Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers about applying, renting, and living with Marion Rental Apartments.
Applying & Rental Requirements
What credit score do I need?
Each adult applicant must have a minimum credit score of 650.
How much income do I need?
Each adult applicant must individually have monthly income equal to at least 3× the monthly rent.
We use this standard so that if a household or living situation changes in the future, each leaseholder is still able to afford the apartment on their own.
Does every adult applicant have to qualify?
Yes. Every adult applicant is screened individually and must meet the rental requirements.
One applicant meeting the requirements does not qualify another applicant who does not.
Do you accept co-signers?
No. Marion Rental Apartments does not accept co-signers.
Each adult applicant must qualify based on their own credit, income, and screening results.
What is the application fee?
The application fee is $35 per adult applicant.
If multiple adults are included on the same application, the fee still applies to each adult applicant.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The $35 application fee is non-refundable.
The fee covers the cost of obtaining and reviewing the required screening reports, regardless of whether the application is approved.
Do you run background checks?
Yes. All adult applicants are required to pass a clean background screening as part of the application process.
Is rental history required?
No. Rental history is preferred, but it is not required.
Many of our residents come to us after owning or selling a home and may not have recent rental history.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed at many of our properties, subject to the individual property’s pet policy.
Pets are generally limited to under 20 lbs., with a $250 pet deposit and $25 monthly pet rent per pet. A maximum of 2 pets is generally allowed.
Are assistance animals treated the same as pets?
No. Assistance animals are handled separately in accordance with applicable fair housing laws and are not treated under the standard pet policy.
Is smoking allowed?
No. Smoking is not permitted inside the apartments or on the property.
All residents and guests are expected to follow the smoke-free policy.
Showings & Approval
Can I tour an apartment before applying?
No. Showings are only considered after an application has been submitted and approved.
Because many apartments are still occupied when they are listed, an in-person showing may not be available before you need to make a decision.
When can I schedule a showing?
If the apartment is vacant and available to view, we will schedule a showing after your application is approved.
If the current tenant is still occupying the apartment, a showing may not be available right away — and in some cases, you may need to decide whether to move forward before seeing the apartment in person.
Does application approval hold the apartment?
No. Approval does not reserve or hold an apartment.
We may continue accepting and reviewing applications until the apartment is secured with the required security deposit.
What if the current tenant is still living in the apartment?
This is common. Many apartments are listed and rented before the current tenant has moved out.
If the apartment is still occupied, an in-person showing may not be possible before another approved applicant is ready to move forward.
What happens if another approved applicant moves forward first?
If another approved applicant is ready to move forward and pays the required security deposit first, we may proceed with that applicant, even if you have not yet had an opportunity to view the apartment in person.
The apartment is not secured until the required security deposit has been paid.
Move-In Questions
How much is the security deposit?
The security deposit is generally equal to one month’s rent.
When is the security deposit due?
The security deposit is due when you decide to move forward with the apartment. Once the required security deposit has been paid, the apartment is considered secured and will be held for you until the agreed-upon move-in date.
When is the first month’s rent due?
The first month’s rent is due on move-in day. The security deposit is typically paid earlier to secure the apartment, while the first month’s rent is collected when you take possession.
Is the first month’s rent prorated?
Yes. If your move-in date falls after the first day of the month, your first month’s rent will generally be prorated based on your move-in date.
For example, if you move in on the 15th, you would pay rent only for the remaining portion of that month.
When should I transfer utilities into my name?
You should contact the required utility providers before your move-in date and arrange for service to begin in your name on the day you move in. This helps avoid any interruption in service.
What utilities are generally included?
Utility responsibilities may vary by property, but trash service and lawn care are generally included. Tenants are typically responsible for electricity, water, TV, internet, and other individually billed services. We recommend reviewing the individual property listing for the exact utility setup.
What do I need to do before move-in day?
Before move-in day, all required lease paperwork should be completed, the security deposit should already be paid, required utilities should be scheduled to begin in your name, and you should be prepared to pay the first month’s rent or prorated first month’s rent on move-in day.
When do I receive the keys?
Keys are provided once all required move-in items have been completed, including the lease, required payments, and utility setup when applicable.
Can I move in early?
Possibly. In some cases, an apartment may be ready earlier than the originally listed availability date.
If that happens and an earlier move-in becomes available, Marion Rental Apartments will contact you to let you know. Early move-in is only available when the apartment is fully ready and an earlier date has been approved.
Rent & Monthly Payments
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month.
How is rent paid?
Rent is paid automatically by ACH bank draft. During the lease paperwork process, tenants complete an ACH authorization form, and after that, the monthly payment is handled automatically by Marion Rental Apartments.
Tenants do not need to manually submit a payment each month, and we do not accept rent payments brought into the office.
When does the ACH payment come out of my account?
The automatic ACH payment is normally processed on the 5th of each month.
If the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be processed on the next business day.
What if I need to change the ACH payment date?
If there is an issue with the normal payment date, you must contact Marion Rental Apartments by the 1st of the month.
ACH payments have to be submitted several days in advance, so if you wait until the 5th to contact us, it is generally too late for us to stop or change that month's scheduled payment.
Is there a late fee?
Yes. If amounts due under the lease are not paid by the 5th day of the month, a $25 late fee is charged, plus $5 per day for each additional day the rent remains unpaid.
What happens if my ACH payment is declined?
A $40 returned-payment fee is charged for each declined ACH payment or returned check due to insufficient funds.
If insufficient funds cause the rent to become late, both the applicable late fees and insufficient-funds fee may be charged.
Do you accept partial rent payments?
Partial payments may be accepted in many situations, but they are not guaranteed to be accepted in every circumstance.
For example, if an account has progressed into an eviction or legal process, Marion Rental Apartments may no longer be able to accept a partial payment.
Can I bring cash or a check to the office?
No. Monthly rent payments are handled through the automatic ACH system.
This allows payments to be processed consistently each month without tenants needing to visit the office or manually submit payment.
Do I need to do anything each month to pay rent?
No. Once your ACH authorization is on file, the payment process is handled automatically each month.
You only need to contact us if there is a problem or if you need to discuss a change to the normal payment schedule.
Maintenance & Living in the Apartment
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Maintenance requests can be submitted online through our tenant portal, by calling the office, or by texting 618-997-8500.
If you submit a request after business hours by text or through the portal, we will review it and respond during normal business hours.
What is considered an emergency maintenance issue?
The most urgent maintenance issue is generally active flooding or water on the floor that could cause immediate property damage.
If this happens outside normal business hours, submit the issue through the tenant portal or by text to 618-997-8500 so we have the information as soon as possible. We generally do not dispatch maintenance outside normal business hours.
What should I do if I get locked out?
Our apartment doors generally require a key to lock from the outside, so lockouts are uncommon.
If you are locked out during business hours, you can contact the office for assistance. If a lockout happens after hours, you may need to contact a locksmith.
Who is responsible for light bulbs and filters?
Marion Rental Apartments handles exterior lighting and will replace bulbs in specialty interior fixtures when needed.
Tenants are generally responsible for standard interior light bulbs.
A new refrigerator water filter is installed at move-in. After move-in, the tenant is responsible for replacing the refrigerator water filter as needed.
HVAC filters are handled by Marion Rental Apartments. Our apartments use a special 4-inch filter with a custom return, so the filters do not need to be changed monthly. We inspect the apartments and replace HVAC filters during our scheduled clean-and-check visits twice each year.
Can I paint or make changes to the apartment?
Painting is not permitted.
Tenants are welcome to hang normal pictures and decorations using small picture-hanging nails. Large wall anchors, large bolts, and wall-mounted televisions are not permitted.
Who handles lawn care and trash service?
Marion Rental Apartments handles lawn care and trash service at all of our properties.
Tenants do not need to arrange these services themselves.
What should I do if something breaks after office hours?
You can submit a maintenance request after hours through the tenant portal or by texting 618-997-8500.
We will review the request and follow up during normal business hours. Marion Rental Apartments generally does not provide after-hours maintenance service.
Can maintenance enter my apartment if I am not home?
Yes. Maintenance may enter the apartment when you are not home in order to complete requested repairs, inspections, or scheduled maintenance, consistent with the lease and applicable notice requirements.
Lease Questions
Is subleasing allowed?
No. Subleasing is not permitted.
Only approved occupants and leaseholders may live in the apartment, and any change in occupants must be approved by Marion Rental Apartments.
What happens if I need to break my lease early?
Tenants may be able to end their lease early by using the Lease Buyout Option outlined in the lease.
The standard buyout fee is equal to the security deposit plus one month’s rent, and at least 30 days’ written notice is required.
All rent, utilities, and other charges must be paid through the move-out date, the apartment must be returned in good condition aside from normal wear and tear, and the buyout fee must be paid in full by the move-out date.
Once all requirements of the Lease Buyout Option have been satisfied, the tenant is released from further lease liability except for property damage beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid charges.
The Lease Buyout Option does not apply in cases involving lease violations or eviction proceedings. The specific terms of the signed lease will control.
What happens when my lease is coming to an end?
Marion Rental Apartments will generally contact you about 45 days before your lease ends to ask whether you plan to stay or move out.
If you plan to move out, you must provide at least 30 days’ notice and complete our Move-Out Notification Form. The form confirms your move-out date, notice, and forwarding address.
Tenants are expected to be fully moved out by the lease end date. If you move out earlier than expected, please let us know.
What happens if I want to renew my lease?
Our standard renewal option is another 1-year lease.
After completing the initial one-year lease, shorter-term options may also be available for an additional fee.
Marion Rental Apartments generally applies a 5% rent increase every two years. This means a tenant’s second one-year lease would generally remain at the same rental rate, while a new rate would typically begin with the third lease year.
Do you offer shorter-term leases after the first year?
Yes. After completing the initial 1-year lease, shorter-term renewal options may be available.
Shorter-term leases have additional charges compared with a standard one-year renewal. The available options and pricing can be provided when your lease is approaching renewal.
How much notice do I need to give if I am moving out?
A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required.
You will also need to complete and sign our Move-Out Notification Form, which confirms your intended move-out date and provides your forwarding address.
Can I transfer to another Marion Rental Apartments property?
Possibly, but a transfer is generally treated much like moving into a new apartment.
The tenant would need to qualify for the new property, sign the required paperwork, and pay a new security deposit for the new apartment. The security deposit from the current apartment is held until that apartment has been vacated, inspected, and prepared in accordance with the lease.
Your existing lease also still applies. If you are moving before the end of your current lease term, additional charges or lease buyout requirements may apply.
Because a transfer typically requires us to prepare both the apartment you are leaving and the apartment you are moving into, we generally encourage tenants to remain in their current apartment whenever possible.
Can I add another adult to my lease?
Any additional adult must be approved by Marion Rental Apartments before moving into the apartment.
The new applicant must complete the required screening process and meet the same rental qualifications as our other adult applicants.
Property Rules & Alterations
Can I paint the apartment?
No. Painting is not permitted.
If you would like to make any other change to the apartment, please contact Marion Rental Apartments before doing so.
Can I hang pictures or decorations on the walls?
Yes. Normal pictures and decorations are allowed.
We ask that tenants use small picture-hanging nails and avoid large wall anchors, large bolts, or other hardware that can cause significant wall damage.
Can I mount a TV on the wall?
No. Wall-mounted televisions are not permitted.
TVs should remain on a stand or other furniture.
Can I install a satellite dish?
Satellite dishes may not be permanently mounted to the building, roof, siding, railings, or other parts of the property.
Any satellite equipment must be installed without damaging or permanently altering the building.
Can I install cameras, video doorbells, or other exterior equipment?
Please contact Marion Rental Apartments before installing cameras, video doorbells, antennas, or other exterior equipment.
Nothing may be permanently attached to or alter the building without approval.
Can I change the locks or install a smart lock?
No. Tenants may not replace the existing exterior locks or install smart locks.
Marion Rental Apartments must keep its existing deadbolts and exterior lock system in place.
Can I install a smart thermostat?
No. Smart thermostats are not permitted.
Marion Rental Apartments uses specific HVAC equipment and thermostat setups that are maintained by our service team. Replacing the existing thermostat can create compatibility or service issues, so tenants should not change or install a different thermostat.
If there is a problem with the thermostat or HVAC system, please contact Marion Rental Apartments and we will handle it.
Can I put decorations or signs outside my apartment?
Yes. Freestanding decorations near your door or within your landscaping area are generally fine.
However, decorations, signs, hooks, brackets, or other items may not be attached directly to the building, siding, doors, railings, or other exterior surfaces.
If you are unsure whether something is allowed, please contact Marion Rental Apartments before installing it.
Can I make other improvements or modifications to the apartment?
Any permanent change or modification must be approved by Marion Rental Apartments before work is performed.
If you are unsure whether something is allowed, contact us before making the change.
Move-Out Process
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
Tenants must provide at least 30 days’ notice before moving out.
Marion Rental Apartments generally contacts tenants about 45 days before the lease ends to ask whether they plan to renew or move out.
How do I officially notify Marion Rental Apartments that I’m moving out?
Tenants who plan to move out must complete and sign our Move-Out Notification Form.
The form confirms your move-out date, verifies that the required notice has been provided, and gives us your forwarding address. It also includes cleaning guidance and information about potential move-out charges.
What if I move out before my lease end date?
You are welcome to physically move your belongings out before the lease ends, but please let us know when the apartment has been completely vacated.
Unless another arrangement has been approved, your lease and other responsibilities continue through the agreed lease end date.
If you are using the Lease Buyout Option, your responsibilities continue through the agreed final date of occupancy outlined in the early-termination arrangement.
How clean should I leave the apartment?
Apartments are professionally cleaned before a new tenant moves in, and we do not expect departing tenants to have the apartment professionally cleaned.
We do, however, expect the apartment to be left reasonably clean and free of trash, personal belongings, and excessive dirt or debris.
The Move-Out Notification Form includes additional cleaning guidance to help tenants avoid unnecessary charges.
What condition should I leave the apartment in?
The apartment should be returned in good condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.
Damage, excessive cleaning, missing items, trash removal, or other work required beyond normal turnover may result in charges. The Move-Out Notification Form includes a list of common charges that may apply.
Should I patch holes or make repairs before moving out?
We would much rather handle these repairs after move-out using our normal materials and preparation process. Tenant-made repairs often require additional sanding, patching, or repainting and can actually increase the amount of work needed to prepare the apartment for the next resident.
Simply leave any holes or damage as-is and allow Marion Rental Apartments to address them during the turnover process.
Where do I return my keys?
Keys can be returned to our office at 802 S. Court Street during normal business hours.
After hours, keys may be placed in the drop box on the north side of the office. If you use the drop box, please text 618-997-8500 to let us know the keys have been returned.
When should I turn off my utilities?
Utilities should remain active through the lease end date.
If you are ending the lease early through an approved arrangement, utilities should remain active through the agreed final day of occupancy.
Keeping utilities active through that date helps ensure the apartment remains properly heated, cooled, and maintained until possession is returned to Marion Rental Apartments.
What happens if I leave belongings behind?
Personal belongings should be completely removed before you return possession of the apartment.
Items left behind may be removed and hauled away, and the cost of removal may be charged to the tenant.
Do I need to schedule a move-out inspection?
No. We do not normally conduct a formal move-out inspection with the tenant present.
Marion Rental Apartments will inspect the apartment after you have moved out and returned the keys.
What happens if there are move-out charges?
Applicable cleaning, damage, trash removal, or other move-out charges are generally deducted from the security deposit.
If the charges exceed the amount of the available security deposit, the tenant may receive an additional bill for the remaining balance.
If the security deposit has been forfeited or applied as part of an early lease termination, there may be no deposit available to cover move-out charges. In that situation, any applicable charges may be billed separately.
Security Deposit Questions
When will I receive my security deposit back?
After you move out and return possession of the apartment, Marion Rental Apartments will inspect the unit and determine whether any deductions apply.
Any remaining security deposit will be returned to the forwarding address you provide, generally within 45 days after you vacate the apartment, subject to the terms of your lease and applicable law.
What can be deducted from my security deposit?
The security deposit may be used for applicable unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, damage beyond normal wear and tear, excessive cleaning, trash or belongings left behind, and other charges allowed under the lease.
Will I be charged for normal wear and tear?
Generally, no. Normal wear and tear is expected.
If the apartment is reasonably clean and there are only minor nail holes or ordinary wear, we will often handle normal touch-up painting and turnover without applying additional charges.
Charges are more likely when there is excessive wall damage, excessive holes, significant cleaning required, damaged fixtures or flooring, abandoned belongings, or other damage beyond normal use.
How clean does the apartment need to be?
We do not expect tenants to professionally clean the apartment before moving out. We professionally prepare apartments before the next tenant moves in.
However, the apartment should be left reasonably clean, empty, and free of trash and excessive dirt or debris.
Your Move-Out Notification Form includes cleaning guidance and examples of charges that may be deducted if additional work is required.
What if my move-out charges are more than my security deposit?
If applicable cleaning, repairs, unpaid amounts, or other charges exceed the available security deposit, you may receive a bill for the remaining balance.
You will receive a breakdown showing the applicable charges.
What happens to my deposit if I break my lease early?
Under the current lease, the security deposit may be forfeited if the lease is terminated before its expiration date, subject to the terms of the lease and any approved Lease Buyout arrangement.
If there is no remaining security deposit available to apply toward cleaning, damage, or other move-out charges, those charges may be billed separately.
Why do you need my forwarding address?
Your forwarding address allows us to send your security deposit refund, itemized deductions, or any remaining balance information after you move out.
The forwarding address is collected on the Move-Out Notification Form.
How will I know what was deducted from my deposit?
After the apartment has been inspected and the final charges have been determined, you will receive a written breakdown of applicable deductions.
If money remains from the security deposit, the breakdown will accompany or correspond with the refund. If the charges exceed the deposit, the breakdown will show any additional amount owed.
General Tenant Questions
How do I update my phone number or email address?
Please contact Marion Rental Apartments whenever your phone number, email address, or other important contact information changes.
Keeping your information current helps us reach you regarding maintenance, lease renewals, inspections, and other property-related matters.
Can I have long-term guests?
Occasional guests are allowed, but anyone who will be regularly living in the apartment will need to be approved and added to the lease.
If someone’s living situation changes, please contact Marion Rental Apartments before they move in.
Where should guests park?
Guests should use available parking in a way that does not block driveways, garages, sidewalks, other residents, or designated areas.
Parking arrangements can vary by property, so contact us if you are unsure where guests should park.
What should I do if I receive mail for a previous tenant?
Please do not open mail that is not addressed to you.
You can write “Return to Sender” or “Not at This Address” on the envelope and place it back in the outgoing mail.
How do I contact Marion Rental Apartments?
You can call or text us at 618-997-8500.
For maintenance requests, you can also use the tenant portal.
Where is the Marion Rental Apartments office?
Our office is located at:
802 S. Court Street
Marion, IL 62959
Can I text the office?
Yes. You can text 618-997-8500 for general questions, maintenance requests, and other tenant-related communication.
Messages received outside normal business hours will generally be reviewed during the next business day.
What should I do if I’ll be away from my apartment for an extended period?
If you plan to be away for an extended period, please make sure the apartment remains secure, utilities stay active as required, and the property is maintained appropriately.
If you expect to be gone for a particularly long period or have concerns about the apartment while you are away, please contact Marion Rental Apartments.
What if my question isn’t answered on this page?
Please contact Marion Rental Apartments at 618-997-8500.
We would rather have you ask before making a change, assuming something is allowed, or letting a small issue become a larger problem.
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