FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Process to Rent an Apartment?
- Call to see if there are any available apartments for rent.
- Schedule a viewing of the apartment with the onsite property manager.
- A rental application will be provided to you when you meeting with the onsite manager to tour the available apartment.
- Submit a signed/completed application, pay your deposit, provide a photo ID and proof of income to our main office for approval (1-2 business days).
- Once approved, you will need to return the tenant forms and pay the balance of your first and last months’ rent (less the deposit previously paid) to the main office in Springfield, MA.
- Keys will be provided by the onsite manager once all paperwork is returned, your first and last months’ rent balance is paid in full, and utilities have been switched into your name.
How Long is My Lease?
Tenancy is Month to Month.
There is no Yearly lease.
What Utilities are Included and How do I pay them?
Each Complex has a different situation when it comes to utilities. Some locations have all utilities included and some have none.
To pay your electric bill, call Eversource (877) 659-6326 to transfer the account to yourself. You can also go to Eversource to transfer the account to yourself
What are the Application Fees?
There is no application fee, but we do require a $200 deposit which is due at the time your completed application is submitted for processing. If you are accepted, the deposit is used towards your the balance of first month’s rent. If your application is denied, the $200 is returned to you. The only time Tinkham Management would retain the deposit is if your application is approved and you then change your mind.
How far In advance do I have to give Notice of Moving Out?
We require a 30-day written notice to vacate. That helps us fill out the required paperwork to finalize your move out, schedule our maintenance crew to ready the apartment for the next tenant, and verify the amount of any refund that may be owed back to you.
Are there plans to update the building?
We continuously update and upgrade the buildings as needed.
How do I pay rent?
You have a few options to pay your rent. The easiest way is to pay online through your resident portal. You can pay by credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT). There is a processing fee for using a credit or debit card. There is no fee to pay by EFT.
You can also mail your rent to our corporate office at 66 Industry Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104. We accept cash, check, and money orders. We recommend mailing your rent a few days in advance of the due date to ensure that your payment arrives by the 1st of the month.
Lastly, you can come to the main office on Industry Avenue in Springfield and drop off your rent in person. Cash, check, or money orders are the only forms of payment accepted at the main office.
What are my Lease Terms?
The lease terms are the general guidelines which tenants agree to follow. A full list of terms are provided to new tenants to review and sign.
What is the Screening Process?
A full background check including credit, court, criminal an landlord referance checks is run on all persons over the age of 18.
Is Renter's Insurance Required?
Renter’s insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended.
What is the Parking Situation?
All complexes have off street parking lots for tenants, and a few complexes have assigned parking. To find out which complexes have assigned parking, look under the amenities section of each complex’s page.
What is Pet Policy?
We have a No Pets policy at all of our locations.
Do You Accept Housing Vouchers?
Yes, we do.
How Do Maintenance Requests Work?
If you are registered online, you can submit a maintenance ticket online and the property manager will be notified immediately.
Alternately, you may leave a written work slip in the drop box at each apartment complex. Our property managers check for new work slips every day. If you have an urgent maintenance issue, like a burst pipe, please call the main office.
What is the Smoking Policy?
There is no smoking allowed in the common areas of all apartment buildings.
What Changes can I make to the apartment?
There are to be no changes made to the apartment. Actions like painting a room, or moving a door are prohibited.
When is Rent Due?
Rent is due on the 1st of every month. If the 1st of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a national holiday, rent is then due the next business day.
What is the Guest Policy?
Each property manger has their own set of rules when it comes to guests. To further inquire about the guest policy, please speak to one of our managers.
What are the Move in Fees?
Before you can get your keys from the property manager, you must pay your first and last month rent balance, less the deposit. There are no other move in fees and no security deposit. If you are moving in mid month, you will be prorated for your time in the apartment.
How Do I Register for the Resident Portal?
Once you are approved, Tinkham Management will need your email to activate your online account. When your account is activated, you will be emailed instructions of how to set up your account. Your username will be the email that you provided Tinkham Management.