each landlord you list
* Let your landlord know ahead of time that we'll be reaching out, so they recognize our call or email

''We cannot continue with your application until we obtain a reference from your previous landlord(s).'' Because of this, it's in your interest to make sure the contact information you provide is correct and that your landlord knows to expect us.

== Using a Cosigner ==

If your income or rental history doesn't quite meet our requirement but the rest of your application looks good, you may be able to apply with a cosigner (also called a guarantor) instead of being denied.

To qualify, a cosigner needs to:

* Earn a gross income of least four times the monthly rent, and
* Have excellent credit

A cosigner submits their own application before we run your background check, so we can take a preliminary look before anyone is charged a fee. If the cosigner qualifies, both you and the cosigner move forward to the background check together. A cosigner's credit and income are reviewed as part of this process; their criminal history is not considered. A cosigner also needs to pay an application fee.

If your household has more than one tenant, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own cosigner: a cosigner is responsible for the entire lease, not just one tenant's share, so a cosigner covering for a roommate without one of their own is on the hook for the whole household. See [[Lease Guarantors|Cosigners]] for the full cosigner policy, including cosigner obligations after move-in.

== Applying with Roommates (Co-Applicants) ==

If you're applying together with one or more roommates, also known as co-applicants, a couple of things work differently from applying on your own:

* The application fee applies to each co-applicant individually, not just once for the group.
* Income is evaluated on a combined basis — your household's total gross income is measured against the standard of three times the monthly rent, rather than each roommate needing to individually meet that standard
* Each co-applicant still needs to meet the rental history requirement and go through the same background check described in this handbook

Every person living in the apartment needs to be individually screened, approved, and listed on the lease - see [[Unauthorized Roommates]] for what happens if someone isn't. Once you've moved in, see [[Multiple Payers]] for how rent payments are handled among roommates, and [[Changing Roommates]] if someone needs to be added or replaced later.

== Application Fees ==

To see the current application fee, visit [[Service_Fees|Service Fees]]. This applies to you, to a cosigner if one is applying with you, and to every co-applicant or roommate on the application.

This fee is only charged after you accept a conditional approval. You will never be charged if your application is denied before the background check, or if you decide not to move forward after a conditional approval. Once charged, the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your background check - it covers the actual cost of the screening performed.

We accept U.S. credit cards only. We do not accept cash, personal checks, money orders, or certified funds for the application fee.

== Hold Fee ==

We sometimes accept a hold fee at the beginning of the application process. While your application is under review and until a lease is signed, the apartment stays on the market. A hold fee secures the unit for five business days during that time to allow the application process to finish and for you to sign your lease. The hold fee is conditionally refundable:

* If your application is approved, the hold fee is applied toward your security deposit
* If your application is denied, the hold fee is fully refunded

== What Our Background Check Includes ==

Before we can run your credit check, you'll need to present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, or similar) so your identity can be verified.

Once you accept a conditional approval, we run a background check that includes:

* '''A screening score''' generated by our screening provider, RealPage, combining your credit history and criminal history along with other factors we've set. Our score is not a single number pulled directly from a credit bureau
* '''Landlord verification''', confirming the rental history you provided

If your criminal history contributes to an unfavorable result, you're still entitled to the individualized review, written notice, and response rights described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below. A screening score is never the final word on a criminal history record by itself.

== If You Already Have a Screening Report ==

Some applicants come to us with a tenant screening report they've already purchased from a screening company. To make sure every applicant is evaluated the same way, we ask all applicants - including those who provide their own report - to complete our standard screening process described above. A report you already have does not replace this step.

== Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights ==

We do not ask about or check criminal history before offering a conditional approval.

If a criminal history record comes up after a conditional approval, we don't act on it automatically. We consider the nature and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, your age at the time, evidence of rehabilitation, whether it would realistically affect the safety of the property or other residents, and whether it happened at a property you rented.

If we're considering withdrawing a conditional approval because of a criminal history record, you have the right to:

* Receive written notice of the specific reason
* Respond in writing with corrections, evidence of rehabilitation, or other information relevant to our decision
* Request a copy of the records we relied on, within 30 days of the notice, and we'll provide them within 10 days of your request

== If Your Application Is Initially Declined ==

An initial decline from our screening system isn't the end of the process. Every declined application is automatically reviewed by a manager before it's treated as final.

A few things that review can take into account:

* If criminal history played a role, the manager completes the individualized review described above, and you receive the same notice and response rights
* If credit history played a role, and the negative items are medical debt or student loan debt with a limited, reasonable pattern of late payments - rather than spread out sporadically or over a long stretch of time - the manager will ask for a written explanation and may set that portion of your history aside. Other credit issues unrelated to medical or student debt are still considered as usual.

If your situation fits either of these, let us know when you apply so it can be taken into account during that review.

== Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy ==

This section covers everything specific to applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy. Everything else in this handbook applies to you too - this is just what's different.

As required by Maryland law, we accept applications from Housing Choice Voucher holders and applicants using other income-based subsidies.

* Your income requirement is calculated against your portion of the rent after the subsidy, not the full rent - proof of your subsidy amount (such as your voucher or subsidy award letter) is accepted the same way as other income documentation
* Your voucher or subsidy status is never, by itself, a reason for denial
* Your credit score, a lack of a credit score, or credit history from before your subsidy began is not used against you - this applies to the manager review described in [[#If Your Application Is Initially Declined|If Your Application Is Initially Declined]] as well
* If your criminal history is reviewed, it follows the same process described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] - nothing about that process changes based on your income source

== Our Fair Housing Commitment ==

We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers and other subsidies. In Baltimore City, this also includes status as a survivor of domestic violence.

If you believe you've experienced discrimination during the application process, you can contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs.

[[Category:Applying and Renting]]

Applying

2026-09-09T21:20:01Z

Mherman:

== Ready to Rent? ==

To apply for a Downtownian.com apartment, use the link on the listing or email [mailto:leasing@downtownian.com leasing@downtownian.com] to request an application. You can review a sample lease agreement before you apply, and if you have a pet, take a look at our [[Pets]] policy first.

== The Application Process ==

We review every application in two stages, so you always know where you stand before anything is charged.

*'''Stage one — initial review.''' We look at your income and your rental history. There's no charge for this step.
*'''Stage two — conditional approval and background check.''' If your income and rental history meet our standard, we'll notify you that you're conditionally approved, pending a background check covering credit, criminal history, and landlord verification. Only once you accept the conditional approval do we run the background check and charge the application fee.

We don't ask about or check credit or criminal history until after a conditional approval has been offered. See [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below for the full criminal history screening process.

Complete, accurate applications are processed much faster than incomplete ones. Background check turnaround typically takes one to three business days, though it can occasionally take longer than two weeks.

== The Application Form ==

Applications are completed through our secure online application form. We do not offer a paper application. All personal information on the application must be completed in full, and the application must be electronically signed.

As part of the application, you'll upload:

* A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport)
* Your most recent pay stub showing your year-to-date income, or the other income documentation described below

Each applicant, and each cosigner, completes and signs a separate application.

== Income Requirements ==

To qualify, your gross monthly income generally needs to be at least three times the monthly rent.

Acceptable proof of income includes:

* A pay stub showing at least six months of year-to-date earnings, '''or'''
* Six months of bank statements showing reliable income
* In limited cases we may accept tax returns as proof of income

If your income comes from a source other than a paycheck - Social Security, disability, or a pension - that documentation is accepted the same way.

All landlords in Maryland are required by law to accept income-based subsidies. If you're applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy, the income requirement works differently for you - see [[#Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy|Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy]] below.

If income is the only part of your application that falls short, ask us about applying with a cosigner instead of being turned down outright. See [[#Using a Cosigner|Using a Cosigner]].

== Rental History Requirements ==

We ask every applicant for at least five years of rental history, along with contact information for at least one landlord from that period. This can be a single landlord if you've lived in the same place for five years, or more than one if you've moved during that time.

We verify this information as part of the background check described below.

== Landlord References ==

As part of your background check, we contact the landlord(s) you list on your application to verify your rental history - your payment record, any lease violations, and whether proper notice was given when you moved out.

To help this go smoothly:

* Give us accurate, current contact information for each landlord you list
* Let your landlord know ahead of time that we'll be reaching out, so they recognize our call or email

''We cannot continue with your application until we obtain a reference from your previous landlord(s).'' Because of this, it's in your interest to make sure the contact information you provide is correct and that your landlord knows to expect us.

== Using a Cosigner ==

If your income or rental history doesn't quite meet our requirement but the rest of your application looks good, you may be able to apply with a cosigner (also called a guarantor) instead of being denied.

To qualify, a cosigner needs to:

* Earn a gross income of least four times the monthly rent, and
* Have excellent credit

A cosigner submits their own application before we run your background check, so we can take a preliminary look before anyone is charged a fee. If the cosigner qualifies, both you and the cosigner move forward to the background check together. A cosigner's credit and income are reviewed as part of this process; their criminal history is not considered. A cosigner also needs to pay an application fee.

If your household has more than one tenant, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own cosigner: a cosigner is responsible for the entire lease, not just one tenant's share, so a cosigner covering for a roommate without one of their own is on the hook for the whole household. See [[Lease Guarantors|Cosigners]] for the full cosigner policy, including cosigner obligations after move-in.

== Applying with Roommates (Co-Applicants) ==

If you're applying together with one or more roommates, also known as co-applicants, a couple of things work differently from applying on your own:

* The application fee applies to each co-applicant individually, not just once for the group.
* Income is evaluated on a combined basis — your household's total gross income is measured against the standard of three times the monthly rent, rather than each roommate needing to individually meet that standard
* Each co-applicant still needs to meet the rental history requirement and go through the same background check described in this handbook

Every person living in the apartment needs to be individually screened, approved, and listed on the lease - see [[Unauthorized Roommates]] for what happens if someone isn't. Once you've moved in, see [[Multiple Payers]] for how rent payments are handled among roommates, and [[Changing Roommates]] if someone needs to be added or replaced later.

== Application Fees ==

To see the current application fee, visit [[Service_Fees|Service Fees]]. This applies to you, to a cosigner if one is applying with you, and to every co-applicant or roommate on the application.

This fee is only charged after you accept a conditional approval. You will never be charged if your application is denied before the background check, or if you decide not to move forward after a conditional approval. Once charged, the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your background check - it covers the actual cost of the screening performed.

We accept U.S. credit cards only. We do not accept cash, personal checks, money orders, or certified funds for the application fee.

== Hold Fee ==

We sometimes accept a hold fee at the beginning of the application process. While your application is under review and until a lease is signed, the apartment stays on the market. A hold fee secures the unit for five business days during that time to allow the application process to finish and for you to sign your lease. The hold fee is conditionally refundable:

* If your application is approved, the hold fee is applied toward your security deposit
* If your application is denied, the hold fee is fully refunded

== What Our Background Check Includes ==

Before we can run your credit check, you'll need to present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, or similar) so your identity can be verified.

Once you accept a conditional approval, we run a background check that includes:

* '''A screening score''' generated by our screening provider, RealPage, combining your credit history and criminal history along with other factors we've set. Our score is not a single number pulled directly from a credit bureau
* '''Landlord verification''', confirming the rental history you provided

If your criminal history contributes to an unfavorable result, you're still entitled to the individualized review, written notice, and response rights described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] below. A screening score is never the final word on a criminal history record by itself.

== If You Already Have a Screening Report ==

Some applicants come to us with a tenant screening report they've already purchased from a screening company. To make sure every applicant is evaluated the same way, we ask all applicants - including those who provide their own report - to complete our standard screening process described above. A report you already have does not replace this step.

== Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights ==

We do not ask about or check criminal history before offering a conditional approval.

If a criminal history record comes up after a conditional approval, we don't act on it automatically. We consider the nature and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, your age at the time, evidence of rehabilitation, whether it would realistically affect the safety of the property or other residents, and whether it happened at a property you rented.

If we're considering withdrawing a conditional approval because of a criminal history record, you have the right to:

* Receive written notice of the specific reason
* Respond in writing with corrections, evidence of rehabilitation, or other information relevant to our decision
* Request a copy of the records we relied on, within 30 days of the notice, and we'll provide them within 10 days of your request

== If Your Application Is Initially Declined ==

An initial decline from our screening system isn't the end of the process. Every declined application is automatically reviewed by a manager before it's treated as final.

A few things that review can take into account:

* If criminal history played a role, the manager completes the individualized review described above, and you receive the same notice and response rights
* If credit history played a role, and the negative items are medical debt or student loan debt with a limited, reasonable pattern of late payments - rather than spread out sporadically or over a long stretch of time - the manager will ask for a written explanation and may set that portion of your history aside. Other credit issues unrelated to medical or student debt are still considered as usual.

If your situation fits either of these, let us know when you apply so it can be taken into account during that review.

== Applying with a Housing Voucher or Other Subsidy ==

This section covers everything specific to applying with a Housing Choice Voucher or another income-based subsidy. Everything else in this handbook applies to you too - this is just what's different.

As required by Maryland law, we accept applications from Housing Choice Voucher holders and applicants using other income-based subsidies.

* Your income requirement is calculated against your portion of the rent after the subsidy, not the full rent - proof of your subsidy amount (such as your voucher or subsidy award letter) is accepted the same way as other income documentation
* Your voucher or subsidy status is never, by itself, a reason for denial
* Your credit score, a lack of a credit score, or credit history from before your subsidy began is not used against you - this applies to the manager review described in [[#If Your Application Is Initially Declined|If Your Application Is Initially Declined]] as well
* If your criminal history is reviewed, it follows the same process described in [[#Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights|Criminal History Reviews and Your Rights]] - nothing about that process changes based on your income source

== Our Fair Housing Commitment ==

We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers and other subsidies. In Baltimore City, this also includes status as a survivor of domestic violence.

If you believe you've experienced discrimination during the application process, you can contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs.

[[Category:Applying and Renting]]

Recycling Trash

2026-08-31T20:21:59Z

Mherman:

If your building does not already have a private recycling program in place, you are welcome to participate in your area's recycling program.   If you are going to do so, there are a few rules you must adhere by:

<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for your own recycling.  You may not recycle in conjunction with others in your building.</li>
<li>You must obtain, at your own cost, a recycling bin approved by your local jurisdiction.  It cannot be more than 20 gallons in size. [https://a.co/d/09JBF2rF Here is an example.]</li>
<li>Items that do not fit in the bin may not be recycled this way.  </li>
<li>You may not place styrofoam (packing, peanuts or any other objects made of styrofoam), tissue paper, plastic bags, or any material prohibited by your local jurisdiction in a recycling bin.</li>
<li>You must <u>rinse clean</u> all items to be recycled before you place them in the bin.</li>
<li><u>You must break down boxes before setting them out to be recycled.</u></li>
<li>The recycling bin must be kept inside of your apartment at all times except on pick-up days.</li>
<li>You must place the bin in the alley (or street, depending on the rules of your neighborhood) the evening before a pick-up day, and remove it by the evening of the pick-up day.  <u>The bin may not be placed outside of the building for more than a 24-hour period</u>, which means don't put it out more than a day before pickup.</li>
<li>When placed outside the building, you must keep the area around your recycling bin clean at all times, and pick up any debris left by the recycling collector.</li>
<li>If you participate in any recycling program, you agree that if the building receives any fines due related to recycling, all residents that recycle will assume equal responsibility for the payment of that fine, the cost of which will be considered additional rent.</li>
</ol>

[[File:Recucle_bin_sample.png]]

We will examine any recycling that is handled incorrectly, such as boxes that are not broken down, and to issue violators a lease default notice. We reserve the right to require you to discontinue recycling and dispose of your recycling bin upon written notice from our office.

For information on Baltimore City's recycling program visit [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks/trash-recycling Baltimore City Recycling].<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span>

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]]

Recycling Trash

2026-08-31T20:21:08Z

Mherman:

If your building does not already have a private recycling program in place, you are welcome to participate in your area's recycling program.   If you are going to do so, there are a few rules you must adhere by:

<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for your own recycling.  You may not recycle in conjunction with others in your building.</li>
<li>You must obtain, at your own cost, a recycling bin approved by your local jurisdiction.  It cannot be more than 20 gallons in size. [https://a.co/d/0iKelpV3| Here is an example.]</li>
<li>Items that do not fit in the bin may not be recycled this way.  </li>
<li>You may not place styrofoam (packing, peanuts or any other objects made of styrofoam), tissue paper, plastic bags, or any material prohibited by your local jurisdiction in a recycling bin.</li>
<li>You must <u>rinse clean</u> all items to be recycled before you place them in the bin.</li>
<li><u>You must break down boxes before setting them out to be recycled.</u></li>
<li>The recycling bin must be kept inside of your apartment at all times except on pick-up days.</li>
<li>You must place the bin in the alley (or street, depending on the rules of your neighborhood) the evening before a pick-up day, and remove it by the evening of the pick-up day.  <u>The bin may not be placed outside of the building for more than a 24-hour period</u>, which means don't put it out more than a day before pickup.</li>
<li>When placed outside the building, you must keep the area around your recycling bin clean at all times, and pick up any debris left by the recycling collector.</li>
<li>If you participate in any recycling program, you agree that if the building receives any fines due related to recycling, all residents that recycle will assume equal responsibility for the payment of that fine, the cost of which will be considered additional rent.</li>
</ol>

[[File:Recucle_bin_sample.png]]

We will examine any recycling that is handled incorrectly, such as boxes that are not broken down, and to issue violators a lease default notice. We reserve the right to require you to discontinue recycling and dispose of your recycling bin upon written notice from our office.

For information on Baltimore City's recycling program visit [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks/trash-recycling Baltimore City Recycling].<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span>

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]]

Recycling Trash

2026-08-31T20:19:15Z

Mherman:

If your building does not already have a private recycling program in place, you are welcome to participate in your area's recycling program.   If you are going to do so, there are a few rules you must adhere by:

<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for your own recycling.  You may not recycle in conjunction with others in your building.</li>
<li>You must obtain, at your own cost, a recycling bin approved by your local jurisdiction.  It cannot be more than 20 gallons in size. [https://a.co/d/0iKelpV3| Here is an example.]</li>
<li>Items that do not fit in the bin may not be recycled this way.  </li>
<li>You may not place styrofoam (packing, peanuts or any other objects made of styrofoam), tissue paper, plastic bags, or any material prohibited by your local jurisdiction in a recycling bin.</li>
<li>You must <u>rinse clean</u> all items to be recycled before you place them in the bin.</li>
<li><u>You must break down boxes before setting them out to be recycled.</u></li>
<li>The recycling bin must be kept inside of your apartment at all times except on pick-up days.</li>
<li>You must place the bin in the alley (or street, depending on the rules of your neighborhood) the evening before a pick-up day, and remove it by the evening of the pick-up day.  <u>The bin may not be placed outside of the building for more than a 24-hour period</u>, which means don't put it out more than a day before pickup.</li>
<li>When placed outside the building, you must keep the area around your recycling bin clean at all times, and pick up any debris left by the recycling collector.</li>
<li>If you participate in any recycling program, you agree that if the building receives any fines due related to recycling, all residents that recycle will assume equal responsibility for the payment of that fine, the cost of which will be considered additional rent.</li>
</ol>

[[File:Recucle_bin_sample.png]]

We will examine any recycling that is handled incorrectly, such as boxes that are not broken down, and to issue violators a lease default notice. We reserve the right to require you to discontinue recycling and dispose of your recycling bin upon written notice from our office.

For information on Baltimore City's recycling program visit [http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/pw-recycling Baltimore City Recycling], and to purchase bins [http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/pw-recycling/bins click here].<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span>

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]]

File:Recucle bin sample.png

2026-08-31T20:18:19Z

Mherman: Sample of approved recycling bin.

== Summary ==
Sample of approved recycling bin.

Window Air Conditioners

2026-07-01T13:32:47Z

Mherman:

If your apartment does not already contain air conditioning, you are allowed to install appropriate A/C units in your windows, provided you meet the following regulations:
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for providing your own A/C units.</li>
<li>Management takes no responsibility for the installation or proper operating of your A/C units.</li>
<li>Do not install units rated more than 10,000 BTUs.</li>
<li>Units should have an energy efficiency rating (EER) of at least 9, and should pull no more than 15 amps.</li>
<li>You are responsible for the installation of your own air conditioners.</li>
<li>You will be held responsible for any damages to the premises and/or the building as a result of installing and operating the A/C units.</li>
</ol>
Unfortunately, due to liability concerns, management is unable to install air conditioners for you.

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Window Air Conditioners

2026-07-01T13:32:20Z

Mherman: Reverted edits by Mherman (talk) to last revision by VJetton

If your apartment does not already contain air conditioning, you are allowed to install appropriate A/C units in your windows, provided you meet the following regulations:
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for providing your own A/C units.</li>
<li>Management takes no responsibility for the installation or proper operating of your A/C units.</li>
<li>Do not install units rated more than 10,000 BTUs.</li>
<li>Units should have an energy efficiency rating (EER) of at least 9, and should pull no more than 15 amps.</li>
<li>You will be held responsible for any damages to the premises and/or the building as a result of installing and operating the A/C units.</li>
</ol>

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]
\

Window Air Conditioners

2026-07-01T13:32:13Z

Mherman: Undo revision 479 by Mherman (talk)

If your apartment does not already contain air conditioning, you are allowed to install appropriate A/C units in your windows, provided you meet the following regulations:
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for providing your own A/C units.</li>
<li>Management takes no responsibility for the installation or proper operating of your A/C units.</li>
<li>Do not install units rated more than 10,000 BTUs.</li>
<li>Units should have an energy efficiency rating (EER) of at least 9, and should pull no more than 15 amps.</li>
<li>You will be held responsible for any damages to the premises and/or the building as a result of installing and operating the A/C units.</li>
</ol>
<BR>
Unfortunately, due to liability concerns, management is unable to install air conditioners on your behalf.

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Window Air Conditioners

2026-07-01T13:30:53Z

Mherman:

Window Air Conditioners

2026-07-01T13:29:04Z

Mherman:

If your apartment does not already contain air conditioning, you are allowed to install appropriate A/C units in your windows, provided you meet the following regulations:
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You are responsible for providing your own A/C units.</li>
<li>Management takes no responsibility for the installation or proper operating of your A/C units.</li>
<li>Do not install units rated more than 10,000 BTUs.</li>
<li>Units should have an energy efficiency rating (EER) of at least 9, and should pull no more than 15 amps.</li>
<li>You will be held responsible for any damages to the premises and/or the building as a result of installing and operating the A/C units.</li>
</ol>
<BR>
Unfortunately, due to liability concerns, management is unable to install air conditioners on your behalf.

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Early Lease Termination

2026-06-30T15:53:54Z

Mherman: /* The Process */

Your Apartment Lease does not provide any option for early termination. We will, however, make an exception provided you meet the following criteria. Remember, you are still obligated to the lease even if you are not living at the apartment anymore, until the following criteria are met and you have received a lease termination letter from us:

== The Process ==
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You must notify us of your intentions at least 30 days prior to your expected termination date '''in writing''' by mailing it to Management Center, P.O. Box 4883, Baltimore, MD 21211. We will contact you with additional information on how to start the process.</li>
<li>You will be required to identify a well-qualified replacement leaseholder at your own time and expense. This includes all advertising and showing of the apartment. The replacement leaseholder must:<ol style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none;">
<li>Rent the apartment for the current market rate, unless we state differently in writing. This rate may be more than you are currently paying. See Lease Term Reduction Packet for more details.</li>
<li>Apply, pay an application fee (currently $35/applicant), and be approved through the same application process you were approved through (the manager will furnish the applicant with a link to the proper online application).</li>
<li>Sign a new lease with a term that meets these criteria:<ol style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none;">
<li>Is a minimum length of 6 months.</li>
<li>Is at least as long as the remainder of your lease period.</li>
<li>Must end between the months of March and September.</li>
<li>
</ol></li>
They cannot take over your current lease.
</ol></li>
<li>You must continue to pay the rent until the replacement leaseholder's lease has started, <i>even if you have already moved out</i>.</li>
<li>You will be required to pay us an early termination fee of $875 if there are 6 or more months left in your lease period, or $525 otherwise.</li>
<li>If your rent was discounted in exchange for a longer lease term, and you intend to terminate early during that term, you will be required to reimburse us the entire discount received.</li>
<li>If you are receiving a promotional discount, you will be required to reimburse us the entire promotional discount received for a maximum of twelve preceeding months.</li>
<li><u><b>All</b></u> current leaseholders must sign and date a Lease Termination Agreement furnished by us, with the original agreement delivered to us via first‐class U.S. mail once a new leaseholder has been approved by us and a start date has been determined.</li>
<li>There must be a replacement tenant with a signed lease, the early termination fee must be collected and processed, and we must receive the original termination agreement from you before we will agree to the termination.  The termination will be effective the date the replacement tenant starts their lease, unless we’ve stated otherwise in writing.</li>
<li>Early termination is not guaranteed under the Apartmetnt Lease. We reserve the right to deny any early termination request at our sole discretion.</li>
</ol>

== Notes ==
<ul style="line-height: 19.90625px; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://downtownian.com/handbook/extensions/FCKeditor/css/bullet.gif); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>If you have any roommates who are also on the Apartment Lease, they must also be amenable to the termination prior to our approving it. If your roommate would like to remain and the lease be adjusted to remove you, there will be a $50 clerical fee charged to the account to cover the cost of processing a replacement lease agreement. See [[Changing Roommates|Changing Roommates]] for additional information.</li>
<li>If your apartment is in poor condition, it may delay the move-in date of the replacement renter (and your termination date), as we do not allow an apartment to be moved into unless it is completely cleaned and otherwise repaired.</li>
<li>Your rent must be paid in full through the end of the month in question, including all utilities owed, before we will agree to the termination. Any prorated amount for that month will be returned to you by mail once the new lease is signed and your lease is terminated.</li>
<li>Please note that we do not allow subletting under any circumstances. For more information, see [[Subletting Your Apartment|Subletting Your Apartment]].</li>
</ul>

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Early Lease Termination

2026-06-30T15:23:00Z

Mherman: /* The Process */

Your Apartment Lease does not provide any option for early termination. We will, however, make an exception provided you meet the following criteria. Remember, you are still obligated to the lease even if you are not living at the apartment anymore, until the following criteria are met and you have received a lease termination letter from us:

== The Process ==
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>You must notify us of your intentions at least 30 days prior to your expected termination date '''in writing''' by mailing it to Management Center, P.O. Box 4883, Baltimore, MD 21211. We will contact you with additional information on how to start the process.</li>
<li>You will be required to identify a well-qualified replacement leaseholder at your own time and expense. This includes all advertising and showing of the apartment. The replacement leaseholder must:<ol style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none;">
<li>Rent the apartment for the current market rate, unless we state differently in writing. This rate may be more than you are currently paying. See Lease Term Reduction Packet for more details.</li>
<li>Apply, pay an application fee (currently $35/applicant), and be approved through the same application process you were approved through (the manager can furnish you with a link to the proper online application).</li>
<li>Sign a new lease with a term that meets these criteria:<ol style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none;">
<li>Is a minimum length of 6 months.</li>
<li>Is at least as long as the remainder of your lease period.</li>
<li>Must end between the months of March and September.</li>
<li>
</ol></li>
They cannot take over your current lease.
</ol></li>
<li>You will be required to pay us an early termination fee of $875 if there is 6 or more months left in your lease period, or $525 otherwise.</li>
<li>If your rent was discounted in exchange for a lower lease term, and you intend to terminate early during that term, you will be required to reimburse us the entire discount received.</li>
<li>If you are receiving a promotional discount, you will be required to reimburse us the entire promotional discount received for a maximum of twelve preceeding months.</li>
<li>All leaseholders must sign and date a Lease Termination Agreement furnished by us, with the original agreement delivered to us via first‐class U.S. mail once a new leaseholder has been approved by us and a start date has been determined.</li>
<li>There must be a replacement tenant with a signed lease, the early termination fee must be collected and processed, and we must receive the original termination agreement from you before we will agree to the termination.  The termination will be effective the date the replacement tenant starts their lease, unless we’ve stated otherwise in writing.</li>
<li>Early termination is not guaranteed under the Apartmetnt Lease. We reserve the right to deny any early termination request at our sole discretion.</li>
</ol>

== Notes ==
<ul style="line-height: 19.90625px; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://downtownian.com/handbook/extensions/FCKeditor/css/bullet.gif); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>If you have any roommates who are also on the Apartment Lease, they must also be amenable to the termination prior to our approving it. If your roommate would like to remain and the lease be adjusted to remove you, there will be a $50 clerical fee charged to the account to cover the cost of processing a replacement lease agreement. See [[Changing Roommates|Changing Roommates]] for additional information.</li>
<li>If your apartment is in poor condition, it may delay the move-in date of the replacement renter (and your termination date), as we do not allow an apartment to be moved into unless it is completely cleaned and otherwise repaired.</li>
<li>Your rent must be paid in full through the end of the month in question, including all utilities owed, before we will agree to the termination. Any prorated amount for that month will be returned to you by mail once the new lease is signed and your lease is terminated.</li>
<li>Please note that we do not allow subletting under any circumstances. For more information, see [[Subletting Your Apartment|Subletting Your Apartment]].</li>
</ul>

[[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Renewing or Terminating Your Lease

2026-03-02T22:03:38Z

Mherman: /* Ending Your Lease */

According to the terms of your Apartment Lease, your lease term automatically renews every year on the renewal date for an additional 12 month term. '''We strictly enforce notice requirements, so please read this page carefully.'''  Near the end of any lease term, you have the option to either extend your lease for another term, or terminate it at the end of the current term.  We unfortunately do not allow renewals on a month-to-month basis, or for periods of less than 12 months. 

== Extending Your Lease ==

If you wish to continue your apartment lease, do nothing!  The lease will automatically “recycle,” which is our way of saying it’s renewed, or good for another cycle. 

== Ending Your Lease ==

If you wish to end your lease at the end of its current cycle, you must mail a signed and dated letter to us a certain number of days prior to your renewal date.  Typically our leases require 90 days advanced notice, however some leases have an addendum which extends this notification period to 120 days.  To terminate your lease, you must provide us with written notice using this [http://handbook.downtownian.com/images/f/f9/Notice_of_Intent_to_Terminate.pdf Notice of Intent to Terminate], or by another document containing the same information.  We must receive separate signed and written notices from <u>ALL</u> leaseholders prior to the end of your notification peruod. We recommend you send your notice(s) by certified mail with a return receipt request.  Please read your lease carefully to determine when you must deliver written notice to us. Once you have given us notice of your intent to move out, see [[Moving Out|Moving Out]].

== Changing Your Lease ==

If you would like to stay in your lease but would like to change a roommate, see [[Changing Roommates|Changing Roommates]].  If you renew but need to end your lease before its next recycle date, see [[Early Lease Termination|Early Lease Termination]].<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.90625px;"> </span>

[[Category:Applying and Renting]][[Category:Rules_and_Regulations]]

Shared Utilities

2026-02-26T21:00:43Z

Mherman:

== Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Determining Building Usage ==

To ensure billing remains consistent and predictable, we do not simply rely on a single month's snapshot.

'''Historical Averaging: '''To calculate usage, we typically use the historical average of the previous four to six months. This helps smooth out seasonal spikes (such as heavy watering in summer or increased heating in winter).

'''Periodic Recalculation:''' Because utility rates and consumption habits change, we recalculate these averages at various times throughout the year. This ensures that the amount billed remains an accurate reflection of current building consumption.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities are utilities that service the building's infrastructure (or utilities where one meter services the entire building). They are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $300
** Total bedrooms in the building: 15
** Cost per bedroom: $300 / 15 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

[[Category:Billing]]

Utilities

2026-02-25T22:05:36Z

Mherman: /* BGE, Water & Water Heating */

== BGE, Water & Water Heating ==

Tenants are responsible for paying all utilities for their unit, including '''gas, electricity, heat, water, and water heating''', unless otherwise noted in the lease. Common area utilities may or may not be included in this amount - please check your lease for clarification.

All utility accounts must be placed in the Tenant's name before move-in. Failure to pay any utility bill within '''15 days of receipt''' may be considered a '''[[Lease Violations]]'''. The Owner may, at their discretion, pay the unpaid bill and charge the Tenant for the amount plus a '''5% late fee''' and a '''$20 administration fee'''. There charges will be treated the same as unpaid rent.

If [[Shared Utilities|utilities are shared or billed collectively]], the Tenant is responsible for their portion based on the number of occupants in the building. The Owner may also adjust charges if a unit is found to be using an excessive or disproportionate amount of utilities.

The Tenant may not use or connect to any utility count or service provided by the Owner unless authorized.

== Internet, Cable & Service Installations ==

'''Ask before installing services:''' Cable, satellite dishes, internet wiring—get written
approval first. We have rules about where wires and dishes can go.

'''Scheduling:''' Please schedule installations during normal business hours (no weekends or holidays).

'''Damage:''' Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by installers or equipment.

'''Before Moving Out:''' Remove all cables and equipment before vacating.

'''Free internet is not guaranteed:''' If provided, it’s not part of your lease. Even if it’s
down, rent is still due on time.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Maintenance]]

Service Animals and ESAs

2026-02-24T16:25:56Z

Mherman: /* Requirements for ESAs */

= Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) =

This section outlines the rules and requirements for having a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) to a Downtownian.com property. These rules are designed to comply with federal fair housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

== Things To Note ==

* For the safety and harmony of our community, the animals on our [[Banned Animal List]], except for large dogs, are '''never allowed on our property''', including as service animals or ESAs, unless they pass a AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
* Note that while some laws mention miniature horses as service animals, we only allow service '''dogs''' due to property limits and safety.
* Service animal owners must notify us and provide all required information before bringing a service animal or ESA onto the property.

== Requirements & Responsibilities ==

These rules apply to both service animals and emotional support animals:

* '''No Pet Fees:''' No pet fees, deposits, or pet rent apply.
* '''Owner Control:''' The animal must be under your control at all times (e.g., leash, harness, voice commands).
* '''Waste Removal:''' You are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of all animal waste.
* '''Vaccinations & Licensing:''' Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and [http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt licensing] must be provided upon request.
* '''Behavior:''' You are responsible for the animal's behavior, including preventing excessive noise or aggressive actions.
* '''Damage:''' You are financially responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others' property.
* '''Health:''' Your animal must be clean, healthy and free of pests.

== Requirements for Service Animals ==

* '''Only dogs''' are permitted as service animals.
* All service animals require approval before being brought onto the property.
* If the disability or need for a service animal is not readily apparent, we will ask the following questions to qualify it:
** Is the animal required because of a disability?
** What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

== Requirements for ESAs ==

* '''Documentation from a Qualified Professional:''' <span style="background-color: yellow;">You must provide a current letter on professional letterhead from a doctor, therapist, social worker, or similar mental health professional who has a therapeutic relationship with you.</span> This letter must state:
** You have a disability. The specific disability does <u>not</u> need to be disclosed.
** The animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of your disability.
** The specific type of animal, breed (if applicable), and weight (if applicable).
* '''Your animal may be denied if:'''
** There is no clear link (nexus) between the animal and your disability.
** Your documentation is not credible or not from a qualified professional with a therapeutic relationship.
** The animal is on our [[Banned Animal List]] (except for large breeds).
** The animal is banned according to local ordinance, such as farm animals in Baltimore City.

== Rejection of Request ==

An accommodation request for a service animal or ESA will be denied if:

* The animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the building or management company.
* The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the building or management company’s operations.

== Removal of Animals ==

An approved service animal or ESA may be asked to be removed from the property if:

* The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification. This includes animals with instances of unprovoked aggression.
* The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification.
* The animal is not housebroken.
* The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Service Animals and ESAs

2026-02-24T16:24:51Z

Mherman: /* Requirements for ESAs */

= Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) =

This section outlines the rules and requirements for having a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) to a Downtownian.com property. These rules are designed to comply with federal fair housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

== Things To Note ==

* For the safety and harmony of our community, the animals on our [[Banned Animal List]], except for large dogs, are '''never allowed on our property''', including as service animals or ESAs, unless they pass a AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
* Note that while some laws mention miniature horses as service animals, we only allow service '''dogs''' due to property limits and safety.
* Service animal owners must notify us and provide all required information before bringing a service animal or ESA onto the property.

== Requirements & Responsibilities ==

These rules apply to both service animals and emotional support animals:

* '''No Pet Fees:''' No pet fees, deposits, or pet rent apply.
* '''Owner Control:''' The animal must be under your control at all times (e.g., leash, harness, voice commands).
* '''Waste Removal:''' You are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of all animal waste.
* '''Vaccinations & Licensing:''' Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and [http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt licensing] must be provided upon request.
* '''Behavior:''' You are responsible for the animal's behavior, including preventing excessive noise or aggressive actions.
* '''Damage:''' You are financially responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others' property.
* '''Health:''' Your animal must be clean, healthy and free of pests.

== Requirements for Service Animals ==

* '''Only dogs''' are permitted as service animals.
* All service animals require approval before being brought onto the property.
* If the disability or need for a service animal is not readily apparent, we will ask the following questions to qualify it:
** Is the animal required because of a disability?
** What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

== Requirements for ESAs ==

* '''Documentation from a Qualified Professional:''' <span style="background-color: yellow;">You must provide a current letter on professional letterhead from a doctor, therapist, social worker, or similar mental health professional who has a therapeutic relationship with you.</span> This letter must state:
** You have a disability.
** The animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of your disability.
** The specific type of animal, breed (if applicable), and weight (if applicable).
* '''Your animal may be denied if:'''
** There is no clear link (nexus) between the animal and your disability.
** Your documentation is not credible or not from a qualified professional with a therapeutic relationship.
** The animal is on our [[Banned Animal List]] (except for large breeds).
** The animal is banned according to local ordinance, such as farm animals in Baltimore City.

== Rejection of Request ==

An accommodation request for a service animal or ESA will be denied if:

* The animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the building or management company.
* The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the building or management company’s operations.

== Removal of Animals ==

An approved service animal or ESA may be asked to be removed from the property if:

* The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification. This includes animals with instances of unprovoked aggression.
* The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification.
* The animal is not housebroken.
* The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Service Animals and ESAs

2026-02-24T16:23:41Z

Mherman: /* Requirements for ESAs */

= Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) =

This section outlines the rules and requirements for having a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) to a Downtownian.com property. These rules are designed to comply with federal fair housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

== Things To Note ==

* For the safety and harmony of our community, the animals on our [[Banned Animal List]], except for large dogs, are '''never allowed on our property''', including as service animals or ESAs, unless they pass a AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
* Note that while some laws mention miniature horses as service animals, we only allow service '''dogs''' due to property limits and safety.
* Service animal owners must notify us and provide all required information before bringing a service animal or ESA onto the property.

== Requirements & Responsibilities ==

These rules apply to both service animals and emotional support animals:

* '''No Pet Fees:''' No pet fees, deposits, or pet rent apply.
* '''Owner Control:''' The animal must be under your control at all times (e.g., leash, harness, voice commands).
* '''Waste Removal:''' You are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of all animal waste.
* '''Vaccinations & Licensing:''' Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and [http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt licensing] must be provided upon request.
* '''Behavior:''' You are responsible for the animal's behavior, including preventing excessive noise or aggressive actions.
* '''Damage:''' You are financially responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others' property.
* '''Health:''' Your animal must be clean, healthy and free of pests.

== Requirements for Service Animals ==

* '''Only dogs''' are permitted as service animals.
* All service animals require approval before being brought onto the property.
* If the disability or need for a service animal is not readily apparent, we will ask the following questions to qualify it:
** Is the animal required because of a disability?
** What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

== Requirements for ESAs ==

* '''Documentation from a Qualified Professional:''' {{highlight|You must provide a current letter on professional letterhead from a doctor, therapist, social worker, or similar mental health professional who has a therapeutic relationship with you.}} This letter must state:
** You have a disability.
** The animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of your disability.
** The specific type of animal, breed (if applicable), and weight (if applicable).
* '''Your animal may be denied if:'''
** There is no clear link (nexus) between the animal and your disability.
** Your documentation is not credible or not from a qualified professional with a therapeutic relationship.
** The animal is on our [[Banned Animal List]] (except for large breeds).
** The animal is banned according to local ordinance, such as farm animals in Baltimore City.

== Rejection of Request ==

An accommodation request for a service animal or ESA will be denied if:

* The animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the building or management company.
* The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the building or management company’s operations.

== Removal of Animals ==

An approved service animal or ESA may be asked to be removed from the property if:

* The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification. This includes animals with instances of unprovoked aggression.
* The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification.
* The animal is not housebroken.
* The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Service Animals and ESAs

2026-02-24T16:12:09Z

Mherman: /* Removal of Animals */

= Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) =

This section outlines the rules and requirements for having a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) to a Downtownian.com property. These rules are designed to comply with federal fair housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

== Things To Note ==

* For the safety and harmony of our community, the animals on our [[Banned Animal List]], except for large dogs, are '''never allowed on our property''', including as service animals or ESAs, unless they pass a AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
* Note that while some laws mention miniature horses as service animals, we only allow service '''dogs''' due to property limits and safety.
* Service animal owners must notify us and provide all required information before bringing a service animal or ESA onto the property.

== Requirements & Responsibilities ==

These rules apply to both service animals and emotional support animals:

* '''No Pet Fees:''' No pet fees, deposits, or pet rent apply.
* '''Owner Control:''' The animal must be under your control at all times (e.g., leash, harness, voice commands).
* '''Waste Removal:''' You are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of all animal waste.
* '''Vaccinations & Licensing:''' Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and [http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt licensing] must be provided upon request.
* '''Behavior:''' You are responsible for the animal's behavior, including preventing excessive noise or aggressive actions.
* '''Damage:''' You are financially responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others' property.
* '''Health:''' Your animal must be clean, healthy and free of pests.

== Requirements for Service Animals ==

* '''Only dogs''' are permitted as service animals.
* All service animals require approval before being brought onto the property.
* If the disability or need for a service animal is not readily apparent, we will ask the following questions to qualify it:
** Is the animal required because of a disability?
** What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

== Requirements for ESAs ==

* '''Documentation from a Qualified Professional:''' You must provide a current letter on professional letterhead from a doctor, therapist, social worker, or similar mental health professional who has a therapeutic relationship with you. This letter must state:
** You have a disability.
** The animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of your disability.
** The specific type of animal, breed (if applicable), and weight (if applicable).
* '''Your animal may be denied if:'''
** There is no clear link (nexus) between the animal and your disability.
** Your documentation is not credible or not from a qualified professional with a therapeutic relationship.
** The animal is on our [[Banned Animal List]] (except for large breeds).
** The animal is banned according to local ordinance, such as farm animals in Baltimore City.

== Rejection of Request ==

An accommodation request for a service animal or ESA will be denied if:

* The animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the building or management company.
* The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the building or management company’s operations.

== Removal of Animals ==

An approved service animal or ESA may be asked to be removed from the property if:

* The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification. This includes animals with instances of unprovoked aggression.
* The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification.
* The animal is not housebroken.
* The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Service Animals and ESAs

2026-02-24T16:11:45Z

Mherman: /* Things To Note */

= Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) =

This section outlines the rules and requirements for having a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) to a Downtownian.com property. These rules are designed to comply with federal fair housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

== Things To Note ==

* For the safety and harmony of our community, the animals on our [[Banned Animal List]], except for large dogs, are '''never allowed on our property''', including as service animals or ESAs, unless they pass a AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
* Note that while some laws mention miniature horses as service animals, we only allow service '''dogs''' due to property limits and safety.
* Service animal owners must notify us and provide all required information before bringing a service animal or ESA onto the property.

== Requirements & Responsibilities ==

These rules apply to both service animals and emotional support animals:

* '''No Pet Fees:''' No pet fees, deposits, or pet rent apply.
* '''Owner Control:''' The animal must be under your control at all times (e.g., leash, harness, voice commands).
* '''Waste Removal:''' You are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of all animal waste.
* '''Vaccinations & Licensing:''' Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and [http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt licensing] must be provided upon request.
* '''Behavior:''' You are responsible for the animal's behavior, including preventing excessive noise or aggressive actions.
* '''Damage:''' You are financially responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others' property.
* '''Health:''' Your animal must be clean, healthy and free of pests.

== Requirements for Service Animals ==

* '''Only dogs''' are permitted as service animals.
* All service animals require approval before being brought onto the property.
* If the disability or need for a service animal is not readily apparent, we will ask the following questions to qualify it:
** Is the animal required because of a disability?
** What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

== Requirements for ESAs ==

* '''Documentation from a Qualified Professional:''' You must provide a current letter on professional letterhead from a doctor, therapist, social worker, or similar mental health professional who has a therapeutic relationship with you. This letter must state:
** You have a disability.
** The animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of your disability.
** The specific type of animal, breed (if applicable), and weight (if applicable).
* '''Your animal may be denied if:'''
** There is no clear link (nexus) between the animal and your disability.
** Your documentation is not credible or not from a qualified professional with a therapeutic relationship.
** The animal is on our [[Banned Animal List]] (except for large breeds).
** The animal is banned according to local ordinance, such as farm animals in Baltimore City.

== Rejection of Request ==

An accommodation request for a service animal or ESA will be denied if:

* The animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by another reasonable accommodation.
* The request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the building or management company.
* The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the building or management company’s operations.

== Removal of Animals ==

An approved service animal or ESA may be asked to be removed from the property if:

* The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification. This includes animals with multiple instances of unprovoked aggression.
* The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable modification.
* The animal is not housebroken.
* The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Applying

2026-02-24T16:07:32Z

Mherman: /* Hold Fee */

So, you're about to take the plunge and apply to rent a Downtownian.com apartment! So, how does it work, you ask? Read on!

== Ready to Rent? ==

When you've decided that the Downtownian.com apartment you've just seen is the right one for you, it's time to make your application. Just click on the link in the listing on Downtownian.com, or send an email to [mailto:leasing@downtownian.com leasing@downtownian.com] and request an application. You'll also need to pay an application fee which we'll collect from you over the phone, so in your email don't forget to let us know the best time to give you a buzz.

Before applying, we recommend that you review a sample [[:File:Sample_Lease.pdf|Apartment Lease]] agreement.

== The Application Form ==

Applications are made via a secure web form. The application form will ask for a lot of personal information, but don't worry - our security is provided by Realpage, one of the largest software providers in the multifamily industry today. All required information will need to be filled out fully and the application will need to be electronically signed and submitted before we can process your application. Once you have completed your application and clicked the submit button, you'll immediately receive an email from DocuSign, the world leader in secure, electronic signatures. Follow the link in the email to a DocuSign version of your application, which will allow you to upload supporting documents. We'll need a valid (unexpired) government issued photo ID, which can be either a state Drivers License, state ID card, or a government passport. We'll also need your latest paycheck stub showing your year-to-date income. DocuSign will also collect your eelctronic signature, authorizing us to begin the screening process. We do not currently collect any application fees online. Once we receive your fully signed application, we will contact you by phone to collect your fee.

Note that we require a separate application to be submitted for each applicant and each guarantor, if applicable.

== Application Fee ==

The application fee is applied towards the cost of performing a background check on you, and is non-refundable regardless of the final disposition of your application. This means that regardless of whether your application is approved or denied, you will not be able to receive a refund of any of the application fees you have submitted. In the event that a co-signer is required, the co-signer(s) must also submit application fees and fill out a co-signer application. We'll collect that over the phone from you, and it can be paid via credit card, or from any checking or savings account drawn on a U.S. bank. We unfortunately do not take personal checks, money orders or certified funds for applications. For a list of current fees, see [[Service Fees]].

== Things to Consider ==

Not every apartment is for everyone! Make sure you can afford the financial obligation of the lease term. We require leaseholders' gross income equal 3 times the monthly rental rate. If you do not financially qualify, you may want to consider a guarantor (also sometimes called a co-signer). If you have pets, take a look at our [[Pets|pet policy page]] before submitting an application.

== Background Check ==

A full background check usually takes one to three days, and in some cases can take in excess of two weeks to complete. In order to expedite the process, please notify former employers and other references that we will be contacting them, and ask them to respond to us as quickly as possible. Your credit reports, criminal history and landlord/tenant history will be factored. Your income must be at least three times the amount of rent in order to be approved. We must also receive favorable references from previous landlords and/or mortgagors for a minimum five year period immediately prior to your application. Guarantor background check requirements may differ somewhat. '''Complete, accurate applications are processed much more quickly than incomplete applications.'''

== Hold Fee ==

During the application process, the apartment you are applying for will still be listed for rent. In the event that the apartment rents prior to the completion of your background check, your application fee would be forfeit. In order to avoid such a scenario, you may be asked to submit a hold fee in order to hold the apartment during the application process. If you do not submit a hold fee, the apartment will remain on the rental market and may be rented to another applicant.

When you submit a hold fee to us, we will hold the apartment you have selected for a five business day hold period, in order to complete the background check. At the end of the five days you must have signed an Apartment Lease and submitted to us the required security deposit, rent, and all other fees required, otherwise the apartment will go back on the market and be available for rent to the public.

The hold fee is conditionally-refundable. Here’s how it works:
<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>If your application is approved, we will apply the full amount of the hold fee against your security deposit.</li>
<li>In the event that your application is denied by us, you will receive the hold fee back in its entirety, and we will mail or email you the reasons behind our denial.</li>
</ol>
[[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

File:Sample Lease.pdf

2026-02-24T16:04:44Z

Mherman: Mherman uploaded a new version of File:Sample Lease.pdf

Utilities

2025-11-19T21:26:13Z

Mherman: /* BGE, Water & Water Heating */

== BGE, Water & Water Heating ==

Tenants are responsible for paying all utilities for their unit, including '''gas, electricity, heat, water, and water heating''', unless otherwise noted in the lease. Common area utilities may or may not be included in this amount - please check your lease for clarification.

All utility accounts must be placed in the Tenant's name before move-in. Failure to pay any utility bill within '''15 days of receipt''' may be considered a '''[[Lease Violations]]'''. The Owner may, at their discretion, pay the unpaid bill and charge the Tenant for the amount plus a '''5% late fee''' and a '''$20 administration fee'''. There charges will be treated the same as unpaid rent.

If utilities are shared or billed collectively, the Tenant is responsible for their portion based on the number of occupants in the building. The Owner may also adjust charges if a unit is found to be using an excessive or disproportionate amount of utilities.

The Tenant may not use or connect to any utility count or service provided by the Owner unless authorized.

== Internet, Cable & Service Installations ==

'''Ask before installing services:''' Cable, satellite dishes, internet wiring—get written
approval first. We have rules about where wires and dishes can go.

'''Scheduling:''' Please schedule installations during normal business hours (no weekends or holidays).

'''Damage:''' Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by installers or equipment.

'''Before Moving Out:''' Remove all cables and equipment before vacating.

'''Free internet is not guaranteed:''' If provided, it’s not part of your lease. Even if it’s
down, rent is still due on time.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Maintenance]]

Utilities

2025-11-19T21:24:59Z

Mherman: /* BGE, Water & Water Heating */

== BGE, Water & Water Heating ==

Tenants are responsible for paying all utilities for their unit, including '''gas, electricity, heat, water, and water heating''', unless otherwise noted in the lease. Common area utilities may or may not be included in this amount; please check your lease for clarification.

All utility accounts must be placed in the Tenant's name before move-in. Failure to pay any utility bill within '''15 days of receipt''' may be considered a '''[[Lease Violations]]'''. The Owner may, at their discretion, pay the unpaid bill and charge the Tenant for the amount plus a '''5% late fee''' and a '''$20 administration fee'''. There charges will be treated the same as unpaid rent.

If utilities are shared or billed collectively, the Tenant is responsible for their portion based on the number of occupants in the building. The Owner may also adjust charges if a unit is found to be using an excessive or disproportionate amount of utilities.

The Tenant may not use or connect to any utility count or service provided by the Owner unless authorized.

== Internet, Cable & Service Installations ==

'''Ask before installing services:''' Cable, satellite dishes, internet wiring—get written
approval first. We have rules about where wires and dishes can go.

'''Scheduling:''' Please schedule installations during normal business hours (no weekends or holidays).

'''Damage:''' Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by installers or equipment.

'''Before Moving Out:''' Remove all cables and equipment before vacating.

'''Free internet is not guaranteed:''' If provided, it’s not part of your lease. Even if it’s
down, rent is still due on time.

[[Category:Rules and Regulations]][[Category:For New Residents]][[Category:Maintenance]]

Lease Guarantors

2025-11-17T20:48:43Z

Mherman:

== What is a guarantor? ==
A guarantor, also known as a cosigner, may be required when an applicant does not yet meet standard rental qualifications on their own. This is most common for undergraduate students who may not have steady income, applicants whose current earnings fall below our minimum income requirements, or individuals who have little or no prior rental history for us to evaluate.

In these situations, a guarantor provides an additional level of assurance that all lease obligations will be met consistently and on time. Requiring a guarantor helps protect both the tenant and the property by ensuring the household can comfortably manage the financial responsibilities of the unit.

== How does a guarantor help? ==
A guarantor agrees in writing to accept full financial responsibility for the entire lease if the tenant is unable to meet their obligations. Each guarantor is responsible for all lease obligations, not just the portion associated with one specific tenant. Because of this, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own guarantor. If there are fewer guarantors than tenants, the existing guarantors remain fully responsible for the tenants who do not have their own.

== What are a guarantor's obligations? ==
Guarantors are accountable for paying rent, covering damages beyond normal wear and tear, and handling any other charges or fees associated with the tenancy. They must complete a full application, meet the same approval standards as primary tenants, and have a verifiable combined monthly income of at least four times the monthly rent.
[[Category:Applying_and_Renting]]

Lease Guarantors

2025-11-17T20:46:16Z

Mherman:

A cosigner or guarantor may be required when an applicant does not yet meet standard rental qualifications on their own. This is most common for undergraduate students who may not have steady income, applicants whose current earnings fall below our minimum income requirements, or individuals who have little or no prior rental history for us to evaluate.

In these situations, a guarantor provides an additional level of assurance that all lease obligations will be met consistently and on time. Requiring a guarantor helps protect both the tenant and the property by ensuring the household can comfortably manage the financial responsibilities of the unit.

A guarantor or cosigner agrees in writing to accept full financial responsibility for the entire lease if the tenant is unable to meet their obligations. Each guarantor is responsible for all lease obligations, not just the portion associated with one specific tenant. Because of this, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own guarantor. If there are fewer guarantors than tenants, the existing guarantors remain fully responsible for the tenants who do not have their own.

Guarantors are accountable for paying rent, covering damages beyond normal wear and tear, and handling any other charges or fees associated with the tenancy. They must complete a full application, meet the same approval standards as primary tenants, and have a verifiable combined monthly income of at least four times the monthly rent.

Lease Guarantors

2025-11-17T20:46:01Z

Mherman:

Lease Guarantors

2025-11-17T20:45:35Z

Mherman:

Lease Guarantors

2025-11-17T20:44:53Z

Mherman: Created page with "A cosigner or guarantor may be required when an applicant does not yet meet standard rental qualifications on their own. This is most common for undergraduate students who may..."

A cosigner or guarantor may be required when an applicant does not yet meet standard rental qualifications on their own. This is most common for undergraduate students who may not have steady income, applicants whose current earnings fall below our minimum income requirements, or individuals who have little or no prior rental history for us to evaluate.

In these situations, a guarantor provides an additional level of assurance that all lease obligations will be met consistently and on time. Requiring a guarantor helps protect both the tenant and the property by ensuring the household can comfortably manage the financial responsibilities of the unit.

A guarantor or cosigner agrees in writing to accept full financial responsibility for the entire lease if the tenant is unable to meet their obligations. Each guarantor is responsible for all lease obligations, not just the portion associated with one specific tenant.

Because of this, we strongly recommend that each tenant secure their own guarantor. If there are fewer guarantors than tenants, the existing guarantors remain fully responsible for the tenants who do not have their own.

Guarantors are accountable for paying rent, covering damages beyond normal wear and tear, and handling any other charges or fees associated with the tenancy. They must complete a full application, meet the same approval standards as primary tenants, and have a verifiable combined monthly income of at least four times the monthly rent.

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:27:02Z

Mherman: /* 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) */

== Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities are utilities that service the building's infrastructure (or utilities where one meter services the entire building). They are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $300
** Total bedrooms in the building: 15
** Cost per bedroom: $300 / 15 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

[[Category:Billing]]

Online Payments

2025-10-07T19:24:21Z

Mherman:

<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>We do not send printed statements through the mail. You will automatically receive emails at the end of every month to remind you to make a payment, and also reminders if you have an amount past due. Your full balance is available any time by signing into Downtownian.com, or submitting a service request to the billing department. Make sure to set all emails from the downtownian.com domain as safe in your spam blocker, if applicable.</li>
<li>Due to the unreliability of the internet and technology, we assume no responsibility for the failure of our website, access to the internet, the internet in general, or your computer equipment.  For that reason, we recommend you attempt to sign into your account at least five (5) days prior to the due date to make your payment, that way, if the internet is not working, you will have additional opportunity to make your payment before the due date.</li>
<li>'''Internet outages, regardless of type, reason or duration, cannot be used to excuse a late payment.'''</li>
</ol>

For information on when rent is due, see [[Rent Due Dates|Rent Due Dates]].

For information on how to make a payment, see [[Making Rent Payments|Making Rent Payments]].

For information on how to pay with roommates, see [[Multiple Payers|Multiple Payers]].

[[Category:Billing]]

Payment of Rent

2025-10-07T19:24:08Z

Mherman:

The full rent is due every month by 11:59 pm on the 1st day of the month, including the base rent and all other charges posted to your account on or prior to the 20th of the preceeding month.  

For more information, visit:

[[Rent Due Dates|Rent Due Dates]]

[[Making Rent Payments|Making Rent Payments]]

[[Multiple Payers|Multiple Payers]]

[[Online Payments|Online Payments]]

[[Category:Billing]] [[Category:For_New_Residents]]

Rent Due Dates

2025-10-07T19:23:25Z

Mherman:

<ol style="line-height: 19.90625px; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 3.2em; padding: 0px; list-style-image: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>The full rent is due every month by 11:59 pm on the 1st day of the month, including the base rent and all charges posted to your account on or prior to the 20th of the preceeding month.</li>
<li>If you are mailing your payment, we consider the date the payment is received by our payment center, not the postmark date.  Don't mail your payment on the day it is due, or it will be received late. You are advised to mail your rent at least five days before the due date to ensure we receive it by the 1st of the month. </li>
<li>If the 1st of the month falls on a federal holiday or a Sunday, or any other day the U.S. Postal Service does not operate, the due date for mailed payments will change to the first day after in which the U.S. Postal Service is operating.  The due date for online payments will not change.</li>
<li>Don't assume what you owe.  Always check your balance online before making a payment.  Your bill may also include utilities and other irregular charges in addition to your base rent.</li>
<li>We do not have a grace period.  Any amount outstanding as of the 2nd will be assessed a penalty of 5% of the entire overdue balance.</li>
<li>Balances overdue more than five (5) days will be sent to our collections department for further action.  All legal and court fees related to the collections will also be charged to your account.</li>
<li>We do not send printed statements through the mail.</li>
</ol>

For information on how to pay, see [[Making Rent Payments|Making Rent Payments]].

For information on paying with roommates, see [[Multiple Payers|Multiple Payers]].

For information on making online payments, see [[Online Payments|Online Payments]].

[[Category:Billing]]

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:23:11Z

Mherman:

== Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $300
** Total bedrooms in the building: 15
** Cost per bedroom: $300 / 15 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

[[Category:Billing]]

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:22:27Z

Mherman: /* 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building */

== Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $300
** Total bedrooms in the building: 15
** Cost per bedroom: $300 / 15 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

[[Category:Billing|Billing]]

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:22:20Z

Mherman:

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $300
** Total bedrooms in the building: 15
** Cost per bedroom: $300 / 15 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

[[Category:Billing|Billing]]

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:21:49Z

Mherman: /* 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) */

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:20:15Z

Mherman: /* 2. Water and Sewer Utilities */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals in the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Residents''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total residents in the building: 25
** Cost per resident: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 residents: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:19:12Z

Mherman: /* 2. Water and Sewer Utilities */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals financially responsible for the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Leaseholders''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $200
** Total leaseholders in the building: 25
** Cost per leaseholder: $200 / 25 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 leaseholders' share: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:18:32Z

Mherman: /* 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals financially responsible for the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Leaseholders''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $400
** Total leaseholders in the building: 50
** Cost per leaseholder: $400 / 50 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 leaseholders' share: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:18:18Z

Mherman: /* 💡 Utility-Specific Prorating Methods */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
<BR>
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''
<BR><BR>
----

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals financially responsible for the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Leaseholders''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $400
** Total leaseholders in the building: 50
** Cost per leaseholder: $400 / 50 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 leaseholders' share: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:17:46Z

Mherman: /* 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

In some Downtownian.com buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== 💡 Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
<BR>
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''
<BR><BR>
----

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals financially responsible for the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Leaseholders''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $400
** Total leaseholders in the building: 50
** Cost per leaseholder: $400 / 50 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 leaseholders' share: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''

Shared Utilities

2025-10-07T19:17:22Z

Mherman: /* How Prorating Works */

== 🏘️ Shared Utilities in Your Apartment Building ==

<BR>In many apartment buildings, certain utilities are shared among all residents, leading to a single collective bill for the entire property. Understanding how these utilities are billed and split is key to managing your monthly expenses.<BR><BR>

== What are Shared Utilities? ==

Shared utilities are essential services provided to the entire apartment building that are typically billed to the landlord or property management, which then allocates the cost back to the individual tenants. Common examples include:

* '''Water and Sewer:''' Used by all apartments.
* '''Electricity and Gas:''' May power common areas (hallways, laundry rooms, heating systems) or, in older buildings, may not be separately metered for individual apartments.

== Understanding Prorating ==

'''Prorating''' is the method used to fairly divide a shared bill among multiple parties. Instead of splitting the bill equally, prorating uses a specific formula to assign a proportional share of the cost to each tenant based on a relevant metric.

The concept is that the portion of the bill you pay should reflect the portion of the utility you are using, or the size of your unit relative to the others.

==== How Prorating Works ====
The total cost of the utility is divided by the sum of the metric (e.g., total bedrooms, total leaseholders) across all units to find the cost per unit of that metric. That cost is then multiplied by your unit's metric to determine your final bill.

<table>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 15px;">Your Bill =</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding: 5px;">Total Utility Cost</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; padding: 0 10px;">×</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="padding-left: 10px;">Your Unit's Metric Units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 5px;">Total Metric Units in Building</td>
</tr>
</table>
----

== 💡 Utility-Specific Prorating Methods ==

The method of prorating depends on the nature of the utility:

==== 1. Common Area Utilities (Electricity and Gas) ====
<BR>
Common area utilities, or those that service the building's infrastructure, are often prorated based on the '''size of the unit''', which is typically represented by the '''number of bedrooms'''. The assumption is that larger apartments (more bedrooms) generally require or use a larger share of common services.

* '''Metric:''' '''Number of Bedrooms''' in your apartment.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building electricity bill: $500
** Total bedrooms in the building: 25
** Cost per bedroom: $500 / 25 = $20
** Your 2-bedroom apartment's share: 2 \times $20 = '''$40'''
<BR><BR>
----

==== 2. Water and Sewer Utilities ====

Water usage is often tied directly to the number of people living in the unit, as people are the primary users of water (showering, cooking, flushing). Therefore, water is prorated based on the total number of individuals financially responsible for the unit.

* '''Metric:''' '''Total Number of Leaseholders''' listed on your apartment's lease.
* '''Calculation Example:'''
** Total building water bill: $400
** Total leaseholders in the building: 50
** Cost per leaseholder: $400 / 50 = $8
** Your apartment with 3 leaseholders' share: 3 \times $8 = '''$24'''