February 27, 2008

Why are the Springfield apartments cheaper than the Summer Pointe Apartments?

As a resident, you win 2 ways by renting at Springfield, your rent is lower and your utility bills are lower also.  For those who need more space, or more amenities, we have other floor plans to offer at other complexes. Our prices are based on square footage, and Summer Pointe apartments are bigger than those in Springfield.

How do you calculate your blended rates?

We used a formula of weighted averages of the summer and fall rates, including premiums. This formula is calculated by multiplying the rates for fall by 5 (the number of months in fall) and the rates for the summer by the number of days we have left in the summer.

For example, say you move into a 1 bed apartment on June 15 with a lease expiring December 31; the summer rate is $400, the fall rate is $450, and the off peak premium is $30. Your monthly rent is calculated like this (you may also type in the rates for your particular apartment):

Why does your company have short-term premiums?

Actually, we consider them off-peak premiums as opposed to short-term premiums. Since we are busiest in August we try to have as many apartments available at that time by encouraging new residents to sign leases until July 31st. We do this by offering the lowest rates for July 31st expirations.

Why is my rate going up? (In reference to renewal rates)

We always work to offer the absolute best rates in Norman.  We adjust rates according to availability and how many people are searching for apartments. This usually depends on what time of year it is.

Do you have any specials or promotions?

We consistently offer great apartments at great prices. Together with beautiful grounds, service and follow up, and proximity to OU, we're an excellent value.

What is the difference between a prelease and a regular application?

A regular application will reserve a particular apartment for you for a maximum of 30 days. If you want to apply further in advance then you can fill out a form, called a prelease that indicates your preference (e.g. upstairs/downstairs, 1 or 2 bed with patio etc) so that we can assign an apartment to you as they become available. Both regular application and preleases will lock in the rates for you as of the day you apply.

What does your lease look like? What are the terms?

You may see a copy of our standard lease form here. We also have a Spanish version.

Is there a limit on the number of the people who can occupy an apartment?

The maximum number of permitted occupants in an apartment is one adult more than the total number of bedrooms in the apartment. For example, in a one bedroom apartment two adults can stay, in a two bedroom apartment three adults can stay and so on.

Do you allow pets?

We do not allow pets, even temporarily except for pet rocks and pet fish (as long as they stay in the bowl). Here is a list of few communities which allow pets.

  • Brookhollow/Cedar  329-6652
  • Emerald Greens  321-2241
  • Rebecca Lane  364-9419
  • Saratoga Springs  360-6624
  • Twincreek 366-0999
  • Riverbend  321-1601

How do a I apply and what do you check?

If you'd like to apply for an apartment, we need you to send us three things:

  1. a completely filled out and signed application for every adult who plans to live in the apartment (we also have a Spanish version),
  2. a photocopy of every applicant's photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport), and
  3. a check, cashiers check or money order for the security deposit.

Security deposits are $150 for a 1 bedroom apartment, $200 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $300 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $400 for a 4 bedroom apartment. Your deposit is 100% refundable and will be refunded to you if your application is, for whatever reason, denied.

For every applicant and cosigner, we check and take into consideration credit history, rental history, current employment, criminal history, and the national sex offender database.

What if I am asked for a cosigner?

This does not mean that your application is approved or denied. This only means that that there wasn't enough information in your application upon which we can make a decision. For example, your credit report may show that you are responsible, but if you are young enough, there might not be enough history there. Alternately, you may have never rented an apartment before. Cosigners are often parents, and cosigner applications are reviewed according to the same standards as resident applications. If you need a cosigner, they must fill out and an application along with copy of a photo ID. Keep in mind that a co-signer must have good credit history (no past dues or collections), employed or retried, owns a home or has good rental history. If a co-signer is denied, applicant must pay additional $25 fee for another co-signer. Fee must be paid before processing cosigner’s application.

Do I get my deposit back if I decide not to move in?

No. A deposit on an approved application is forfeited if applicant fails to move in.

What if my application was not approved even with a co-signer?

If you are unable to provide a co-signer or your co-signer was not approved, it will be considered a denied application and the deposit will be refunded.

What all utilities do I pay?

We pay for water and trash. You pay for electricity and at Springfield Town Homes and Cinnamon Creek Town Homes, you pay for gas as well. In these apartments only, heater runs on gas everything else is electric.

How much does an average electric bill run?

It varies from floor plan to floor plan but here are the averages: 

Cinnamon Creek Town Homes- $72/month

Peppertree Patio Homes- $77/month

Summer Pointe Apartments

            1 bedroom 681 sqft $58/month

            1 bedroom 750 sqft $68/month

2 bedrooms 831 sqft $80/month

2 bedrooms 1000 sqft $97/month

3 bedrooms 831 sqft $64/month

3 bedrooms 1000 sqft $92/month

2 bedroom town homes $95/month

4 bedrooms town homes $150/month

Springfield Apartments

1 bedroom $60/month

2 bedrooms $75/month

2 bedrooms patio homes $101

2 bedroom town homes $93

3 bedroom patio homes $150

Please understand that these rates will vary depending on what temperature you run your A/C or heater and whether or not you turn it down before you leave the apartment for a long period of time. Do understand though that our apartments are well insulated and have thermo pane windows, which keep them cool inside the apartment. Our apartments are as well insulated if not better insulated as other apartment complexes in Norman.

Which apartments have gas heating & what is the average gas bill?

Cinnamon Creek and Springfield town homes have gas heating. Average ONG bills for these apartments are $36 but it is higher in the winter months.

How do I set up my utilities?

Approximately one week before you move in, you need to call OG&E at 405-272-9741 and give them your name and your new address. Also inform them of your move-in date. Please bring your OG&E account number or application to the office as proof of service when you move in.

If you are moving into Springfield and Cinnamon Creek town houses make sure to set up your gas on or before your move in date even if it is not yet cold outside. You need to pay a deposit before ONG will provide service.  Call the business office at 405-551-4000 during normal business hours. 

How are deposits handled for OG&E?

Deposits are determined by credit ratings so the amount will vary from person to person. Usually they will ask you to pay your deposit which is around $100 at the Tag Agency on Interstate Dr., at Post and Parcel on Gray Street, or at Value Food on E.Lindsey.

Deposit for ONG is approximately $110 and you can pay the deposit at the business office at 625 N. Berry Rd, Norman

Is cable service included?

All city utilities are included (water, trash, and sewage), but the cable is not. To set up your cable you will need to contact Cox Communications at 405-600-8282. Basic cable runs around $40/month.

What about telephone and internet?

You can get these services through Cox Communications (600-8282) and AT & T (1-800-464-7928). Average bills for telephone service runs around $26. Internet services- the high speed DSL through AT & T and Cable Internet through Cox Communications is available for about $40 a month. For those living in patio homes and townhouses the use of satellite dishes is permitted as long as they follow the installation instructions provided below.

  • The dish is required to be on a pole located in a bucket of cement, and no contents of the satellite dish should be attached to the property.
  • In order to avoid unsightly clutter in from your neighbors, satellite dishes for other floor plans are strictly forbidden.

What's the difference between a newly renovated apartment and a non-renovated apartment?

Our fully-renovated apartments are optimized to provide maximum  and better storage (see here, here, and here for examples) with new and redesigned closets and to provide unique features not found anywhere else. Although all of our renovations are different from each other, these features often include

Not all our fully-renovated apartments have all the above features as each is unique. Here is a list of all  fully-renovated apartments with descriptions, floor plans and pictures describing each. You can also see some of our renovation work in action.

Do you have washer/dryer hook ups?

All town houses and patio homes come with a washer and dryer. All other residents are serviced by on-site laundries. The cost of laundry is $1 for both washers and dryers.

Are your apartments furnished or unfurnished?

All our apartments are unfurnished. Many of our residents rent furniture from a number of furniture rental places we can recommend. CORT Furniture Rental provides furniture for renting. Their phone number is 405-943-2348. Also, the furniture could be rented from Furniture Options and their phone number is 1-877-721-7368 or 405-752-0900.

What entertainment is near by?

What grocery stores and pharmacies are near by?

What fast foods are near by?

What banks are near by?

What's my school district?

Cinnamon Creek
Lincoln Elementary
Irving Middle School
Norman High

Peppertree
Kennedy Elementary
Irving Middle School
Norman High

Springfield
Madison Elementary
Irving Middle School
Norman High

Summer Pointe
Lincoln Elementary
Irving Middle School
Norman High

Do I need renter's insurance?

Yes! The landlord is only responsible for the structure of the property when damaged occur such as a fire, hail, or vandalism done to the property. Landlords are not responsible for the personal property of a resident. As a result if a pipe in your apartment breaks and caused a flood, any of your property that has been damaged by the water is not cover by the landlord’s policy. Renters insurance can also cover any accidents caused by other residents. It can also protect against liability lawsuits or medical bills of guests injured in your apartment. A resident including roommates should consider renters insurance for the safety of their personal belongings.  It is not necessary for each roommate to have their own policy, but they must understand that renter’s insurance only covers the possessions of the listed policyholder. As a result, if four people are sharing an apartment, each person should have their own insurance. Or they may have one policy that covers all roommates.

For more information on rates, policies, and renters insurance here are some links you may visit.

State Farm
Geico
Allstate
Esurance

Are there crime data for your area?

Here is a crime rate comparison among Norman, Oklahoma City, and the national average. Also, the local TV station KWTV provides on-line maps of local crime incidents through 2004, for example for the areas around each of our complexes: Summer Pointe, Springfield, Peppertree, and Cinnamon Creek. The Norman Police Department site has more recent and detailed statistics for all types of criminal offenses.

What are my neighbors like?

Here is our attempt to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your neighbors.

How old are they?
They're young: the average resident is only 24, but the oldest is 69. The ages break down like this:
18-24  61%
25-34 28%
35-44 4%
45-54 5%
55-64 2%

Are there a lot of cute guys/girls?
We can't speak for appearance, but guys hold sway 61%/39%.

How many people live next door?
43% have roommates
3% have kids

What do my neighbors do for a living? 
Employed:  75%
Student:  64%
Studying and working (yikes!):  43%

Sushi or tamales?
18% of our residents are international.  Here is a list of countries they hail from.

Bricks or clicks? 20% of our residents found us through the web.

What are my neighbors like? Part 2

Although 82% of our residents are from the good ol' U.S. of A., a full 18% are international. They hail from the the following countries:

Argentina
Armenia
Bulgaria
Cameroon
China
Colombia
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Malaysia
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Peru
Philippines
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Venezuela
Vietnam

Learn more about your neighbors here.

When does my rent start and in what form should it be payable?

On your arrival date, please be prepared to pay 1 full month rent prior to receiving keys; your second month’s rent will be pro-rated. Payment should be in the form of personal check, money order, or certified check only, payable to Summer pointe Apartments. We do not accept cash or post-dated checks. Make sure you always indicate your apartment address on your payment to make sure it is credited to the correct account.

What are my lease options?

All leases must end in May, July or December. Any leases ending in May or December are available at the following lease premiums: 1 bed $30, 2 bed $45, 3 bed $60, 4 bed $100.

What utilities am I responsible prior to moving in?

We pay for water and trash. You are responsible for electricity except for Springfield and Cinnamon Creek Town Homes, which have gas heating. In these apartments only, heater runs on gas everything else is electric. You need to get these services transferred into your name and show us your account number for these services on the day you move in with us. If you do not show us OG&E and ONG (for Springfield and Cinnamon Creek Town Homes)account number then you cannot move in on the scheduled day.

Do I need to fill out Property Conditional Report?

When you sign your apartment contract with us you will be provided a property condition report. This is for your protection, and we highly recommend that you fill it out and return it to the leasing office within three business days. We refer to this sheet when you move out to make sure that you are not charged for any pre-existing conditions. If you do not return this report to us we will assume that the apartment was in perfect condition and any damages present at the time you move out will be considered your responsibility.

What if I do not wish to renew my rental contract?

Resident must give us a 30-day written notice prior to vacating, even if the resident intends to vacate at the termination of the lease. The notice must state the date you plan to move out.  The move out date should be on or before lease expiration date. If a resident needs to renew his contract for a day or two he should contact the leasing office in advance. Make sure that you include your forwarding address on your notice to vacate so that we can mail your deposit back to you.

What if I need to move out prior my lease expiration date?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise which prevents you from fulfilling your lease contract. Therefore, we offer a couple ways to terminate your contract.  Please come to the office for details.   

What all do I need to do prior to moving out?

If you would like a leasing agent to walk through the apartment to ensure the total amount of your deposit, you must schedule a move out inspection appointment prior to your move out day.

Moving out Checklist

1) To cancel or transfer service for your utilities, call

OG&E: 405-272-9741

Southwestern Bell: 1-800-464-7928

Cox Communications: 405-600-8282

Oklahoma Natural Gas: 405-321-3300

You are responsible for all utility charges through the date on which your keys are returned to the leasing office.

2) Make sure your apartment is clean.  When you are ready for your move out inspection, come into the office.  A list of cleaning charges is available at the office.  Please make sure these areas are clean to protect your security deposit from deductions.

3) Return all apartment keys, mail, and laundry/pool key.  Remember that the laundry/pool key and mail box key costs $50 if not returned.  Place all your keys in an envelope with your apartment number on the envelope and seal it.  After-hour keys may be returned through the leasing office night drop located on the front door. Also be sure we have your forwarding address for deposit return.

4) Give the post office your forwarding address (forms are available in the leasing office), so that your mail can be sent to your new address.

5) To avoid landscaping damage charges, make sure that your moving helpers do not park any vehicles on the grass.  Moving vans must not block roadways.

6) You must move out on or before the date that your lease is up.  Please notify the office regarding any delays.  A new resident will be assigned to your apartment.  Delays may result in additional charges including rent lost, additional rent, or cost of temporary housing for the new resident.

7) Your security deposit will be returned to you by mail within 4-6 weeks of your move out date.  Only one check can be issued per apartment.  Please be sure that the leasing office has the correct payable party and address mailing address.

Will I be charged for a maintenance request?

No. If you need to report any maintenance problems our maintenance staff is ready to help you. To place a work order please calls 405-364-5659 or you can IM or e-mail us your work order request to: fixme@oig.biz. Please remember to give us your apartment number, phone number, and detailed description of the problem. After the work order is completed we will leave a note outside of your apartment letting you know that someone was in your apartment to fix the problem.

Why do you ask for my phone number and email address when I request a maintenance fix?

We ask for your contact information so that our office can follow up with you that our maintenance person
  • addressed your maintenance request adequately and in a professional manner, and
  • if you were not home, left a work ticket to let you know what was done.
We do not distribute or sell any contact information we receive from residents or applications. We use this information to track and improve the reliability of our maintenance staff. For information, on how we are doing see our stats.

How is your maintenance doing?

As we follow up all our work orders, we can provide you with a better idea of our maintenance performance. "New Work orders Per Day" is the number of resident repair requests per day by phone, email, or IM. "Average Days to Completion" is the average number of days it takes us to complete a work order once it is received by a resident. "Reported Unsatisfactory by Resident" is the portion of our completed work orders that our residents say we did not do a good job on. We use all this information to help us do better.

     Month

New Work orders Per Day

Average Days to Completion

Reported Unsatisfactory by Resident

Jan-07

7.2

1.3

2.60%

Feb-07

8.1

1

3.00%

Mar-07

7.7

1

2.00%

Apr-07

6.3

1.1

4.70%

May-07

9.2

1.1

3.10%

Jun-07

9.7 (20 straight days of rain!)

1.1

5.40%

Jul-07

8.7

1.1

5.50%

Aug-07

13.8

1.1

1.80%

Sep-07

6.4

0.81

2.50%

October 2007

8

0.57

3.60%

Nov-07

7.2

0.94

2.70%

Dec-07

5.7

1.08

3.80%

Jan-08

7.9

0.63

4.00%

Feb-08

6.90

0.70

3.90%

What if I have an emergency?

We offer maintenance 24-hour emergency maintenance. In case of fire, injury or crime please dial 911 first. If your emergency is during office hours, please call the maintenance office at 405-364-5659. If the emergency is after working hours then you may dial the emergency phone at 473-2970.

Do I need parking permits to park my car on the property?

Residents living at Cinnamon Creek may be issued a parking permit. For all other properties Pepper Tree, Spring Field, Summer Pointe, Wind Rock Parking spaces are unassigned. If you require a special parking arrangement due to disability, please contact us at (405) 364-5622, or e-mail to leasing@oig.biz.

Is there a Commuter Bus Service (CART) between my apartment complex and the University of Oklahoma?

CART, the University bus service, makes stops every 30 minutes at Summer Pointe (18 and 48 minutes of every hour) and Springfield apartments (04 and 34 minutes of every hour) from 7:30am to 9:00pm Monday through Friday. Cinnamon Creek & Peppertree residents are also served by the CART service every 30 minutes and the stops are located 1 block away from the complexes.

What happens if I’m in the military and I have the orders to leave?

You may submit a copy of your official transfer orders to the office to be released from your lease contract. Your security deposit will be returned in full, less hold-backs for cleaning, damages, unpaid rent or unpaid fees.

Why doesn’t your company give student or military discounts?

Out of fairness, we work hard to offer everyone the lowest possible leasing rates.  We try not to discriminate when possible.

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Office Hours

  • Monday - Friday......9am-6pm

    Saturday ..............10am-3pm

    Closed Sundays and major holidays.

    In case need to drop off a rent check after business hours, there's a maildrop at the front door of the office. Please indicate your apartment address on the check. For after-hours lockouts, please call (405) 473-2970.

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