Frequently Asked Questions

 

Have questions? We’ve got answers! Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions.

Apartment Tours

  • What apartment types and floor plans do you offer?

    Our nearly 250 apartment communities located in some of the most sought-after locations along the West Coast offer a variety of home sizes and floor plans for you to choose from. You're sure to find the perfect fit, from smaller floor plans like studios and one-bedroom apartments to more spacious two- and three-bedroom floor plans and townhomes. Many communities also offer apartments with a den or loft for additional space, and select communities offer luxury penthouse apartments.

    For more information about apartment options and availability, visit our Floor Plans and Pricing tab on your desired community’s landing page.

  • Do any Essex communities offer luxury penthouse apartments?

    We have several communities with luxury penthouse apartments featuring breathtaking views, upscale interior appointments, rich amenities, and a coveted lifestyle. More details on these properties can be found here.

  • What kind of apartment tours are currently available?

    Essex offers both in-person self-guided tours as well as online virtual tour options. Self-Guided Tour A self-guided tour allows customers to schedule an appointment to visit a community in-person, without being accompanied by a leasing consultant. Self-guided tours take approximately 30 minutes and are available by appointment only through the following options: website Schedule a Tour feature, website chat function, or by contacting our leasing team via phone or email. Online Virtual Tour Explore our floor plans and amenities 24/7 from a phone, tablet, or computer. This feature allows the prospective resident to select the specific apartment home and/or amenity of interest and view it online, through an immersive 3D tour experience.

  • What if I need to change or cancel my self-guided tour appointment?

    We understand that you have a busy life and things happen! To change or cancel a self-guided tour appointment, simply navigate to the appointment confirmation email from the property and select the option to modify or reschedule the appointment. Alternatively, you may contact our leasing team and they can reschedule or cancel your appointment.

  • What is a self-guided tour and what type of communication should I expect?

    Self-guided tours are available by appointment only and can be reserved through our website’s Schedule a Tour feature, website chat function, or by contacting our leasing team via phone or email. Prior to a self-guided tour appointment, a member of our leasing team will email a detailed tour map with instructions on how to navigate the community. This communication will include where to park, community access information, as well as which apartment homes and amenities are available to tour.

Leasing Information

  • What is the cost to apply for an apartment?

    All applicants, 18 years of age and older, must complete a rental application and pay the applicable fees. The following rental qualifications apply to all applicants: Application Fee: $48 per person (18 years and older). This fee is non-refundable. Holding Deposit: A holding deposit of $300 is due at time of leasing and non-refundable after 24-hours, unless applicant is denied. A holding deposit takes the apartment off the market, making it unavailable for other potential residents to lease. A holding deposit can be refunded within 24-hours if prospective resident chooses to cancel the on hold apartment, or if the application is denied. If a lease is signed on the reserved apartment, the holding deposit will be applied to total move-in charges (security deposit, rent, etc.)

  • Is a security deposit required? Will I get my security deposit when I move-out?

    Security deposit amounts vary by floor plan and community and a security deposit is required when a lease is signed. Please click the Leasing Info tab on the specific community’s webpage to view current security deposit amounts. Security deposits may be eligible for a full or partial refund upon move out. The refunded amount depends on the condition the apartment is left in as well as any final utilities and fees charged. Alternately, additional fees may be charged at move-out to return a home to its original condition if not first covered by the security deposit.

  • How old do I have to be to rent an apartment?

    All applicants, 18 years of age and older, must complete a rental application, pay the application fee and be added to the lease agreement. This process is the same regardless of whether they will be paying rent or not.

  • If I am moving in with occupants under the age of 18 years old, will I need to list them on the rental application?

    Yes. All individuals occupying the home, regardless of age, must be listed on the rental application. If you have an addition to your family and they were not listed on the original application, please inform the leasing team, and they can add all applicable household members to the lease agreement.

  • If I am moving in with a roommate, will I only be responsible for half of the rent?

    If you are renting an apartment with a roommate or other members of your household, every individual over the age of 18 will be required to be listed on the lease agreement. Essex is not responsible for determining who pays the monthly rent or how payments are submitted. Our resident portal allows multiple occupants to submit separate payments. In addition, residents can pay rent by mailing multiple checks, paying by cash or cashier’s check through our walk-in payment program (WIPS), or any combination of the payment options. Please note that rent is due in full on the first of every month, regardless of whether you submit one payment or multiple combined payments.

  • What are the occupancy guidelines?

    Essex follows the occupancy standard of a maximum of two people per bedroom plus one additional person for the apartment. Maximum occupancy per unit type is:
    • - Studio - No more than three (3) occupants in a studio
    • - One Bedroom - No more than three (3) occupants in a one bedroom or one plus loft/den apartment
    • - Two Bedroom - No more than five (5) occupants in a two bedroom or two plus loft/den apartment
    • - Three Bedroom - No more than seven (7) occupants in a three bedroom or three plus loft/den apartment

  • I don't have a Social Security number, can I still submit an application?

    You can submit an application without a Social Security number, however you may be required to provide additional proof of identity and income. The leasing team can assist you in determining what additional documentation may be required. Lastly, an increased security deposit may be required.

  • If I previously lived at an Essex property, can I apply at a different Essex property? Will you need to run my credit again?

    Previous residents of any Essex Property Trust apartment community are welcome to apply for rent at another Essex community. The process for new or returning residents is the same and you will need to complete a rental application, pay the applicable fees, and we will run your credit. Please note, if the previous resident did not fulfill their original lease obligation, has unpaid fees or defaults, or if they were not invited to renew their lease, they may be declined.

  • What documents will I need to get the leasing process started?

    To start the leasing process and ensure your application information is complete, you may be required to present the following:

    • A valid driver's license or government-issued ID for each applicant

    • Proof of income documents such as a current bank statement, W-2 form, pay stubs, receipts of government income, receipts of retirement, or investment incomes

    • Payment for application and administrative fees, as well as applicable security deposit fees to secure your apartment

    Additional information about required documentation can be found on the Leasing Info tab on each community’s page on our website.

  • How can I start an application?

    To begin an application online, navigate to the community's landing page and then select Floor Plans & Pricing from the horizontal navigation. From there, select your desired floor plan, select a specific unit and move-in date and then select the lease term and click the Apply Now! button.

  • What are the income requirements to lease an apartment?

    To qualify for an Essex apartment, the total gross income required is a minimum of 2.0 times the amount of the monthly rent. Some communities may have higher income requirements. Proof of income is required during the application process. If applicants do not meet the minimum income requirement, a guarantor can be used to help qualify.

  • What is a guarantor? When do you need one? Why?

    Depending on your income, credit history and current credit score, you may need a guarantor to qualify for an apartment. A guarantor is similar to a co-signer. They will not be listed on the lease agreement, but this individual agrees to take responsibility for the rent payments if you are unable to uphold the financial terms of your lease. A guarantor may be required if the applicant(s) lacks sufficient income or to offset unsatisfactory credit. The following applies to all rental applications with a traditional guarantor: • Guarantors are required to present typical lease documents (valid ID, proof of income). • Guarantors are required to have a minimum gross income of 3.9 times the monthly rent. • Only one guarantor per apartment is permitted regardless of the number of applicants. • An individual may only be a guarantor for one apartment at a time. • A guarantor must complete a rental application and pay the application fee. • The guarantors rental application will be run through the Essex Property Trust approved credit screening company and must receive an approval rating of “Accept”.

  • Can a guarantor be removed at any point?

    Eligibility to remove a guarantor is contingent on 12-months of continuous positive rental history which includes, but is not limited to: on-time payments, no current balance, as well as adhering to all lease requirements, etc. Details regarding eligibility should be discussed with the leasing team directly.

  • Will you run a credit check during my application process?

    Each application will be processed through the Essex Property Trust approved credit screening company. Income, credit rating and other statistical data are used to evaluate the application. Below are the possible decisions: Approved: The application is approved at the base security deposit. Approved with Conditions: The application is approved with special conditions based upon the screening results. Special conditions may consist of an increased security deposit. The CA increased security deposit ranges from 1/2 month's rent up to two month’s rent and WA ranges up to one month's rent. Decline: The application is declined and residency will not be considered. Alerts: If an Alert comes up as part of the decision, additional information and/or additional deposit may be required.

  • What should I expect to budget for average monthly utility costs?

    Monthly utility costs include separate electricity, gas, water, sewer and trash charges. If you choose to add Internet and cable, this is an additional charge you will want to budget for.

    Average monthly utility bills can vary based on two factors: the square footage breakdown of your apartment and the number of people who live in your apartment. Additionally, your costs will depend on how much you use your appliances and the amount of time you spend in your apartment home. Monthly costs can range from $50 - $100 for electricity, $20 -$35 for gas, $50 - $100 for water, trash and sewer, and $80 - $120 for Internet, cable and streaming services.

    Utilities may also vary by location. For example, your monthly gas charges may be less in Northern California, but higher in the Seattle Metro area where winters can be more intense.

  • Do I need to have renters insurance to secure my new apartment?

    Proof of renters insurance for a minimum of $300,000 is required for the term of the lease from all applicants prior to the move-in date and distribution of keys. Essex partners with GetCovered and residents can purchase renters insurance or upload their third-party insurance policy through the GetCovered website.

  • Do you have any pet policies I need to be aware of?

    Pets are welcome at most Essex communities. Please navigate to the Leasing Info tab on the specific community webpage for details on the number of pets permitted in the apartment home, pet security deposits, as well as monthly pet fees. Dogs are restricted by breed and Essex does not allow any of the following breeds or any mix of the following breeds: Guardian Breed Dogs including, but not limited to, Akita, Alaskan Malamutes, Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Mastiff, Pitt Bulls, Rottweilers, Wolf Dog or any dog that Essex believes is a crossbreed of or related breed to Guardian Breed Dogs are prohibited. Restrictions are subject to change without notice. Restrictions do not apply to dogs necessary to provide the disabled with equal access to housing.

  • I have an emotional support animal. What documentation is needed?

    Emotional Support Animals or Accommodation Animals, including assistive or companion animals, are welcome at Essex apartment communities. Please reach out to your leasing team to discuss what documentation is needed.

  • Can I host my apartment on Airbnb?

    Essex has partnered with Airbnb at select communities to offer residents the opportunity to participate in the Airbnb-friendly apartment program. Qualified residents may earn money renting their apartment for up to 90-days per year. Local rules and regulations apply.

  • Do you offer corporate housing programs or short-term rentals?

    Essex partners with select providers to offer corporate housing programs for residents who may be relocating and need a furnished apartment for a short or extended stay. National Corporate Housing is our preferred corporate housing provider and can provide fully furnished corporate apartments for one month or longer. They will set up the furniture, accessories, electronics, utilities, and housewares, including linens and dishes, so all you need to do is move in. Learn more about National Corporate Housing.

  • What is the Essex 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee program?

    We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with any leased apartment. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your new home, we’ll help you transfer to a comparable home within the same community, or you can choose to break your lease penalty-free within the first 30 days of move-in. Some restrictions may apply.

Affordable Housing

  • What affordable housing options are available?

    Essex offers affordable or below-market rent (BMR) programs at many of our communities. While this is not a rental assistance program, affordable units may be available to residents who qualify based on their annual household income and the number of individuals living in their household. To determine if the community you are interested in offers affordable units, please navigate to the Affordable Housing Programs page on our website.

  • Do you offer rent-controlled apartments?

    Essex’s portfolio of communities includes rent-controlled apartments in the Los Angeles area and San Francisco Bay Area. Within the Los Angeles area, our rent-controlled apartments include Avondale at Warner Center, The Blake LA, The Henley, The Promenade at Marina City Club, and Skye at Bunker Hill. In the Northern California Bay Area, Sage at Cupertino, City View, Fox Plaza, Park West, and Regency at Mountain View offer rent-controlled apartments.