Frequently Asked Questions

We start the leasing process on November 1 of each year! This is when we start phone calls and showing properties to prospective tenants for the upcoming leasing cycle. Please contact Hannah at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding the leasing process!

The Fulton Group allows a cat or dog in most of our single-family homes and a select amount of our duplexes. We do not allow pets in our multi-unit properties. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] to go over pet fees, pet limits, or any other questions.

Rent is always due on the first of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, you may submit your payment on the next business day without penalty. The Fulton Group accepts cash, check, and money orders. Whenever you submit a payment, we always ask that your name, address, and what you are paying (i.e., August rent, late fee, security deposit) are listed on the payment. You can also pay by credit card (there is a fee included) or electronic check, as well as set up automatic payments through your tenant portal. For any questions regarding your rent payment, please contact Caleb at [email protected] or Nicki at [email protected]

The Fulton Group allows subletting for every property; however, we only allow up to 50% of residents to do a sublease. There is a maximum of two (2) subleases per leasing term. There are a few requirements before signing a sublease: 1.) All tenants must be on the same page! This requires all tenants to provide written consent to sublease. 2.) A standard subleasing fee. The new tenant or tenant who is being released is to pay the subleasing fee. The new tenant will pay their portion of the security deposit. The Fulton Group does not assist with locating sublets. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!

All maintenance requests may be submitted through your tenant portal (AppFolio). All requests are handled in the order in which they are received. Requests that pose a health and safety status are priority, and everything else is handled as they are entered in the queue. Our Maintenance Team will reach out to you directly for scheduling. If you do have a maintenance emergency, please call the emergency maintenance number (616) 430-8218. There is no charge for calling the emergency maintenance number outside of business hours.

Two weeks prior to move-in, you will receive an email detailing your move-in date, the time your property will be available, and how to pick up your keys. Properties with keyless entries will automatically get your access code sent to you at the time your property is available. If you are unable to coordinate your move-in on the date and time listed in your email, please contact Olivia at [email protected].

We want to make sure that you and any individuals who travel on your property are safe! The City of Grand Rapids requires snow removal of sidewalks, pathways, and driveways within 12-24 hours after snowfall halts. Please make sure you are consistently clearing snow for your safety and the safety of others.

If you’re transitioning to living downtown Grand Rapids, there are a few things you need to know about on-street parking! Many streets have even-and-odd date parking designated by street signs to ensure proper snow removal in the winter months. These signs will indicate where you can and cannot park between November-April from 2:00-6:00am. If you are parking on the street, please make sure you’re parking appropriately!

If tenants have access to off-street parking that is provided with their property, the parking area shall be used exclusively for parking of Tenant’s personal passenger automobile. It may not be used to store, wash, paint, or repair vehicles. Please note it is prohibited to have your vehicle covering any sidewalks.

Some of our properties have central air, and some don’t. If your property doesn’t have central air, feel free to get window air conditioning units. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. To properly install the window air conditioner, it is important to remove the screen and expand the wings to close the gaps on each side.

Renters insurance protects your individual liability and the belongings at your property. The Fulton Group does not require renter’s insurance, but we highly recommend it! The physical structure of the property is insured through us, but that does not include your personal belongings. Renter’s insurance is inexpensive, and you can bundle it with your auto insurance policy. Fun fact: if one of you in your property has renter’s insurance, you technically can insure the whole unit.

Thirty days before you move out, you will receive a move-out informational email that includes two links. One link is for your formal forwarding address through the USPS, and the other will send your forwarding address our accounting department (https://www.fulton-group.com/forwarding-address/). Security Deposits are refunded within 30 days of your official move-out date and mailed to your forwarding address that you provided in the required link. If we do not receive your forwarding address, the deposit will stay at the office. You will need to coordinate with our accounting department to pick it up, be ready to present a valid ID.

When we process your deposit, our accounting department reviews photos after your move-out to ensure you are charged correctly for any damages (if necessary). We also prorate any water bills and review your ledger for any outstanding balances. Once this is completed, we mail out your deposit with an itemized list of charges. We try to be as fair as possible to make sure you get the most out of your refund!

If you have any questions regarding your security deposit refund, please contact Caleb at [email protected].

Thirty days prior to move-out, you will receive an email detailing the move-out process. This will explain how to turn in your keys, how to submit a formal forwarding address, your exact move-out date and time, and how to leave your property. Keep an eye on your email for your move-out notice from Olivia! Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thirty days before you move out, you will receive a move-out verification email from Olivia. This email will explain which utilities should be changed (i.e., DTE, Consumers). These utilities should be switched out of your name effective your lease end date, which can be found in your standard lease agreement. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions.

You will receive a move-in informational email two weeks prior to your lease start date. Before you move in, you will need to submit a Utility Change Checklist and schedule your rent to be paid on the first of each month through your tenant portal. We will provide a link to your Inventory Checklist as well as any other pertinent information regarding your move-in. If you have any questions, please email Olivia at [email protected].

We start our leasing process with a tour! After touring the properties, we simply ask for a confirmation email stating what property you are confirming. Olivia will send over the application; you will only have 24-hours from the time you receive the application to fill it out. Upon confirmation, you will have 7-days to pay all fees (security deposit, cleaning fee, etc.) and set up a virtual lease signing with Olivia. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Olivia at [email protected] or Hannah at [email protected].

If you get locked out of your property during business hours, please call the emergency maintenance line at (616) 430-8218. There is a fee for having our maintenance team unlock your unit, which will be directly applied to your tenant portal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Operations Manager, Max at [email protected]

If you get locked out of your property outside of business hours, you will need to call a locksmith at your own expense.