Frequently Asked Questions

Leasing, rent, utilities, pets, and more

These answers are general information. Your signed lease and North Carolina law govern if anything differs.

Leasing & Applying

When do leases typically start and end?

Most leases run on a 12-month cycle, typically beginning between June–July and ending the following summer.

How far in advance can I apply?

We begin contacting existing tenants regarding renewals in February. Homes not renewing are typically marketed March–April. Prospective tenants are encouraged to reach out in February to prepare ahead of availability.

What's the application process?

Reach out through our contact form, by email at phaseonencllc@gmail.com, or by text/call at 919-916-9345 about the home you're interested in. Every tenant and any required guarantor then completes an application, screened through TransUnion SmartMove (credit, background, and rental history). Most applications are processed within 24–72 hours once all documentation is submitted.

Do you lease by the bedroom or the whole house?

We lease each property as a single unit. All tenants sign one lease together.

Can I sign a lease without having all roommates finalized?

No. All tenants and any required guarantors must be identified and approved prior to lease signing.

How long does approval take?

Most applications are processed within 24–72 hours once all required documentation is submitted. Applications are screened through a third-party service (TransUnion SmartMove), which includes credit, background, and rental history checks.

Do you rent to college students?

Yes! We do rent to college students. However, all college student tenants are required to have a co-signer (guarantor) on the lease. The co-signer must meet our standard qualification requirements and will be jointly and severally liable for all lease obligations.

Can I see the lease? What does the lease look like?

We use a standard North Carolina residential lease with some minor alterations. If you'd like to review it before applying, please reach out to us directly at phaseonencllc@gmail.com and we'll be happy to share a copy.

Rent & Payments

How much is rent? What are the rental rates?

For the most up-to-date pricing on a specific property, we recommend searching the property address on Zillow — our listings there reflect current rates when available. You can also text or call Nick directly at 919-916-9345, or email us at phaseonencllc@gmail.com and we'll get back to you quickly.

Why don't you list rent prices on the website?

Prices are finalized each February/March for the upcoming lease cycle. Rather than show outdated numbers, we point you to our Zillow listings for the most current pricing, or you can text/call Nick at 919-916-9345 or email phaseonencllc@gmail.com for a quick answer.

What is due at lease signing?

The security deposit and any applicable pet fees are due at lease signing.

What is due before move-in?

First month's rent and last month's rent are due prior to or at move-in, as outlined in the lease.

Is the security deposit refundable?

Yes. The security deposit is refundable less any damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid balances. Deposits are handled in accordance with North Carolina law.

How do I pay rent?

Rent is paid via ACH transfer or approved bank deposit methods. Payment instructions will be provided prior to move-in.

Do you accept split payments between roommates?

No. Rent must be paid in full in a single payment per lease.

What happens if rent is late?

Late fees will be assessed in accordance with North Carolina law and as outlined in the lease agreement.

What is joint and several liability?

All tenants and any guarantors are jointly and severally liable for the full lease obligations, including rent, damages, and compliance with all lease terms.

What if a roommate does not pay their share?

All tenants remain collectively responsible for the full rent. Any unpaid portion must still be covered by the remaining tenants.

Utilities

Are utilities included?

Tenants pay all utilities. Water, sewer, trash, pest control, and landscaping are paid by the landlord but added to the topline of the rent.

Which utilities do tenants pay?

Typically electricity and internet services.

How are utilities handled with roommates?

Utilities are generally placed in one tenant's name and shared among roommates.

Pets

Are pets allowed?

Pets may be permitted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval. Service and assistance animals are not considered pets. Requests for reasonable accommodation are handled in accordance with fair housing law, and pet fees and pet rent do not apply to them.

Are there pet fees?

Yes. Non-refundable pet fees and/or monthly pet rent may apply.

Are there breed or size restrictions?

Yes. Certain breed, size, or other restrictions may apply. Please inquire prior to applying.

Maintenance

How do I submit a maintenance request?

Maintenance requests are submitted through our online system or through designated contact instructions provided at move-in.

What qualifies as an emergency?

Emergency issues include major water leaks, electrical hazards, loss of essential services (such as HVAC during extreme weather), or safety concerns.

How quickly are maintenance issues addressed?

We make reasonable efforts to address urgent issues promptly and non-urgent issues within a reasonable timeframe.

Will someone enter the property for repairs?

Yes. Entry may occur with reasonable notice, except in the case of emergencies.

Living There

How close are the properties to UNCW?

Most properties are located within approximately one mile of campus.

Are the homes furnished?

All properties are leased unfurnished unless otherwise specified.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is limited to designated areas and must comply with property-specific limits outlined in the lease.

Can I have guests stay over?

Guests are permitted for short stays. Extended stays or occupancy beyond lease limits require prior written approval.

Are parties allowed?

Large or disruptive gatherings are not permitted. Noise complaints or violations may result in lease enforcement actions.

What are quiet hours?

Quiet hours are defined in the lease and generally apply during late evening and early morning hours.

Can I sublease?

Subleasing is not permitted without prior written approval from the landlord.

Can I break my lease early?

Early termination is not guaranteed and is subject to the terms outlined in the lease, which may include locating an approved replacement tenant and/or applicable fees.

What happens if I study abroad or graduate early?

Lease obligations remain in effect unless a replacement tenant is approved in accordance with lease terms.

Move-In & Move-Out

What condition will the home be in at move-in?

Homes are professionally cleaned and prepared for occupancy prior to move-in.

Will there be a move-in inspection?

Tenants are encouraged to document the condition of the property at move-in and report any concerns promptly.

Do I need to clean before moving out?

Yes. Cleaning requirements are outlined in the lease and must be completed prior to move-out.

What happens if something is damaged?

Tenants are responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Costs may be deducted from the security deposit as permitted by law.

Contact & Billing

Who is the property manager? Who runs Phase One NC?

The property manager is Nick Sclafani. You can reach him directly at 919-916-9345 or by email at phaseonencllc@gmail.com.

How do I contact management? Who do I contact?

You can reach Nick Sclafani, the property manager, directly at 919-916-9345. You can also email us at phaseonencllc@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on our website.

How will important updates or notices be delivered?

Official communications may be delivered via email, written notice, or other methods permitted under the lease and North Carolina law.

What is your billing address? Where do I send mail or payments?

Our billing address is: PO Box 4671, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409.

What address should I use for my renters insurance policy?

Use our PO Box: Phase One NC LLC, PO Box 4671, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409.

Still have questions?

Text or call Nick at 919-916-9345, or send us a message.

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