Frequently Asked Questions

Potential Renter Questions

• How much is rent for one of your apartments or rental properties?
  The rent for apartments and rental properties that we currently manage vary by location. At this time, the rent for all of our locations ranges between $500 and $800 per month but not all of our locations are currently available. Check our Rentals page for more information on the locations that are available for rent. Feel free to contact us at our office for more information on specific locations.
• How much do I need to move in?
  Currently, we require the first month's rent and at least half of the deposit at the time of lease signing. The rest of the deposit can be paid off within three (3) months. As long as the deposit is paid in full within three months then there are no further fees. If the deposit is not paid in full within three months, there is a $100 non-refundable fee that you would be charged. And if the deposit is still not paid in full within 6 months, this could be grounds for eviction. Feel free to contact us at our office for more information.
• How much is the security deposit for a renter?
  The security deposit is the same as one month's rent. Because the rental rate varies by location, the security deposit also varies. Feel free to contact us at our office for more information.
• How do I apply for one of your apartments or rental properties?
  We require every renter that is on the lease to fill out an application and a credit check. There is a $20 fee for the application/credit check process for each applicant. However, we want to make sure that we are not wasting your money so we perfer that you come in to look at the apartment or rental property to make sure that it meets your needs before we take your application, credit check, and application fee.
  
  When an apartment or rental property is available, we will hold an open house with several times on several days in order to allow the opportunity for any interested individuals to see the property. We will post the days and times of the open house as well as pictures of the available apartment on our web site. When an apartment is available you can find this information on the Rentals page of our web site. You can also sign up to be notified of our next open house on our Open House Sign Up page and we will send you a notificiation through an email, a text, or both when our next open house is scheduled.
  
  You are welcome to come into our office anytime during our office hours without an appointment. If you need to come in at another time than our posted hours, feel free to contact us at our office to setup an appointment for another time.
• Do you allow pets in your apartments or rental properties?
  Currently all of the apartments and rental properties that we manage allow dogs and cats under 35 lbs as an adult. Those animals that weigh over 35 lbs or are expected to weigh over 35 lbs as an adult need to be approved before they are allowed at our rental locations.
  
  There is a $400 pet security deposit that is refundable minus damages once you end your rental relationship with us. Dogs and cats that are 35 lbs or less as an adult will have an additional $22 per month fee. Approved pets over 35 lbs will have an additional $33 per month fee. If you change your mind and decide to no longer have your pet here, the additional montly fee will end once the pet is no longer living at property. Unfortunately, the pet security deposit is not returned until the renter has moved out. At that point, the remainder of both the pet security deposit and the standard security deposit will be returned as indicated in the Current Renter Questions section below with the My lease is ending and I'm going to be moving out. How soon can I expect to receive my security deposit back? question.
• I'm trying to fill out one of your forms online and there's this weird box saying I'm not a robot. What does that mean and what does it do?
  Unfortunately, with the technology that is out today, it is possible to write computer programs that can automatically fill in forms on web pages. Below is a sample picture of a technique used to determine if a real person is filling in the form or not, called a reCaptcha.
  
  
  
  The original version of this technique, called Captcha, showed hard to read pictures of words and numbers. There have been several versions of this technique that have been used over the years. The version that we utilize on the BGM Ventures web site is the most recent version that is a bit easier to use, called the "no Captcha reCaptcha." It tries to determine whether you are a computer program or not from the way that you move your mouse. If it is unable to make a decision from this, it will use a combination of pictures to help in this process. If you are interested in finding more infomation about these techniques, check out Google's security blog entry about the no Captcha reCaptcha.

Current Renter Questions

• Can I pay my rent weekly instead of monthly?
  After you have paid the first month's rent, you are welcome to pay weekly, bi-weekly, or bi-monthly instead of monthly if that is your preference. Feel free to contact us at our office for the specifics on how we do this.
• Can we light fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July at my location?
  As renters you are allowed to use fireworks at all of our apartmetns and rental locations. However, there are some limitations to what is allowed. Please use the following guidelines when using fireworks at any BGM rental location:

  • No flying fireworks.
  • While we don't have an issue with fireworks, we don't want flying fireworks to land on any of the rental property structures or other individuals that may be nearby. Even when used properly, mistakes can happen and we want to avoid injuries and damage so we do not allow this type of firework.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • As we mentioned with the flying fireworks, we want to avoid injury and property damage. Please be aware of your surroundings so that you are not lighting fireworks near anyone or anything that may be damaged by the fireworks. If damage is caused or someone gets hurt while you are using your fireworks, you may be responsible for any bills caused by the fireworks.
  • Be considerate.
  • Remember that there are others that may be nearby while you are enjoying your fireworks. Please avoid using the fireworks late at night when others around you may have gone to bed.
  • Stay away from property.
  • As we mentioned earlier, please be aware of your surroundings and do not light your fireworks around any structures or other property, whether they are owned by BGM, another tenant, or another individual that may be nearby. If damage is caused or someone gets hurt while you are using your fireworks, you may be responsible for any bills caused by the fireworks.
  • Cleanup after yourself.
  • While we do not have a problem with renters enjoying fireworks, we do not want to have to cleanup after your firework festivities. Please make sure that you cleanup after yourself or any of your guests so that we can continue to have the opportunity to enjoy fireworks at all of our apartments and rental locations in the future.
  • If you're still not sure, ask.
  • We tried to cover the most common questions asked of us in the past. If we haven't answered your question, please feel free to call the office or our after hours support number to ask us your concern and we will do our best to get an answer for you.
• Can we use a grill at our location?
  We allow grills at all of our locations. However, when they are warming up or in use, please make sure that they are a safe distance away from any structures or other property, whether they are owned by BGM, another tenant, or another individual that may be nearby. At the same time, once you are finished using your grill and it has cooled down, make sure that it is stored in an appropriate manner so that it is out of the way and so that it continues to offer a pleasant appearance for the apartment. If you would like further details, feel free to call the office.
• Can we have a fire pit?
  We allow fire pits at all of our locations. However, they have to be movable standalone structures that are raised off the ground. You cannot dig a fire pit in the ground or build a structure that cannot be easily moved when it is time to mow the grass. They also cannot be used next to any structures or near trees or bushes that could be harmed by the heat of the fire pit. If you would like further details, feel free to call the office.
• Do you offer recycling?
  Currently we are offering recycling at our Syracuse locations. Our North Webster and Leesburg locations do not currently have recycling at the apartments or rental locations but North Webster offers a recycling location behind the New Market supermarket. There is also a recycling location provided in Syracuse behind the Wawasee Cafe.
  
  Here is a list of the items that you can recycle and a list of items that the recycling company does not want in the recycling containers. If you have any further questions, please contact the office.
• My lease is ending and I'm going to be moving out. How soon can I expect to receive my security deposit back?
  The state of Indiana requires that we have your security deposit and a record of any charges back to you within 45 days of the time that you have moved out. However, we try to get this information back into your hands no later than 30 days from the time that you have moved out.