FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are general answers to general questions. All tenants sign a written lease. While we have attempted to represent the terms of most leases here, a tenant should refer to his or her written lease for a final decision on any matter. Nothing in this FAQ section shall alter the terms of any written lease.
Q What is your policy on pets?
We allow adult, spayed or neutered cats and caged rabbits in most units. We require an additional $200.00 deposit, and an additional $10.00 per month rent. A written agreement is required before any cat is allowed in the unit, even if it is for a short time, or the tenant is simply "cat-sitting"
We also allow fish, and caged birds at no extra cost. Sorry, we do not allow dogs, ferrets, snakes, iguanas, or any type of rodent in any of our properties.
The tenant assumes complete responsibility for any damage caused by any pet.
Q What is the minimum term of a lease? What happens if I move out before it is up?
Generally, the minimum term of a lease is a year. However, we can negotiate shorter terms, such as nine months, as the circumstances warrant. A month to month lease is allowed at many locations with a $50.00 per month rent increase. If you are an existing tenant, refer to the top page of your Rental Agreement for your minimum term.
If a tenant is unable to fulfill the minimum term of the lease, there is a non-refundable $125.00 fee due at the time notice to vacate is given to cover additional advertising and office work. The landlord will make every attempt to re-rent the unit once notice is given. But until the unit is re-rented, the tenant remains responsible for full and prompt payment of rent and utilities.
Q Can I paint my apartment a different color?
Q When is my rent due? What if I am late?
All rent is due on or before the first day of each month. Rent can be paid with a money order or personal check through the mail, put in our drop slot in the front door of our office, or paid through the "online payment" link on this website. Cash payments can be made only at the main Des Moines office. Cash payments should be made during normal business hours, and should not be mailed or put in the drop slot.
Rent is considered late after the 4th day of any month. Any rent not received by the time our office opens on the 5th of any month is subject to a $15.00 late fee. There is an additional $25.00 late fee imposed after the 10th, if any portion of your rent has not been received.
If you know your rent will be late, contact our office as soon as possible to make arrangements for payment.
Q I need to move. How do I give notice?
Any notice to vacate must be given in writing, and must contain your name and address, and the date you will be completely moved out. You may come to our office and complete a form, complete a form with your resident manager, if applicable, download a form from this website at http://www.venturellc.com/tenants, or fax or mail a written statement to our office.
If you are moving and you have already fulfilled your minimum term, follow these guidelines to give proper notice:
Moving between March 1 and October 31 of any year (30 day notice) - submit your written notice to vacate on or before the first day of the month when you plan to move. Your move out date must be the last day of the month. For instance, if you intend to move on June 30, you need to have your notice in our office on or before June 1. There is no grace period, so make sure you have it there on or before the 1st.
Moving between November 1 and February 29 of any year (60 day notice) - submit your written notice to vacate on or before the first day of the month before you plan to move. Your move out date must be the last day of the following month. For instance, if you intend to move on January 31, you need to have your notice in our office on or before December 1. There is no grace period, so make sure you have it there on or before the 1st.
If you are moving before the expiration of your minimum term, you should supply our office with your written notice to vacate as soon as possible, along with your $125.00 early termination fee. Once we have received it, we will attempt to re-rent your apartment and minimize your liability. However, you must continue to make rent payments until your unit has been re-rented.
Please refer to your individual Rental Agreement for it's specific terms.
Q I want someone to move in with me. What should I do?
Q I need maintenance in my apartment. How do I notify you?
If you live in Des Moines or Norwalk, please contact our office by telephone (515-255-6677) or e-mail. If you live in Marshalltown, please contact your resident manager. The number for Olive Terrace, East Olive, Brookview, Pharoah's Valley & Santa Barbara is 641-752-7767. The number for Southern Hills is 641-752-7533.
You may also go to http://www.venturellc.com/tenants and submit your request through this web-site. In any event, make sure you provide your name, phone number, address, and the specific problem you are having.
Q What are the application requirements to rent an apartment?
One application, along with a copy of a driver's license or other government issued photo ID, must be submitted for each adult that will reside in the unit. You will be asked to provide information about where you have worked or gone to school for the past two years, as well as where you have lived for the last three years. We also ask for the name and phone number of your previous landlords, so we can contact them for references. We run a check for criminal background, as well as any previous evictions or lawsuits by previous landlords.
Our general rule is that the total gross household income must meet or exceed three times the monthly rent. For instance, if the apartment you are interested in rents for $500.00 per month, your household income must be at least $1500.00 per month. This rule is sometimes waived for full-time students at local Universities who are receiving grants, loans, and/or parental support.

