FAQs
I saw a property I like, what do I need to do to view it?
Begin by submitting applications for everyone over 18 that will be living at the property. There is a $10.00 application fee for each applicant which is used to process the credit and reference check. Contact Callahan & Galloway to check the status of your application. If your applications are approved you may then set up an appointment to see the property(s) you are most interested in.
What are the qualifications for your applicants?
1. Your combined net income must be at least 3 times the monthly rent. (For example, if you are interested in renting a unit that is $600/month, your monthly net income must be at least $1800.)
2. We require you have at least a year’s rental experience or that you have been at your current job for at least a year.
3. On the credit check, we are not worried about your overall credit score. We are making sure you do not owe any local utility companies money (i.e., Ameren UE, City of Columbia, Boone Electric, etc.,), that you do not have any judgments or accounts in collection, and lastly, that you do not currently owe another management company money.
4. All applications must be filled out in the entirety. If the application is determined to be fraudulent or deceitful, it will automatically be denied.
5. Once your credit has been processed, the $10 application fee is not refundable.
Do my spouse and I both need to fill out applications?
Yes, because you are two different people with different social security numbers, birth dates, credit history, employment information, etc,.
How long does it take to get my application approved?
Approximately one business day, possibly sooner or later depending on rental references.
Why do I have to fill out an application before I see the property?
Primarily for our agents safety – We have to know who we are showing! We also require the application process to precede the showing in an effort to serve our more qualified applicants better. If we show the property first and then the application is later denied, we have lost valuable time that could have been used for our qualified applicants. We like to keep our schedule open and available to those who meet our criteria.
Do I need a co-signer?
In most cases, if you are over 18 you are considered an adult and do not need a co-signer. However, if you are a full-time student over the age of 18 and your parent(s) are planning on paying your rent, your parent will need to sign a Parental Guarantee. A parental guarantee is a contract signed by your parent guaranteeing that your rent will be paid. In the case of a parental guarantee, parents are not required to sign the actual lease. If , however, you are not a student and your application is initially denied, we may consider reprocessing the application if you have a qualified co-signer. The co-signer must complete the same application process you initially went through. NOTE: If you are a self-sufficient student and do not believe you require a parental guarantee, your income must be at least 3 times your monthly rent (or your portion of the monthly rent if you have roommates). Also, your credit will be processed and the application will be approved/not approved based on solely your income, rental references, and credit history. In a nutshell, if you claim your parents’ pay your rent then we must have a parental guarantee on file. No exceptions.
How long is a typical lease/what terms do you offer?
We offer one year leases or (in some cases) depending on when the lease starts you can shorten your lease some and choose to have your lease end on July 31st.
Do you require a deposit?
We require a deposit equal to one month’s rent at ALL locations (with the exception of 920 Cherry Street). The deposit for all apartments at 920 Cherry Street are $400 (for studios and efficiencies) and $500 (for all one-bedrooms).
Will you work with me on the deposit?
We require the deposit to be paid-in-full upon lease signing.
Can my roommates and I pay rent/metered utilities on separate checks?
Yes, we will allow you to write separate checks, as long as your name and address are always clearly displayed. However, if one or more roommate gets behind in rent and Callahan & Galloway has to spend extra time reconciling who owes what in your account, you will be charged $30/per hour (with the minimum charge being $30) for us to do so. If you believe one of your roommate is starting to get behind in rent, please contact the office and talk to the leasing agent to discuss your options.
What if something in my apartment needs repaired?
We have a full maintenance staff that are skilled and able to make most repairs. Just call the office to submit a work order and your repair (in most cases) will be completed in just a few days. We also have someone on-call after hours to be available if a maintenance emergency would arise after our typical business hours. After hour calls should be limited to emergency situations, such as flooding or no heat.
Do you allow pets at your properties?
Some of our properties do allow approved pets with a $250 refundable pet deposit (an extra $100 is required for any additional approved pet). PRIOR TO GETTING A PET, the pet must be approved by the office, the pet addendum must be signed, and the $250 pet deposit must be paid-in-full. We will under no circumstances allow rottweilers or pit-bulls (also called American Staffordshire Terrier). Please see our vacancy list for pet friendly properties. We do not allow any pets on campus properties.
Can I paint the apartment?
No…painting your rental unit any color other than its original paint color upon move-in is strictly not allowed and is a violation of your lease.
I originally decided to live on my own, but can I add a roommate later?
Yes, the normal application process will apply.
What if I want to break my lease or leave early?
We do not “break leases”. The purpose of a lease is to protect both the tenant and the owner. However, if you must vacate the property before your lease expires for any reason, your only option is to sub-lease.
What is sub-leasing and how does it work?
Subleasing is a process in which you must find someone to occupy the apartment in your place until the expiration of your original lease. As the subleasee you are required to fill out a subleasing form and pay a $200 subleasing fee. We will then post your unit on our vacancy list only if everyone on the lease will be subleasing. We also recommend you advertise on your own (Craiglist, the Maneater, flyers, etc). We do not match roommates, so if you are leaving and you have roommates staying, we are not able to help you with your search for a replacement. Also, your roommates must sign off on the subleasing form, acknowledging you are leaving and agreeing with the sublease. Once a subleasee is found (and the $200 sub-lease fee has been paid) the new tenant may then sign onto your original lease and pay a deposit. Note: We will hold your deposit until the end of your lease.
When can I expect to receive my deposit refund?
Deposits will be returned within 30 days of your lease expiration.
