Frequently Asked Questions
What are your application requirements?
To be approved, all applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Monthly gross income must be at least three times the monthly rent
• A credit report will be obtained for each applicant and must show no outstanding or delinquent balances owed to previous landlords or utility companies
• A criminal background report is required prior to move in. Applications will be denied for any history of drug related crimes, sex crimes, violent felony offenses, or a pattern of criminal activity within the past five years
• A minimum credit score of 650 is required
• All occupants age 18 and over, as well as all cosigners, must submit a separate application and pay the application fee
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval.
How long does the application process take?
Most applications are processed within one to three business days once all required information has been submitted. Processing times may vary if documentation is missing or additional verification is required.
Do you allow cosigners?
Yes. Cosigners are allowed and may be required depending on income, credit, or rental history. All cosigners must submit an application and meet approval requirements.
What happens if multiple groups are interested in the same property?
We operate on a first completed basis, not first inquiry.
Once an application has been submitted and approved, applicants have 24 hours to complete all required steps, including executing the lease and paying the required security deposit.
If these steps are not completed within the 24 hour window, we reserve the right to move forward with another qualified applicant.
Submitting an application does not reserve or hold a property. A unit is only secured once a fully executed lease and required deposit have been received.
Do you offer short term or month to month leases?
Generally, no. We do not offer short term or month to month leases.
The only exception is when a property has not been rented for the upcoming leasing season. In those limited cases, a short term lease may be offered at a discounted rate until the next leasing cycle begins. Availability is property specific and not guaranteed.
What if a tenant needs to leave before the lease ends?
If a tenant needs to vacate before the end of the lease term, they may locate another qualified individual to take over the lease.
Any replacement tenant must
• Submit an application
• Meet all approval requirements
• Be approved by our office
• Be acceptable to remaining tenants and any cosigners
The original tenant remains responsible under the lease until a replacement tenant has been fully approved and has executed a lease.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are permitted at most properties with prior approval.
Approved pets require a one time, non refundable pet fee of $375 per pet, as well as a recurring monthly pet rent of $75 per pet. All pets must be screened and approved prior to move in through
FirstPlaceProperties.petscreening.com
Unauthorized pets are considered a lease violation.
Do you offer landscaping services?
Landscaping responsibilities depend on the type of property.
For properties that contain more than one apartment or unit, landscaping is handled by management at no additional cost to tenants.
For eligible single family homes that are not connected to other units, we offer an optional landscaping maintenance service. For an additional $100 per month, our team will manage routine summer landscaping throughout the lease term. This service must be selected in advance and is available for select properties.
Is there a fee for parking?
Parking at our downtown Lexington properties is monitored.
Tenants who wish to park in monitored lots are required to purchase a parking pass. The fee is $275 and covers the full 12 month lease term.
Monitored parking helps ensure availability for residents, especially during events and game days.
Are tenants responsible for utilities?
Utility responsibilities vary by property.
Please review your lease agreement before activating utilities. Active listings on our website clearly outline which utilities are the tenant’s responsibility.
Tenants may select their own cable and internet providers.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the first of each month. Payments received after the fifth are considered late and late fees will apply as outlined in the lease.
Rent is paid through the online tenant portal.
When is the security deposit due and how much is it?
The security deposit is due after the lease has been fully signed.
A property is not reserved until both a fully executed lease and the required deposit have been received.
The security deposit is equal to one month’s rent.
When do you stop showing or marketing a property?
We continue to market and show properties until
• A fully executed lease is received
• The required security deposit is paid
Listings remain active until both conditions are met.
When is first month’s rent due?
First month’s rent is due prior to move in and will be prorated based on the lease start date.
Move in instructions will not be provided until all required payments are received.
How do we make payments?
All rent and fees are paid through the online tenant portal. Tenants and cosigners each receive their own login, allowing all parties to view payment history, charges, and account activity at any time.
What properties are currently available?
The only properties available for rent are those listed on our website.
If a property is not listed, it is not available.
Do you offer video tours?
Yes. Video tours are available for all listed properties and can be viewed directly on our website.
When can we tour a property in person?
The only available showing times are those listed on the website.
We are unable to accommodate custom or additional showing requests outside of the posted times.
How do we communicate with First Place Properties?
We are transitioning to a virtual property management model, meaning most communication is handled in writing via text or email.
Text: 256.286.5772
Email: info@1st-placeproperties.com
Why do you primarily communicate in writing?
Written communication allows us to provide better service and consistency.
• All members of our staff can view communication history, ensuring everyone is on the same page regardless of who responds
• Reduces miscommunication and conflicting information
• Allows faster and more accurate responses
• Provides transparency for tenants, cosigners, and management
• Helps cosigners reference and understand communication between management and tenants when questions arise
This system ensures continuity, accountability, and efficient property management.
Information for Parents and Cosigners
We understand that renting during college is a new experience for many families.
Our virtual management model prioritizes clarity, documentation, and consistency. Written communication ensures requests are properly tracked, expectations are clearly outlined, and responses are accurate and fair.
While tenants are our primary point of contact, cosigners are welcome to reach out regarding lease obligations or financial responsibilities. Written communication also allows cosigners to better understand any discussions that take place between management and tenants.
Our goal is to support student independence while providing parents with confidence and peace of mind.
