Frequently Asked Questions

We begin the renewal process in the beginning of October. We ask our current residents if they would like to renew and provide 30 days to let us know. After this time period, we start the leasing process on November 1, which is when we start showing properties to prospective tenants. Please contact Brett at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding the leasing process! All other questions can be directed to Olivia at [email protected]
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. We accept cash, check, and money order, and cards. If you pay by card, you are subject to a 5% processing fee. You can also pay by credit card or electronic check through your tenant portal. If you submit a payment in person, please make sure you provide your name, address, and what you are paying with your payment. For any questions regarding your rent payment, please contact Caleb at [email protected] For any other questions, contact Olivia at [email protected]
The Fulton Group accepts cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. There is a service charge for any credit or debit card payment. 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. We also have a tenant portal system that allows you to pay online with no penalty. You can set up your routing and account information to pay by electronic check, as well as set up automatic payments. If you have any questions regarding your rent payment, please contact Caleb at [email protected] Any other questions can be directed to Olivia 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 are a few requirements before signing a sublease: 1.) All tenants must be on the same page! This requires all tenants to sign a subleasing consent form. 2.) A standard subleasing fee. The new tenant will pay their portion of the security deposit. The Fulton Group does not assist with locating sublets, but if we hear of tenants looking for a sublease, we would be happy to help! Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!
Olivia explains our protocol for maintenance requests. 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 Manager, Justin, will reach out to you directly for scheduling. If you do have a maintenance emergency, please call the emergency maintenance number listed on our website, www.fulton-group.com. 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. If you are unable to coordinate your move-in with this date and time, please contact Olivia. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!
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. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!
If you're transitioning to living in 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! Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions! Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!
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. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Olivia at [email protected]
Renter's 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 fairly 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. Please contact Olivia at [email protected] if you have any questions!
Our Accounting Manager, Monika, explains our policy and process for security deposit refunds. Your refund will be processed within 30 days of your official move-out date (which can be found in your lease), and will be mailed to the forwarding address you provided. The Forwarding Address Form can be found on our website at https://www.fulton-group.com/forwardi.... Olivia will also send you an official move-out email prior to move-out with all of the information you need, including links to any forms. If we don't have your forwarding address, we can't send your check! The amount of the refund depends on the condition of your property. If there are any damages, outstanding balances on your account, or unpaid utilities, this will all affect the amount of your refund. Regarding damages, we review photos from before you moved in and after you moved out, as well as reviewing the Inventory Checklist you provided. We want to make sure that you are not charged for any damages that aren't yours.
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 notification email two weeks prior to your move-in date. Before you move in, you will need to submit a utility change check list 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.
Our Leasing Advisor, Brett, explains our Leasing Season. On October 1st, we ask our current tenants if they would like to renew and provide 30 days. On November 1st, property tours begin! If you would like to confirm a property after a tour, we have both in-person and virtual signings available with Olivia, our Tenant Coordinator.
Our amazing sales team talks about our Leasing Process! Our Leasing Process begins October 1st: We ask our current tenants if they want to renew, and provide 30 days. Starting November 1st, we start showing properties. After a tour with Brett, you are able to confirm a property and sign a lease. That's where Olivia comes in! We provide in-person lease signing appointments, as well as electronic/virtual signings. If you have any questions regarding our Leasing Process, please reach out to Olivia at [email protected]
Olivia answers all of your questions regarding getting locked out. If you get locked out of your property during business hours, please call the emergency maintenance line listed on our website at fulton-group.com. There is a fee for having our Maintenance Manager unlock your unit, which will be directly applied to your tenant portal. If you get locked out of your property outside of business hours, you will need to call a locksmith at your own expense.

What is considered an Emergency Maintenance Issue?

An Emergency Maintenance Issue is characterized by an immediate safety or health concern.

Examples of Emergency Maintenance Issues include:

  • Fire (Tenants should call 911 first)
  • Major Water Leaks or Major Flooding
  • Gas Leaks (Tenants should also contact DTE at 800-947-5000)
  • Sewage Back-Ups
  • Security of Home (broken exterior lock, door, or window; break-ins)
  • Loss of Heat (during winter)

Items NOT considered Emergency Maintenance Issues:

  • Minor water leaks
  • Broken appliances
  • Pest control
  • Leaky faucet
  • Clogged drain or toilet

When is rent due?

Rent is due by midnight on the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is due by midnight on the next business day if you pay in-person. Rent can be paid in-person at our office or mailed to our office. If you drop off a payment outside of business hours, please label the payment with your name, address, and what you are specifically paying for, and drop it in our mail slot.

Something needs to be fixed. What do I do?

If you have a routine maintenance request, it must be submitted online using the button above. If you have a maintenance emergency, which is something affecting health or safety, please call our Emergency Maintenance Line: 616-430-8218.

Where is my water bill?

If you are renting a single-family home from The Fulton Group, you are responsible for your water bill. If you are unsure if you are responsible for your water bill, refer to your lease agreement. The Fulton Group keeps the water bills in our name to avoid confusion with the City. The City of Grand Rapids bills water bills quarterly. When we receive the bill, we scan and email it to all tenants at the property. Tenants then pay the City directly. If you think you should have received a water bill and haven't, check with The Fulton Group staff.