Move-in Costs and Requirements for Property Rentals
Here is basic information for you to keep in mind as you consider renting an apartment home or other property through us:
1. Our Role: The Rental Broker assists the property owner in marketing a property, obtaining and reviewing rental applications, and preparing leases and related documents; however, the property owner is the decision-maker.
2. Availability: We attempt to keep our advertisements up to date, but property descriptions, rents, move-in requirements, and other details are subject to change without notice; apartments we advertise may no longer be available.
3. Screening process: Property Owners look for tenants who demonstrate a desire and ability to pay the rent, conform with terms of the lease and respect their neighbors’ property and right to quiet enjoyment of their own homes. To assist them in that process, we will require your permission to run a credit report, call your current and past property owners for references, and review other documentation, including your government-issued photo ID, pay stubs, and/or bank statements. Please be prepared to provide this information if you decide to apply. If you have a Section 8 voucher, please have available the Request for Tenancy Approval form and contact information for the issuing agency. Please read our Appointment Scheduling Policies
4. Application: Here is a link to our online application There is a $30.00 application credit report fee payable when you apply. Please note that if you provide any inaccurate or false information, your application will be canceled, and you may not be able to apply again. We may not reserve a rental property for you while you prepare any required information or documents you do not provide when you apply. If you have a housing voucher, we will be happy to contact the issuing agency to discuss what is needed to process your application. If due to disability or other circumstances you cannot complete our application online, let our agent know and we will accommodate you.
5. Broker Fees: In Massachusetts, it will be illegal for rental agents or landlords to charge "Broker Fees" as of August 1, 2025. The only properties we will list for rent as of that date will be those for which the landlord has agreed to pay for our services. The new law permits renters to pay rental agents to assist them, but Charles River Properties LLC will not provide this service.
6. Move-in costs: Most property owners require first and last months’ rent (or first and security) and pro-rated rent for early move-in. Some require first, last and security.
7. Lease and Related Documents: The lease is a legally binding document that governs the terms of your tenancy. Please read it carefully before signing.
8. Breaking your lease: Be sure you understand what you will need to pay if you terminate the lease early.
9. In compliance with Massachusetts G.L. Chapter 93H and to protect the privacy of your personal information, please DO NOT email any document containing any of the following personal information in full.
Social Security Number;
Driver’s license number or State-issued ID number;
Bank or other financial account number;
Bank or other financial institution routing number;
Any credit card or other account number;
The name of any minor child;
Birth date.
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Our Appointment Scheduling Policies