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!