Frequently Asked Questions

Leasing Questions

Do I need to setup an appointment? Do you take walk-ins?
We believe that finding and renting the perfect apartment at Lake Forest should be easy – and because of that, no appointment is necessary to tour our apartment community during the week, appointments are required for Saturday visits. I However, we encourage you to call ahead and schedule an appointment so we can assist you as soon as you arrive. If you do decide to stop by without an appointment, please arrive no later than one hour prior to closing if you would like to tour the property. Everyone over 18 must have a valid photo ID to tour the property.

Why do your prices have ranges? Why do your prices change daily?
Our pricing incorporates many different elements including the amenities specific to each apartment, the desired move-in date, desired lease term and recent demand and supply statistics. The pricing range you see depends on the lease term you choose. In general, the longer the lease term, the lower the price, although there can be specific exceptions. There are many factors that go into pricing. Most importantly, we consider the quality of the competing communities including age, size of apartments, quantity and quality of apartment features and community amenities and the quality of service provided. We monitor our competitor’s pricing and are confident we offer a fair price given all of these differences. When you stop by for a tour we can provide you with price quotes on specific apartments based on these factors. These quotes are good for 48 hours. If you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to ask your Leasing Consultant. We work very hard to be fair to everyone given all of these different influences.

What is the application fee and is it refundable?

The application fee is $35 per person. The $35 application fee is non-refundable.

Can I complete an application online? Where is the online lease form?

Yes, you can complete an application online! You will find the “apply online” tab on our website, at the top of the page between the “contact” and “VIP” tabs.

What utilities are residents responsible for?

Residents are responsible for electric and water/refuse service. Electric and Gas service must be set up through Consumers Energy prior to move-in. The water/refuse service is a monthly flat fee included with your rent: $18 for 1 occupant, $27 for 2 occupants, $36 for three occupants, and $45 for 4 occupants.

Am I required to have Renter’s Insurance?

For the benefit and protection of all residents, there is financial responsibility requirement in which you must have insurance protection during the term of your lease agreement. As such, you must provide evidence of personal liability insurance with limits of liability in an amount not less than $100,000 per occurrence. To assist you in meeting this requirement, we have a program with an independent insurance carrier from which you can choose to obtain renter’s insurance. Through this program, all of our residents are pre-approved for eRenterPlan renter’s insurance which offers high-quality, low-cost coverage with products that are designed specifically for residents of professionally-managed apartment communities. To sign-up for a policy with eRenterPlan you can go online at www.eRenterPlan.com . You can satisfy your financial responsibility requirement and obtain renter’s insurance through this program, or you may choose to secure coverage on your own.

Do you offer furnished apartments?
We’ve formed relationships with Cort Furniture that can make your new apartment home feel like, well home. For more details, please contact the leasing office.

What school district are you in? What are the schools?

We are in the Kalamazoo Public Schools District. The schools are King-Westwood Elementary School, Linden Grove Middle School, and Kalamazoo Central High School.

Lease and Community Questions

Is my security deposit totally refundable?

Yes, provided the lease agreement has been fulfilled and the apartment is left clean and free of any damages. A 30 day, paid, written notice is also required before move-out. Any final balances due are deducted from the security deposit before being refunded.

When is my rent payment due?

Rent is always due on the first of the month.

What day of the month am I liable for a late charge?

Rent is always due on the first and a $25.00 late charge is assessed on the sixth (6^th) of the month and $10 per day thereafter. All payments must be received no later than the close of business on the 5^th to avoid late charges. Additionally, late charges are assessed on any balance carried over $50.00.

Will you accept electronic payments from my bank?

Rent is accepted by credit card, debit card, personal check, cashier's check or money order. In order to make an electronic payment you must enroll in our online services. You will need your resident code in order to do this. Any of the office or leasing staff can assist you with obtaining your code. Once enrolled, you may schedule a monthly recurring payment to be deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card or debit card.

Is there a place where I can pay my rent after office hours?

The fastest and most convenient way to pay your rent is electronically through our online system. We do have a rent drop in the front of the leasing office where residents can leave a personal check, cashier's check or money order. We do not under any circumstances accept cash.

Who do I write the rent checks out to?

You can make checks, money orders and cashier’s checks payable to Lake Forest Apartments. We do not under any circumstances accept cash.

What kind of pets do you allow? How many pets may I have?

Cats and dogs are allowed. We do have a few restricted breeds which include Rottweilers, Dobermans, Chows, Pit Bulls, Akitas, German Shepherds, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These breeds or any mixture of are not allowed. You may have up to 2) pets per apartment.

Are there any deposits, special fees, or monthly charges to have a pet? What are rules regarding pets?

A $150 non-refundable fee along with a $150 pet deposit is required. Through our preferred renters insurance provider, we also offer pet renters insurance. For only $18 per year you can obtain $500 of pet damage coverage and then the $150 pet deposit is not required. There is also a monthly pet rent of $20 per pet. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets. To maintain the look and safety of the community, residents who do not pick up after their pets can and will be charged a $50.00 fee. Pets must be on a leash at all times and cannot be left outside on patios or balconies unattended.

If I get a job transfer, can I break the lease?

Yes, if the lease termination fee has been paid. The 30 day paid written notice is still required as well. If you need to break your lease for any reason please come in and meet with the Manager to get a total of all the fees required in writing.

How can I refer a friend?
If Lake Forest is just your style, chances are your friends will feel just as at home here as you do. Simply have your friend mention you referred them on their first visit to Lake Forest. You may also call, email or drop by your the leasing office to recommend a friend or learn more about Lake Forest’s resident referral program.

If something needs to be repaired in my apartment, how do I report it?

You may call the office, send an e-mail, or leave a message with the answering service. You may also submit work orders online if you are enrolled in our online services. You will need your resident code in order to do this. Any of the office or leasing staff can assist you with obtaining your code.

There is a person who might be staying with me for a while, is that permitted by the lease?

Yes, if someone is temporarily staying with you for 7 days or less just let the office know. If someone is permanently staying with you, they need to fill out an application and go through the approval process.

I have a motorcycle, where can I park it?

Motorcycles may be parked in any regular parking space. They cannot be parked on patios, on sidewalks, breezeways, or common areas.

I will be moving out. What do I need to do?

Vista requires a 30 day written notice, which you are responsible through, prior to move-out. This is required regardless if the lease is ending or you are breaking your lease early. If you need to move-out at the end of your lease term, please remember to come in 30 days prior to the lease expiring to provide your written notice.

My children live with me in the summer; do I need to notify your office when they arrive?

Yes, it is always a good idea to let the office staffs know of any guests that will be here for extended visits.

Do you have cable services?

Yes, we are partners with Charter Communications and can assist you with getting your cable, internet, and phone services set up at the time you complete the application. Please see a leasing consultant for more details. Other cable and phone services are available.

Do you allow satellite dishes?

We do allow satellite dishes with prior approval from Lake Forest management. There are a few requirements and guidelines for installing the equipment. We also require $50,000 in liability coverage (in addition to the $100,000 required liability coverage per apartment) and proof of the additional renters insurance prior to installation. If you are interested in getting satellite cable service please stop by the leasing office for more specific requirements for your building and location prior to installation.

Can I grill on property?

All propane grills must be placed and used a minimum of 10 feet away from any building or wooden structure. Per the lease agreement, charcoal grills are strictly prohibited. Propane grills are prohibited on all but the first floor. Propane Grills are not allowed to be stored on 2nd floor balconies. Gas grills must be used 10 feet away from any combustible material or building. Electric grills are allowed for use on 1st and 2nd floor balconies.

I’m locked out of my apartment. What do I do?

If you are locked out during business hours, you can come to the office to be let back in your apartment. If you are locked out after hours you can call emergency maintenance to let you back in. Please note there is a $25.00 charge for after hour’s lockouts. We will need to verify that you are on the lease with a photo ID or by verifying personal information in the file.

I’ve lost my apartment and/or mailbox keys. What do I do? What if I want my locks changed?

If you lose your key during business hours, you can come to the office to be let back in your apartment. If you lose your key after hours you can call emergency maintenance to let you back in. Please note there is a $25.00 charge for after hour’s lockouts. There is also a $5.00 charge to purchase a new key. If you would like the locks completely changed out there is a $50.00 lock change charge for new keys and lock installation which is due before the work is completed. We will need to verify that you are on the lease with a photo ID or by verifying personal information in the file.