FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
DOES YOUR OFFICE HAVE AN AFTER-HOURS DROP BOX?
No, but we work Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM and on Saturdays from 9AM-12PM. at our office located at 425 Oak Street, Building C, Garden City, NY. Feel free to come in and drop off your rent any time.
WHAT DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION ARE REQUIRED TO MOVE IN?
Tenants are required to complete/provide the following:
– The rental application
– The group lease
– Addenda to the lease (if applicable)
– Utility services agreement (if applicable)
– A personal guaranty completed by a guarantor
– Photocopy of license
– Student Loan Agreement (if applicable)
WHAT IS THE RENTAL APPLICATION?
The rental application is provided by OCI Management and completed by each tenant. It is non-binding, but collects contact and identifying information we need if you are to lease with us.
WHAT IS A GROUP LEASE?
All of our leases are group leases. This means that all tenants will sign one lease at one rental price for the house. The group lease is signed by all tenants and the Landlord.
DO I NEED A CO-SIGNER?
We require each tenant to secure a personal guarantor who will complete page 2 of their rental application (Cosigner/Guarantor Information) and a personal guaranty. The personal guaranty ensures that that tenant’s “portion” of the group rent will be paid. This helps hold each tenant accountable for their own payments.
DO I NEED TO SIGN MY PAPERWORK IN YOUR OFFICE?
We require all tenants to complete the rental application, lease agreement, and any addenda or other agreements in our office. If the tenant is out of the state or country for a valid reason, we may agree to send the documents electronically through a secure, 3rd party e-signature site.
CAN I SUBLEASE MY ROOM?
Yes, but do so as your own risk. OCI Management and/or the Landlord is not a signing party on any sublease agreement. Tenant will be responsible for all payments and damages on behalf of their subtenant.
We may be able to assist in matching you with a subtenant should you request, but this is not guaranteed.
Rent, Fees, and Payments
WHAT DO I NEED TO PAY TO MOVE-IN?
Tenants must pay the management fee, security deposit, first month’s rent and last month’s rent prior to the move-in date.
WHAT IS THE MANAGEMENT FEE?
The management fee is equivalent to one month’s rent. The management fee is an agreement between tenant and OCI Management, and as such is outlined in detail in the rental application.
HOW MUCH IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT?
The security deposit is equivalent to one month’s rent.
CAN MY ROOMMATES AND I PAY RENT SEPARATELY?
As a courtesy, we allow tenants to make separate payments each month provided the total monthly rent amount is received in full and on time. Individual payments must be made on time and through an approved payment method.
CAN I PAY RENT WITH MY STUDENT LOANS?
Yes. Should you wish to use your student loans to pay your rent, you must complete the Student Loan Agreement prior to moving in.
WHAT IS THE LATE FEE FOR LATE RENT?
Late fees are outlined in the lease agreement, which you will review in detail prior to signing.
HOW DO I PAY RENT?
OCI has many approved payment methods for your convenience. These include personal/business/cashier’s check; online ACH payments via the tenant portal or Chase Quick Pay; online credit or debit card payments via the tenant portal or Venmo; and wire transfers.
Maintenance
HOW DO I REQUEST MAINTENANCE?
Maintenance requests must be made via the tenant portal or in office where the tenant will complete a service request ticket. Text message or email maintenance requests will not be accepted. Phone call maintenance requests will be accepted only in case of emergency.
WHO ARE YOUR MAINTENANCE VENDORS?
We have a full-time crew to handle general maintenance (painting; general cosmetic repairs; cleaning or debris removal) as well as basic plumbing and electrical requests. Extermination and advanced plumbing, electrical, or other specialty work will be subbed out to a licensed contractor.
DO I NEED TO BE HOME FOR MAINTENANCE TO BE COMPLETED?
Generally, no. As long as you indicate on your maintenance request that OCI has permission to enter, we can complete maintenance without a tenant at the residence. In certain cases, we may need a tenant to be home at the time of maintenance, in which case we will notify the tenants.
Utilities
DOES MY RENT INCLUDE UTILITIES?
All properties include water and sewer. Some landlords automatically include gas or oil heating at a yearly cap. For properties that do not include cable/internet, electric, and/or gas/oil, tenants can opt into our Utility Billing Option. Our UBO must be agreed to by all tenants.
HOW DO I SET UP UTILITIES?
We will provide you with a utility services information card upon signing with all contact information you need for utility service providers.
The Tenant Portal
WHAT IS THE TENANT PORTAL?
The tenant portal is a feature we are proud to offer. Each tenant will have an individual log-in that they can use to then make online payments, review their payment history, and submit maintenance requests.
We also share important documents on the tenant portal, such as Cold Weather Prep and move-out information.
WHEN AND HOW DO I GET ACCESS TO THE TENANT PORTAL?
Each tenant will receive an activation link via text message and email message once the rental application, lease agreement, and addenda (if applicable) are completed.
CAN MY GUARANTOR HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL LOG-IN?
Yes. Once your guaranty agreement is received back completed, your guarantor will be added to the portal so that they have a unique log-in. Tenants and guarantors have access to the same portal features.
