FAQ

What differs between an apartment and a dorm? What should I know before my son/daughter chooses a new apartment home?

Gainesville Place is a luxury apartment community, so there will be quite a few differences between us and your child’s dorm room. For one, each of our floorplans offer private bathroom suites, so that means no sharing! And not to mention, the TON of other resident perks and amenities our community has to offer. The main difference between an apartment home and a dorm on campus is our legally binding contract, or lease. This is a basic agreement between your child and the owner of the community, but is enforceable through the legal system.

What floorplans do you offer?

We offer 2-bedroom/2-bathroom, and 4-bedroom/4-bathroom fully furnished floor plans. Ask about our Exclusive Signature Suites, equipped with superior furnishings such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood plank flooring, renovated fixtures and lighting, and an upgraded furniture package. Or choose our beautiful classic home, which, at over 1400 square feet, offers the same large suite-style living as our exclusive units! Unfurnished options are also available.

What utilities are my responsibility?

Gainesville Place is a direct bill community, so all utilities, including electric, water, and sewer, will be billed directly to your son or daughter, and they will be responsible for paying their entire utility package each month, in addition to their monthly rent. As an added convenience, Gainesville Place includes high-speed internet, extended cable, refuse, and pest control service for all residents at no additional monthly cost.

Who do I contact with questions about my utilities?

To make it easier for our residents, your son or daughter will pay their utilities monthly to Gainesville Place. Gainesville Place receives a bill through our local utility company, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). For questions about the meter or to have an energy audit completed, please contact GRU directly. Your son or daughter will not have to set up their own account, but will be required to pay a one-time utility setup fee prior to moving in. Residents will still receive a bill each month from our third party billing company, which will break down what they owe each month prior to paying their rent. This bill will already be split among all roommates for the convenience of our residents.

Who is my cable & internet provider?

The internet & cable provider for Gainesville Place is Cox Communications. All troubleshooting questions, or issues with service should be directed to them. However, the GP leasing team is here to assist in handling any and all issues. A modem, a digital mini-box, and a cable remote will be provided to each resident in their bedroom upon move in, and a large cable box and remote in the common area.

What are the lease terms?

Our leases for Fall 2018 run from August 19, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Rent for August is not due until your move-in day. You will need to bring the rental payment in certified funds only (cashier’s check or money order) and a state-issued photo ID to pick up keys. Once money is collected, keys will be issued to your new apartment, which will be freshly cleaned, steamed, and painted. Move-In day is extremely busy so get here early, and come prepared! Ask us about our short-term lease options for a small premium!* *Limited short-term leases available.

Is your community student-only? Do you offer roommate matching?

Gainesville Place is not student only, but is very student friendly in that we offer by-the-bed living close to both the UF and Santa Fe campuses. However, anyone that meets our financial criteria and passes our background check is eligible to live here. We do offer roommate matching. In the case that your son or daughter has preferred roommates, we will do our very best to accommodate them living together in the same apartment, however, placement is never guaranteed. If they do not have roommates in mind, we provide roommate matching services, and it is required that each and every resident fill out a roommate matching form honestly so we can do our best to find a perfect match! We do not do coed matching, but we do allow coed apartments assuming the apartment is fully occupied and we have the consent of all roommates.

Is renter’s insurance required to live here?

Renter’s insurance is not required but is strongly encouraged. In the case of fire, flood, or other natural disaster, renter’s insurance can protect your child and his or her belongings. It comes at a low monthly cost from most car insurance providers.

How close is Gainesville Place Apartments to UF and Santa Fe?

Gainesville Place is 1.2 miles from the center of the University of Florida campus and about a 10-15 minute drive from Santa Fe College. We have great interior buses (the only property in Gainesville!) that pick up inside the complex and drop off at all the central locations on the UF campus. We also have city buses that can take your child all over Gainesville including grocery stores, restaurants, and downtown on nights and weekends!

Do you allow pets?

As much as we would love to welcome your furry friends, Gainesville Place does not allow any pets within the community.

What deposits and fees are required?

A damage deposit of $1,000 is required at the time of application to our community. This is a refundable deposit, and is strictly used to deduct damages and any other balances after your child moves out. It can never be used towards rent or other fees accrued during the lease term. You also have the option to sign on as a guarantor, or co-signer, to your child’s lease. To apply as a guarantor, a full background and credit check will be required, and a minimum monthly income of three times your child’s rent is part of our financial criteria. Should you be approved as a guarantor at our community, the deposit will be entirely waived. In addition to our required deposit or guarantor, we require a one-time utility setup fee of $75 per resident, a $50 application fee, and additional leasing fees to reserve a spot. For a breakdown of these fees, please contact our leasing office. And don’t forget to ask about our leasing specials!